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Job Preference

Under the Veterans Recruitment Appointment authority, veterans may be appointed to a federal civil service position without having to compete for it. Veterans must meet basic qualifications for these jobs. VRA appointments are made at the discretion of the hiring authority, and the appointments are not entitlements.

VRA appointments can lead to permanent positions, unless the appointment is for a temporary job. You must successfully complete two years in a position before being made a permanent civil servant, according to the Office of Personnel Management.

Veterans who are eligible under the VRA program include those who have disabilities; who served on active duty during a war declared by Congress or in a campaign for which a campaign badge has been authorized; who served on active duty in a military operation for which the Armed Forces Service Medal was awarded; or who separated from active duty within the past three years.

Veterans looking for a federal civil service job also can receive preference under other programs.

Contact: See the personnel office at the agency where you are applying, or visit http://www.opm.gov/veterans.