Hiding service from employer due to affirmative action?

I think you are missing a key point and have some miss understanding of affirmative action.
Missing the key point is that Employers want to see a persons whole work history, rather it's full time or part time, rather you think is significant or not. Also a company is not required by law to hire any one just because they have military back ground, yes there are incentives for company that does hire ex military, however it's not a guarantee that just because you were in the military you will get a job.
Your training in the military is just as important as someone whom gets training from a none military source. I can tell you security does seek qualified ex military due to there training, however I can assure you that you won't get the job based on this alone, I know from experience.
Finially I am doing some research but I don't know of any law that requires a company to hire someone just because they were in the military. There was a law that helped someone get a their job back they left when the joined the military that was only if one did one hitch and din't re-up, not even sure that law exist anymore. However if you didn't work for a company and you applied there i no law that requires them to hire you just because you were in the military.
This is statement found on google "Why do companies ask for veteran status?
The data allows companies to measure the results of their veteran recruiting efforts. ... This requirement is to ensure that companies doing business with the government are not discriminating against veterans or protected veterans and that they're taking active steps to recruit and hire them.Dec 5, 2016" So you see companies don't have to hire you, it doesn't guarantee you a job, in fact affirmative action is many for minorities and women

How well you fit the job and your back ground will get you the job. If you want the job then you will list all your training and your work including your military training and record.

You are not worth hiring if you can not be honest.

Honestly, your not being honest about something. There is no way in private security where half the people served, you would be so bashful about service. Affirmative action is not an issue for a private security company, their may be a tax right off incentive for them but that is all. I guarantee that credit is already maximized by the sheer nature of the job and quantity of veteran personnel already employed. Ok benefit of the doubt given, you lied on your application/resume why? I think you have a bad chapter code, misconduct, or you portrayed yourself as something you know is wrong. That is what they think too trust me. If you don’t have the Integrity to simply fill out a resume and offer proof you should probably be self employed. No hard feeling but you don’t belong carrying a weapon or working private security. Your hiding something and in that line of work honesty is more important then experience. I can teach a man to operate but I cannot teach character. You sir seem to lack some of the major character qualifications of the industry.

- admittedly there is a chance your just stupid and presented the issue poorly. Making yourself seem like a shady shit bag but actually being a great guy idk.

HR Manager here. Their is no law requiring someone to hire a veteran. There is only a tax advantage to hiring a recently separated veteran.
If they don't hire you, it'll be because you don't meet their needs, not because of your veteran status.

Most employers want to know who they may hire and what they've been doing prior to their application. Just because you disliked serving doesn't mean you should hide it from an employer. Of course recieving a bad discharge may have some bearing on your employability. Also, you are applying for an armed security position, and that places a lot of liability on the employer. They may want to know how you responded to strict rules and close supervision, particularly with firearms.

If you really want the job you should not lie on your application. You stated you checked no to all military related questions and when they do the background check they will know you lied. Most applications have a disclaimer before you sign your name saying as much. It's considered a criminal fraud offense in most cases. Next time leave the box blank. As far as them knowing your prior military, there are a number of ways they can find out online. I guessing you put some sensitive information on your application like name, DOB, Social, address, etc. That is all the information someone needs to look you up on a number of sites online. Plus most employers do check out potential employees beforehand. They can check you Facebook, Twitter, and any other online sites open to public access. But most likely they have so many prior military that apply for that job that they are used to just telling everyone to bring their DD214s. Just a little advice, if you hate your military service then you probably don't want a job where most of your coworkers are prior military. Because most of them are most likely proud of their service and when they find out you are not then it may make your work environment unpleasant. You might want to find a job in a company surrounded by civilians who don't know anyone in the military. Also, I think you are confusing affirmative action with veteran preference. Affirmative action is favoring individuals belonging to groups known to have been discriminated against previously, for instance, giving minorities a job to meet regulations on having a certain number of minority versus white employees. But while Veteran preference gives eligible veterans preference in appointment over many other applicants it does not guarantee the veteran a job.

I would tell my perspective employer that you did not mark the box for prior service/Veteran on the grounds that you are seeking or applying for the job on your personal qualifications or merits. If they are doing as thorough background check on you as you stated, they are going to find where you were in th ARNG. It is best to be honest and upfront when you apply for any job, as employers have wats of finding out the truth. Just be frank about it and let them know that you do not want Veteran preference to be used in hiring you.
As to why you reference your time in the military a mistake, they is between you and your maker, that is if you are a believer.

Any employer thinks that serving your state & country is a mistake then I wouldn't accept the position your applying for. It tells me that they are ungrateful for your commitment for serving your country. Also it is illegal to deny employment based on your active service with the reserves / national guard. Because by law the employer has to pay you while absent for summer camp. Also if your are deployed they must pay up to 14 days and your position is paused until your release from active duty and returned to civilian status while still / if maintaining reserve / guard status. There has been a few cases where employers didn't hire or rehire reservist / guard members because its a lose to the employer even though they get a good tax credit if they did. Those that did ended up in some hefty law suits and the employer lost. In closing: never hide your service, be proud of it and let no one ever tell you it was a mistake to include thy self. We don't need V.N. all over again.

Graham, #1--Do you have something to hide? Your comments indicate that. #2--Affirmative Action means we hire the most qualified regardless of race, etc. So, after the interview, it is up to the company to decide if you are a "fit for the job". #3--A DD 214 will give them a indication if you can handle a firearm.

HUH Why would you deny that you was in the service? Why would you ask the question if you know they are going to find out. What are you really hiding? Im not sure if I understand what your objective is. If you think it was a mistake to be in why did you stay in for 8 years? Why not just tell them up front that you had been a soldier. Not sure that they will see it as a mistake. did you not get an honorable discharge? I was not a exceptional soldier by any means but I was proud to serve.