Posted on Sep 28, 2015
Does age discrimination exist for retired vets?
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Before I retired, the last thing I thought about in regards to things that would work against my future employment was age discrimination. I think it does but not on an official level for obvious reasons. What do you think?
Employment
Discrimination
Retirement
Age
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 24
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Age discrimination has always been a factor, whether in the military or not. When I was a Junior Soldier in Iraq in 2005, I had a 1SG once who was very sharp-tongued with anyone "young." I don't make this accusation lightly. At one point, we were verifying data for DD-93s, and she was demanding that Soldiers "hurry up" and "stop holding up the line." Another female Soldier, who looks young, but at the time had two boys, explained that she was checking to verify everything was correct, as we were in a combat zone at that time, and her sons deserved to be taken care of in the event something bad were to happen.
Seemingly instantly, as soon as this 1SG realized this other Soldier had children, her demeanor as a whole changed. The 1SG was then helpful to that Soldier, but then reverted back for the next Soldier.
That was one example, which doesn't exactly narrow it down. After about fifty other incidents such as this, though, it became painfully obvious this particular 1SG had a different opinion of those she perceived as older versus those who were younger.
Unfortunately, this 1SG probably wasn't even aware she was doing this. Many people have biases and aren't self-aware enough to leave the baggage at home and take care of business in an ethical fashion.
Age discrimination is not one of the 5 protected categories (or 6 now, seemingly unofficially, since sexual orientation is protected, but not listed as a protected category now), but it is still unethical to favor either older or younger people, and in the civilian workforce, can get an employer hit with allegations of equal employment opportunity violations. Especially if they receive any tax breaks, government stipends or subsidies.
I wish you luck in your employment endeavors.
Seemingly instantly, as soon as this 1SG realized this other Soldier had children, her demeanor as a whole changed. The 1SG was then helpful to that Soldier, but then reverted back for the next Soldier.
That was one example, which doesn't exactly narrow it down. After about fifty other incidents such as this, though, it became painfully obvious this particular 1SG had a different opinion of those she perceived as older versus those who were younger.
Unfortunately, this 1SG probably wasn't even aware she was doing this. Many people have biases and aren't self-aware enough to leave the baggage at home and take care of business in an ethical fashion.
Age discrimination is not one of the 5 protected categories (or 6 now, seemingly unofficially, since sexual orientation is protected, but not listed as a protected category now), but it is still unethical to favor either older or younger people, and in the civilian workforce, can get an employer hit with allegations of equal employment opportunity violations. Especially if they receive any tax breaks, government stipends or subsidies.
I wish you luck in your employment endeavors.
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SSG (Join to see)
PVT James Strait - As I said, it was one of about fifty such incidents over the course of the deployment that added up.
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GySgt Moses Lozano, Face facts, there are so many discrimatory situations that we could not catalogue them. Continue to do your best and do you recon and preparatory work including a brief, non-military based resume saying what you can do for them, after you have researched and found out 'who and what' they are. RP can help if you will explore and exploit the various threads.
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Suspended Profile
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Try being 55 AND on disability and looking for work...
Try being 55 AND on disability and looking for work...
MSgt Mike Brown; MBTI-CP; MA, Ph.D.
An observation and experience prior to retiring in 2004. I observed a transitional assistance event at the Officers Club at Camp Pendleton. I inquired who the event was for, and what corporations would be represented. I was informed that it was an "officer-Only" event and Fortune 500 Companies would be present. Upon further inquiry, the lady hosting the event informed me that the target audience was for those junior officers exiting the USMC, ages approximately 22-25.
I inquired why this opportunity was not offered to enlisted ranks who were qualified with a college degree, had experience and were transitioning either via retirement or EAS (not making the USMC a career). Her answer well-summarized and exemplified the question, "Does age discrimination exist for retired vets?" She replied that HR within corporations she worked with (including herself), felt that one who spent 20+ years in the USMC was viewed as, "too burned out and too tired to excel at a second career. Further stated, "USMC retirees were satisfied with a job that required little leadership experience."
I hesitated to write what I experienced first-hand. in response to the question -- but if her mind-frame was/is shared by others in the HR of corporations of well-paying careers, then at-the least, I have answered the question based upon pre-retirement/transition experience and with 100% integrity. Please -- this is NOT a complaint and should not be viewed as a derogatory statement towards the officer ranks. Rabbi Matlow makes the case that many of us experience and submit effects more veterans are impacted by age and disability than we realize. Best Wishes Everyone! Sincerely MJB
I inquired why this opportunity was not offered to enlisted ranks who were qualified with a college degree, had experience and were transitioning either via retirement or EAS (not making the USMC a career). Her answer well-summarized and exemplified the question, "Does age discrimination exist for retired vets?" She replied that HR within corporations she worked with (including herself), felt that one who spent 20+ years in the USMC was viewed as, "too burned out and too tired to excel at a second career. Further stated, "USMC retirees were satisfied with a job that required little leadership experience."
I hesitated to write what I experienced first-hand. in response to the question -- but if her mind-frame was/is shared by others in the HR of corporations of well-paying careers, then at-the least, I have answered the question based upon pre-retirement/transition experience and with 100% integrity. Please -- this is NOT a complaint and should not be viewed as a derogatory statement towards the officer ranks. Rabbi Matlow makes the case that many of us experience and submit effects more veterans are impacted by age and disability than we realize. Best Wishes Everyone! Sincerely MJB
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GySgt Moses Lozano
What a shame! Too often, the officer corps is looked upon as more elite than enlisted. When the fact remains that they are all trained by enlisted!
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Suspended Profile
And some of us even WERE enlisted!
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