The Air Force Civilian Service (AFCS) actively seeks to employ veterans, recognizing the immense value their experience and dedication bring. Beyond federal laws granting hiring preferences, the AFCS prioritizes veteran recruitment as a strategic advantage, offering fulfilling careers that continue a legacy of service. This guide outlines key pathways for veterans seeking civilian employment within the Air Force.
Veterans’ Recruitment Appointment (VRA)
The VRA is a direct hiring path for eligible veterans, bypassing traditional competitive application processes. This authority enables the AFCS to appoint qualified veterans to positions up to the GS-11 level (or equivalent). Eligibility for VRA appointments requires meeting specific criteria:
- Active Duty Service with Campaign or Expeditionary Medal: Veterans who served on active duty and earned a campaign badge for service during a war, campaign, or expedition.
- Active Duty Service with Armed Forces Service Medal: Veterans who received the Armed Forces Service Medal for participation in a designated military operation.
- Recent Honorable Separation: Veterans honorably discharged (with an honorable or general discharge) within the past three years.
- Service-Connected Disability: Veterans with a documented service-connected disability.
Upon successful completion of two years of service under a VRA appointment, individuals are non-competitively converted to a permanent (career-conditional or career) appointment within the competitive service.
Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA)
The VEOA, enhanced by the VOW to Hire Heroes Act, extends preference-eligible status to active duty service members up to 120 days before their official discharge or release from active duty. This allows transitioning service members to apply for competitive service positions while still on active duty.
To utilize this benefit, service members must submit a certification from their branch of service confirming their anticipated honorable discharge or release within 120 days of the application date. This provision grants them the same preferential consideration as veterans in the hiring process.
Hiring Authority for 30% or More Disabled Veterans
This authority provides a direct hiring pathway for eligible disabled veterans without competition, offering appointments to positions for which they qualify. Unlike the VRA, this authority has no grade-level restrictions. Initial appointments are time-limited (exceeding 60 days), but conversion to permanent status can occur at any point during this period without further competition.
Eligibility for this program extends to:
- Retired Veterans with 30% or Greater Disability Rating: Veterans retired from active military service with a documented disability rating of 30% or higher.
- Veterans with VA-Rated 30% or Greater Disability: Veterans with a compensable service-connected disability rated at 30% or more by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Conclusion
The Air Force Civilian Service offers diverse opportunities for veterans to continue serving their country in meaningful civilian roles. Through specific hiring authorities like VRA, VEOA, and programs for disabled veterans, the AFCS demonstrates a commitment to leveraging the unique skills and experience of those who have served in the military. These pathways provide advantageous routes to federal employment within the Air Force, ensuring a seamless transition from military service to a rewarding civilian career.
