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

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Nov 2014 15:20:18 -0500

Currently, the Senior Executive Service excludes veteran's preference, etc. Do you think our nation's highest (SES are usually non-political appointees) should be exempt from fed hiring law?

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 13 at 2014 5:29 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Nov 2014 17:29:18 -0500

SGM Private RallyPoint Member, 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.

Response by PV2 Abbott Shaull made Nov 13 at 2014 6:00 PM

PV2 Abbott Shaull — Thu, 13 Nov 2014 18:00:49 -0500

No our Nations Vets should be exempt from the fed hiring laws. They should have first shot at these positions. They have insight what going on behind the scene and why things are done the way they are. Civilians in general don't understand nor appreciate why somethings are done in the military. Some can't grasp the reasons why we do something one way, while in the civilian world they do it another way, when in many cases if we did the civilian way, it could get many people killed.

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 15 at 2014 10:44 PM

LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 15 Nov 2014 22:44:28 -0500

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.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2015 8:28 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Sep 2015 20:28:21 -0400

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.