Why does Veteran's Preference NOT apply to the Senior Executive Service?

SGM (Join to see), I do think that veteran's preference should play a part in the SES hiring/selection process. That would give vets a better chance of landing a senior position, and I'm all for more opportunities for vets.

VP rules don't apply to those who reach the rank of major or above. Perhaps SES positions are exempted from VP rules so they can hire former senior officers to fill these senior positions.

This is a tricky question. While veterans bring a lot to the table, it can be argued by some that giving preference to veterans in the limited number of SES positions could have a down side. About 13% of adults in the US are veterans. The federal government is staffed by about 43-47% veterans. It has been difficult to find statistics on the SES and veteran hiring, but one article declared that it was as high as 30%, and that without veterans preference. I believe that veterans bring a unique perspective and a larger willingness to serve others, but it is important that the federal government, especially in the higher echelons, be representative of the people they serve. That being said, I am not yet looking for employment outside of the Navy and my tune may change as I get closer to retirement.