Many employers and job websites are using a categorical breakdown of veteran status used to determine if a veteran is "protected". Why?

PFC Chris Knoll — Wed, 10 Feb 2016 12:52:40 -0500

The breakdown usually goes like this:
Veteran of the Vietnam
Special Disabled Veteran
Disabled Veteran
Recently separated veteran (usually within past 3 years)

Response by SFC Adam Potter made Feb 10 at 2016 12:56 PM

SFC Adam Potter — Wed, 10 Feb 2016 12:56:57 -0500

OFCCP Reporting requirements.
If a company has Federal Contracts they must show good faith efforts in in meeting Affirmative Action goals.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Feb 10 at 2016 12:59 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Wed, 10 Feb 2016 12:59:14 -0500

Many businesses hire veterans because in part they get credit from the federal government PFC Chris Knoll. The Federal government loves to breakout people into groups including veterans. Businesses are not usually as eager to develop new categories but will generally follow the government's lead.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Feb 10 at 2016 1:27 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 10 Feb 2016 13:27:00 -0500

Different rules and regulations are applicable to different era veterans?

Response by SPC Christopher Morehouse made Feb 10 at 2016 3:06 PM

SPC Christopher Morehouse — Wed, 10 Feb 2016 15:06:43 -0500

Because under the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act
of 1974 these are the Veterans that are considered most likely to be discriminated against. The implication being that if an employers politics are unfavorable to the military or recent military actions or events they would view veterans in these categories unfavorably and pass them up for employment regardless of their qualifications. Personally, I'm against all affirmative action programs and wouldn't want to work for some one that would do that anyway.

Response by SPC Carlos R. made Dec 13 at 2016 1:15 PM

SPC Carlos R. — Tue, 13 Dec 2016 13:15:01 -0500

I need help with this one as well. I keep answering no to this question when I have applied to work but was told that I am a protected veteran under this class.

What is an Active Duty Wartime Veteran?

The OFCCP explains that the four protected categories remain the same: disabled veteran; recently separated veteran; active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran; or Armed Forces service medal veteran. However, the definition of an “active duty wartime” veteran (under category three) is now expanded and specifically spelled out in the infographic and the FAQ to include “World War II, the Korean conflict, the Vietnam era, and the Persian Gulf War, which is defined as August 2, 1990, to the present.” Those who served from August 2, 1990 to the present are by definition included, whether or not a campaign badge was issued, and whether or not they served in combat.

I have a National Defense Service Medal since I was in service during 9/11. I just checked my DD214 and do have NDSM but not a AFSM.

I believe that I am not a protected veteran and just wanted to confirm this.