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From: David Baker
Date: 10 Aug 2001
Time: 14:49:31
The government never forgets veterans. Preferential hiring, increased tenure during drawdowns, and generally appreciative programs reflect the concern of civilian government officials for the well-being of ex/retired G.I.s. I was hired in January 1982 under a program entitled the "Vietnam Era Readjustment Appointment". G.I.s desiring government employment who enlisted during the Vietnam War, in addition to a few more qualifications, received preferential hiring in certain positions designated as "training" slots. Under the program, the ex/retired G.I. could "train" for two years as a non-competitive employee, exempt from other tenure requirements, and afterward, be placed on standard government competitive status, and probationary discretion for dismissal, then be appointed permanent civil service. Many (MANY) retired military personnel were hired under this system, and were appointed as permanent employees. However, their tenure was lowered for drawdowns based on the Dual Compensation Act of 1964. If a personnel Reduction of Force occurred, retired military members would be the first to go. Well, they didn't. Many (MANY) non-military retired personnel were forced out of the government, or were given poor transfer options, while their retired military-supposedly non-tenured-contemporaries were given preferential treatment. Anyone could have seen this coming when a maximum entry grade (GS-7) was specified for VRA approval, and many (MANY) positions were magically lowered from their operating grades to accomodate these "trainees".