Noteboom The Law Firm

More Veterans Finding Federal Employment

June 12, 2010 - Between the years of 2007 and 2009 the federal government increased the amounts of civilians hired into federal employment. At the same time, the amount of veterans working in the federal government's civilian ranks increased dramatically, according to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).

Of the total population of federal workers, one in four is a veteran. These numbers dwarf the private sector's numbers as far as hiring veterans. When the two are compared side-by-side, the numbers show the federal government hiring:

• 3 times the percentage of veterans;
• 7 times the percentage of veterans considered disabled; and
• 10 times the percentage of veterans classified as being severely injured.

 The two acts most responsible for so many veterans being hired is the Veterans Employment Opportunities Act and the Veterans Recruitment Act. The Federal Career Intern Program is another successful program designed to recruit the crème of the crop and train them for a career with the federal government. The number of veterans participating in this 2-year program has increased radically.

President Obama signed an Executive Order in November. Between that order and the OPM's January 2010 strategy focusing on increasing veterans' employment, it should only become easier to get veterans into the work force. The federal government gives veterans access to an "employment gateway," which every veteran is encouraged to utilize.

Veterans have a higher unemployment rate as a group than the general population. Unemployment is affecting this generation of veterans in unexpected numbers. Passing legislation and making more opportunities available to veterans is a step in the right direction in repaying these soldiers for the sacrifices they made for this country and on behalf of our government.