Veterans Preference Expanded

The Office of Personnel Management has issued guidance on two provisions of the fiscal 2006 Defense Department authorization law that somewhat expanded veterans preference to hiring in federal jobs. One provision gives preference to those who served on active duty during the period beginning on September 11, 2001 and ending at the close of Operation Iraqi Freedom, provided they meet other conditions. Another clarifies that preference is available to individuals “who are discharged or released from active duty service,” again, provided that they meet certain other requirements; the prior provision covered “individuals separated from the armed forces.”