How to answer questions about military service
In your profile, you must answer a few questions about your current or past military service.
Have you served in the U.S. Armed Forces or are you a family member eligible for derived preference?
Select No if you've never served in the U.S. Armed Forces or you're not a family member eligible for derived preference. If you answer no, the remaining military questions will disappear and you will not have to answer them.
What is derived preference?
Derived preference is when a spouse, widow or widower, or parent of a veteran is eligible to claim Veterans' Preference when the veteran is unable to use it. You're not eligible for derived preference if you have any other relationship with the veteran or if the veteran is living and is qualified for federal employment. Learn more about derived preference.
Do you claim Veterans' Preference?
Veterans' Preference gives eligible veterans preference over many other applicants in the hiring process. You can use Veterans' Preference when applying to permanent and temporary positions in both the competitive and excepted service (of the executive branch). However, Veterans' Preference does not guarantee you a job.
Learn more about Veterans' Preference.
You must select one of the following options:
No, I do not claim Veterans' Preference
Select this option if you don't want to claim Veterans' Preference. Even if you're a veteran, you do not have to claim preference.
0-point preference - Sole Survivorship Preference (SSP)
Select this option if you're the only surviving child in a family where your mother or father or sibling(s) died, is captured or missing in action or is 100 percent disabled, while on active duty and NOT by intentional misconduct or willful neglect. Learn more about Sole Survivorship.
5-point preference - Active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces (TP)
Select this option if you served in the U.S. Armed Forces for more than 180 consecutive days, not including training. You must have served during specific time periods. Learn more about active duty qualifications and time periods.
10-point preference - Compensable service connected disability of at least 10% but less than 30% (CP)
Select this option if you have a disability rating from the VA, of at least 10 percent but less than 30 percent, due to your military service.
10-point preference - Compensable service connected disability of 30% or more (CPS)
Select this option if you have a disability rating from the VA, of at least 30 percent or more due to your military service.
10-point preference - Non-compensable disability or Purple Heart (XP)
Select this option if you have received the Purple Heart or have a disability of less than 10 percent.
10-point preference - Widow/widower or parent of a deceased veteran, or spouse or parent of a disabled veteran (XP)
Select this option if your spouse or child was a veteran and is deceased or is a disabled veteran. Learn more about family member preference.
Learn more about claiming Veterans' Preference based on a disability.
Are you a veteran who was separated from the Armed Forces under honorable conditions after completing an initial continuous tour of duty of at least 3 years (may have been released just short of 3 years) (VEOA)?
Select Yes if you're a veteran who has served at least three continuous years and was discharged under honorable conditions. You may be eligible for a special hiring authority called Veterans Employment Opportunity Act of 1998 (VEOA).
What is Veterans Employment Opportunity Act of 1998 (VEOA)?
VEOA is a hiring authority used to fill permanent, competitive service jobs. Under VEOA, eligible veterans can apply to jobs that are only open to “status” employees (i.e. jobs that are not offered to candidates outside of the federal government). Learn more about VEOA.
Are you a current federal civilian employee serving under a Veterans' Recruitment Appointment (VRA)?
Select Yes if you:
- Served during a war or are in receipt of a campaign badge for service in a campaign or expedition; OR
- Are a disabled veteran, OR
- Are in receipt of an Armed Forces Service Medal (includes the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal)for participation in a military operation, OR
- Are a recently separated veteran (within 3 years of discharge), AND
- Separated under honorable conditions.
Learn more about Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA)
Are you a 30% or more disabled veteran?
Select Yes if you:
- retired from active military service with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more; OR
- have a rating by the Department of Veterans Affairs showing a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more.
Learn more about 30% disabled or more.
Are you a disabled veteran who has completed a VA training program?
Select Yes if you completed training under the VA vocational rehabilitation program. Learn more about the VA training program.
Military Service Dates
Enter the start and end dates of your service. Click Add Service Dates if you served over multiple different time periods.