Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member 11320 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission investigates discrimination complaints based on an individual&#39;s race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, genetic information, and retaliation for reporting, participating in, and/or opposing a discriminatory practice. Discrimination based on transgender and &quot;sex-stereotyping&quot; of lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals as a form of sex discrimination also became illegal.<br /><br />QUESTION - should veteran status be added to this list? Do you believe discrimination based on veteran status become an issue at a similar level of the above status?<br /><br />Do you feel that you have ever been discriminated against in the workplace? 2013-11-25T11:03:52-05:00 Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member 11320

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission investigates discrimination complaints based on an individual&#39;s race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, genetic information, and retaliation for reporting, participating in, and/or opposing a discriminatory practice. Discrimination based on transgender and &quot;sex-stereotyping&quot; of lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals as a form of sex discrimination also became illegal.<br /><br />QUESTION - should veteran status be added to this list? Do you believe discrimination based on veteran status become an issue at a similar level of the above status?<br /><br />Do you feel that you have ever been discriminated against in the workplace?

2013-11-25T11:03:52-05:00 2013-11-25T11:03:52-05:00 SGT Chris Birkinbine 7018

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Before the military I had never been turned down for a job in my life. After I got out I spent 4 months being turned down for every job I applied for, and was qualified to do. A couple times I found out I was passed over for someone with no experience in the field. I finally caught a break when a friend in a position high enough to give weight basicly got me a job. Once I got in I excelled, being promoted into a position of supervision within a year, and I held a job in that field until I graduated College.<br><br><br>It was a very eye opening experience. I have a theory I have been tossing around. I think Military experience is a detriment to your resume if you are looking for non-degree requiring jobs. I think most employers don't care about your military experience if you were not an officer, or senior NCO. <br><br>From my experience, I have seen a lot of officers and senior NCO's get hired on to large salary jobs as "Consultants" who are really just being hired for their military contacts, which I think is a huge ethical problem.<br><br>Probably more info than you were looking for, but that is my experience.

2013-11-16T16:05:48-05:00 2013-11-16T16:05:48-05:00 SGT Tim S. 7104

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Hello SFC Baber,<br><br>You are not alone. Myself and several others I know have experienced the same. The medical training and experience Ive received in my 8+ years of service (as a medic) is extensive.<br><br>Now, with extensive knowledge and experience... I did 4+ years of higher education and earned my Bachelor of Science in Business with Specialization in Health Care Management. I'm experienced in and practiced patient care, treatment, medical evacuation, mass casualty - emergency - clinical triage (and in each environment), Critical and trauma care, medical air evacuation &amp; transport (flight medic), and worked in every Emergency medical service capacity to include 9-11 dispatch. In all, I have nearly 7 years of supervisory, management experience as an NCO in the healthcare field and EMS.<br><br>Not to mention I graduated from a 4 year university within the top 1% as a distinct high honors graduate; Magna Cum Laude.<br><br>Yet, I've been told by the HR at Swedish Medical Center in Seattle Washington that my medical experience is " too limited"...whom were asking for a minimum of 5 years of healthcare and administration experience, and a minimum of a bachelors degree. I received a similar remark from the Department of Health and Human Services.<br><br>Obviously...... something is definitely amiss.<br>

2013-11-16T20:50:05-05:00 2013-11-16T20:50:05-05:00 SFC Robert Haxton 7415

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I have encountered this for the last 18 months. Even before I retired, I applied for civilian positions in which I was clearly qualified for in which I would not even get a call for an interview from the prospective employer. In total, I have applied for as of today 294 different position and 42 job interviews in the last 18 months and have receive no substantial job offers. Having done numerous boards as a NCO as well as being an instructor, I have felt pretty sure that I have smoked all of my interviews and have gone to multiple outside sources in order for my resume' to be scrubbed. Most of the jobs I have applied for have been within the immediate Quad City area, but my wife and I have now made the decision that in order for me to find a meaningful career within my specialty, relocation might have to be an option.   The thinking is that like previously stated in the aforementioned posts that most companies boast about hiring vets but when it comes down to brass tax, few ever do or they offer a salary or position in which the time spent is not worth the payout.  <div>Yes, the brushoff of military vets by potential civilian employers is a very real thing. I can personally attest to this by some of the questions I was asked during several interviews within this area, in which out of professionalism I won't mention any names but it was a real eye opener.  I feel that the issue is two prong. One is the public perception or lack thereof in what the military has to offer companies, municipalities and small businesses.  Two is that the political climate has changed and our Country is reliving the past mistakes of the 1970's.  This has created numerous problems with economic uncertainty and fallout.  The bottom line is that history is repeating itself in how the military vets who were coming home from Vietnam in the late 60's and 70's faced unemployment due to stigmatism, the same is true for the vet coming home now. Where we are not faced with the personal attacks or public shame that was incumbent on the generation before us.  Likewise in the 70's the economy and unemployment was just as bad as it is now, as political policies have and continue to degrade companies and corporations ability to hire much needed specialized personnel. But we are definitely facing an uphill battle in terms of integrating into civilian society.  </div>

2013-11-17T18:21:44-05:00 2013-11-17T18:21:44-05:00 PO2 Alex M. 12140

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>This is an interesting topic. I think that the process for this happening is already underway. Some states like California already have laws of this nature in their states. There is some evidence that points in that direction. Ask a Vietnam veteran what happened when they returned from the war.<br>

2013-11-26T19:51:22-05:00 2013-11-26T19:51:22-05:00 SFC Private RallyPoint Member 12226

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Yes it should added to the list. There is a ton of Veterans out there that cant get a decent job because of the fact that they are Veterans. People automatically think that they are crazy, PTSD and the fact that they think we/they will be getting called up again to deploy. So it is an issue and like I mentioned earlier, civilian sector needs to be awaken and realize that we are not all that bad, in fact we poses some very good qualities.

2013-11-26T21:52:43-05:00 2013-11-26T21:52:43-05:00 SSgt John MacIntire 12467

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Jay: Congrats on the JD! We "practice" law by marketing LegalShield plans &amp; services to families * &amp; smal businesses all too typically priced out of being able to afford counsel. May be an alternative to actual practice &amp; still helping people! We have a number of Associates that both practice &amp; market our services, then a number that closed their practice to go full time! Far less overhead &amp; a very positive environment in which we set our own hours &amp; goals!l Happy Thanksgiving!

2013-11-27T11:52:05-05:00 2013-11-27T11:52:05-05:00 SSgt Private RallyPoint Member 12891

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div><p>It is there and at 57,   and I believe, even within the VA,  there are people there who are resentful to veterans.   Coming Home with Jon Voight epitomizes this mindset but what to do about it?    I plan to talk to people,  whether they are drivers or veterans at the VA and ask what can be done.    I believe that the discrimination is kind of stealth,  in that they will deny employment on another issue (experience, fitness, etc) instead of the real reason.</p><p><br></p><p>So I am utilizing my skills as a forecaster to help around the country at my discretion.</p>

2013-11-28T00:21:57-05:00 2013-11-28T00:21:57-05:00 SSG Laureano Pabon 12907

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>&lt;p&gt;Ma,am, I currently work at&amp;nbsp; Deutsche Bank, at 60 wall street in NYC, as IT. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I been here for about 4 years, as far as Veterans are concern in this bank, there is a program to help homeless veterans and do hire many vets. The Majority of the security are almost all veterans, dressed with a blue U.S Marine uniform.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;internal they do have events for all veterans that served.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;However in my earlier years, discrimination on vets was something I faced my self personally. This steamed from supervisors who had no knowledge of the what it like to serve, low self esteem and more bully like less educated mentally disturbed individuals whose soul purpose seemed or appeared to&amp;nbsp;be as making the life of those who served a miserable time. It would appear as if the only material they gained to know about veterans came from some war movie they seen. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;That was just a few jobs not all.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I noted that in many applications for work their is a question that states if you served in the Armed forces. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I don&#39;t know if the government gives them a bonus for hiring a vet, or why the question is there. At the same time, if when I applied for a job I was discriminated for being a vet, &amp;nbsp;it would be something hard to prove, because an employer can make up any excuse if they choose that because your a vet they are not going to hire you. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;So far an example of possible discrimination can be words like : &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Where taking applications for a project were going to start soon, will give you a call when it starts. (but never do).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;pretty hard to prove that in court. You think?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;No job is secured, and I personally can be let go from the present one, but for what ever reason I know one thing to be true, it will not be because I served. nor because I&#39;m a veteran.&lt;/p&gt;

2013-11-28T01:00:40-05:00 2013-11-28T01:00:40-05:00 SFC James Baber 12927

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Yes it should, I have seen it time and time again since I retired 3 years ago, albeit it is next to impossible to prove because as others have mentioned they can always pawn it off to another excuse. I have seen age discrimination as well in a few federal positions I have applied for and made it about 60-75% of the way through the system only to be given a lame excuse about the department is now looking to go a different direction with less experienced more trainable personnel, which translates to your age is above what we want. But again proving it is as hard as blood from a stone.

2013-11-28T03:00:28-05:00 2013-11-28T03:00:28-05:00 Cpl Ray Fernandez 13036

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Yes I feel that veterans and reservists should be added to the list. As fewer and fewer people serve in the military (currently about 1% serve in active duty and reserve roles), and only 8% of the population are veterans, there are new problems that crop up from people not really knowing or understanding what a person who has served goes through. Many assume thanks to many movies that veterans are all damaged mentally and emotionally. When I worked at AT&amp;amp;T, I had a manager say to me because I was the first one at work that I must have not been able to sleep because of all the nightmares from the people I killed. Then there also the educated types that assume that a person joined the military because that person couldn&#39;t make it in college. The lack of understanding and shared experience in many ways appears to make veterans seem like they are ticking time bombs that will snap thanks to years of movies and TV shows that have helped misshape the image of who we are, why we served, and what we have to offer the private sector.&lt;br&gt;

2013-11-28T13:14:36-05:00 2013-11-28T13:14:36-05:00 SSG (ret) William Martin 13040

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I remember when I was out of the army from 04" - 07".  I had such a hard time finding a job with the government because the people in place were to busy hiring their family members with zero recently separated service members. 

2013-11-28T13:47:15-05:00 2013-11-28T13:47:15-05:00 Capt Private RallyPoint Member 13339

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>&lt;p&gt;While tempting to include it as a protected class, I would not pursue that action.&amp;nbsp; Most veterans I know and people I still serve with do not want to be treated any better than any one else, they just want a fair chance, just like anyone else.&amp;nbsp; Being in a protected class will likely be equated with favoritism and no matter how hard you work or how successful you become it can be equated with the favoritism.&amp;nbsp; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Rather than mandating actions seek to change the dialogue around why veterans are great hires.&amp;nbsp; Not in sound bites or clichés but in meaningful ways which clearly define the ways veterans provide tangible ROI to the business.&amp;nbsp; For any veteran that can both define this and deliver the ROI they have unlimited career opportunities.&amp;nbsp; Mandates will inevitably limit the success of veterans far more than it will help.&lt;/p&gt;

2013-11-29T11:57:25-05:00 2013-11-29T11:57:25-05:00 CPL Jay Strickland 39093

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>A lot of where I have heard about Veterans discrimination is within the civil service. Yeah we get five points, but the civilian civil servants seem to resent veterans starting at higher positions of pay and responsibility and they seem to do everything they can to minimize hiring veterans. So yes an EEOC investigating veterans discrimination claims would be nice.

2014-01-17T11:19:13-05:00 2014-01-17T11:19:13-05:00 SGT Private RallyPoint Member 57380

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I don't think so. Should i get a job over someone else more qualified just because I made the choice to serve, absolutely not. However, if we have the same qualifications and they dont have any service, screw it.

2014-02-14T16:37:07-05:00 2014-02-14T16:37:07-05:00 Cpl David Hall 71225

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Veteran status is covered by the eeo. the problem is Proving that discrimination took place at all.<div><br></div>

2014-03-07T01:24:42-05:00 2014-03-07T01:24:42-05:00 SGT Joe Diolosa 71650

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I can imagine there are companies out there that wouldn't hire ex military, I wouldn't work for one. Just remember there are plenty of places out there that recognize the benefit of hiring ex -military. 

2014-03-07T18:14:43-05:00 2014-03-07T18:14:43-05:00 SFC Joe Germain 72818

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I was hired for a management position shortly after retiring from the Army. The manager that interviewed and hired me was also a retired senior NCO. That position did not last long though as the company was bought out and a massive reduction in staff eliminated my position. I was attending night classes, working on a bachelor's degree at the time. Even after getting my degree I spent many hours, days, weeks and hundreds of resume' mailings without any offers. Many times I was told that I was "over qualified". Because I had a family and bills to pay I eventually ended up working temporary positions through an agency. It paid the bills and eventually I got hired by the agency in a full time position within their office.

2014-03-10T09:18:07-04:00 2014-03-10T09:18:07-04:00 SGT William B. 82819

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>&lt;p&gt;Thankfully, there&#39;s USERRA for that.&amp;nbsp; Per the statute:&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&quot;If you are a: &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;-past or present member of the uniformed service;&lt;br&gt;-have applied for membership in the uniformed service; or&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;-are obligated to serve in the uniformed service;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br&gt;then an employer may not deny you:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;-initial employment; (emphasis here for this soldier&#39;s particular issue)&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;-reemployment;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;-retention in employment;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;-promotion; or&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;-any benefit of employment&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;because of this status.&quot;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;I don&#39;t have any practical experience with having to use USERRA laws to save my sorry hide from being unemployed, but I know soldiers who have been forced to go this route.&amp;nbsp; It&#39;s sad, and it&#39;s a shame, but there are laws protecting us from discrimination in employment, and it&#39;s worse that some soldiers just aren&#39;t taught about them.&lt;/p&gt;

2014-03-23T09:16:20-04:00 2014-03-23T09:16:20-04:00 SSG Private RallyPoint Member 82824

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I think this happens, and it is unfortunate.&amp;nbsp; But I also wonder what kind of answers she replied back with when the hiring manager said she wouldn&#39;t be able to react when a customer got in her face, etc.&amp;nbsp; &lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;In more professional terms than I&#39;ll post here I would have told her:&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;-I dealt with people getting in my face with concerns for their lives and the safety of their children.&amp;nbsp; I think I can handle a customer in my face.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;-I made decisions that could have possible impact on the lives of my team.&amp;nbsp; I think I can handle a customer in my face.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;-The Army prepares me for stressful situations and helps me to react in the right and professional manner all the time.&amp;nbsp; I think I can handle a customer in my face.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;I think the veterans are often discredited, but I similarly think that veterans too often think they should get a job just because they are a veteran.&amp;nbsp; I did many interviews when I worked at Target in the past.&amp;nbsp; Too often I saw applications from veterans that were full of grammar mistakes, vague references, and were not able to tell us why their past experience would help them at Target.&amp;nbsp; The interview process was even worse as it often seemed like they thought they didn&#39;t even have to try.&amp;nbsp; Now Target is a mere hourly wage job for most but if I seen it there I am sure others see it elsewhere.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;However, I agree that being a veteran should not cause you to be discredited due to misconceptions on the part of the interviewer.&lt;br&gt;

2014-03-23T09:23:49-04:00 2014-03-23T09:23:49-04:00 PO2 Rocky Kleeger 105159

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>The first thing I would do is call the local papers where they advertise and make sure that someone writes a story on this.&amp;nbsp; Then, I would tell every veteran about this place and have them go on from there.&amp;nbsp; Let that bad publicity spread like wildfire

2014-04-18T08:52:06-04:00 2014-04-18T08:52:06-04:00 SGT John Phillips 105249

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Personally, I wouldn&#39;t want to work for a company that didn&#39;t want to hire veterans.&amp;nbsp; I also don&#39;t see the point in raising hell about it.&amp;nbsp; I&#39;d just drive on and look somewhere else.&amp;nbsp; Also believe that a company should be able to hire whoever they want.&amp;nbsp; If I don&#39;t believe in a company&#39;s ethics, I don&#39;t have to support them by purchasing their product.&lt;br&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;br&gt;

2014-04-18T10:47:41-04:00 2014-04-18T10:47:41-04:00 PO2 Kristofer Pearson 106113

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Yes. As soon as I hear &quot;Thank you for your service.&quot; I know they were just wasting my time.&lt;br&gt;

2014-04-19T16:05:06-04:00 2014-04-19T16:05:06-04:00 CMSgt James Nolan 106310

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Absolutely, and funny enough PO2 Ed C, in the same area that you are from! &amp;nbsp;Of course, for me, it was &quot;back in the day&quot;. &amp;nbsp;When I had come off of Active Duty and moved back home, I joined a USMC reserve unit in Chicago area. &amp;nbsp;As I was interviewing for Police jobs, I would get asked &quot;when are you getting out?&quot;. (Numerous times)-due to the activation of so many Marines during the Gulf War) &amp;nbsp;I knew then, that I could not be asked that, but my choices were to either sue and be that guy, or get out of Reserves and get a job. &amp;nbsp;I opted to get out and..got a job . &amp;nbsp;Joined back into Reserves 7 years later.&lt;div&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Some employers love Military, some not so much. &amp;nbsp;No matter what you do in the Service, you have learned something that is wort a metric Sh&amp;amp;t ton to an employer. &amp;nbsp;If they choose not to hire, it is their loss. &amp;nbsp;Good luck.&lt;/div&gt;

2014-04-19T21:39:22-04:00 2014-04-19T21:39:22-04:00 MSG Floyd Williams 127072

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Yes, I met a lot of people with no military history feel intimidated because of veterans experience and discipline especially in the Federal Government system.

2014-05-14T21:28:48-04:00 2014-05-14T21:28:48-04:00 Sgt Private RallyPoint Member 132216

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I can't read through all of the comments on here so I apologize if I repeat anything. There are policies and laws already, concerning veteran discrimination. The Dept of Labor and USERRA enforce these policies. <br /><br />I often hear some of the frustrations of veterans and job seeking, and have had these frustrations myself as a veteran. I will say, from an employer standpoint, there are companies clamoring to find and hire veterans both as company policies, cultural observance (meaning they want to do it because they recognize the value) and for compliance reasons. Even before the NEW policies concerning veteran hiring for federal contractors, companies have been looking for us. BUT, and imagine you own a business, they are hiring the person that is the right fit for the job. It's your responsibility to properly network, understand the corporate structure (i.e. starting at the bottom and working your way up, if need be). <br /><br />It's common for many job seekers, not just veterans, to feel the pinch and annoyances of job seeking. Something we must ALL keep in mind when getting frustrated is that the job market isn't what it was when most of you/us joined the military. A few years back, TONS of people lost their jobs in a recession, and we haven't yet recovered from it, despite media reports. So now we are looking at a saturated job market with skilled/experienced people competing against you for the jobs that you want. From an employer standpoint, it's easier for them to see the common applicant (bachelor's degree, work history at familiar and established companies..etc) versus the military applicant which 99% of society can't identify with in experience alone. <br /><br />I could all but guarantee that most employers don't assume that you have PTSD or some other ailment (although I am sure that veteran-unfriendly companies do exist). What DOES happen is a misinterpretation of skills and experiences. It's a 50/50 trade between employer and job seeker. Civilians and military alike misrepresent themselves and/or go after jobs for which they aren't qualified. <br /><br />For example (and not all inclusive), I often see resumes of young service members outlining their weapons proficiency written in military acronyms and jargon, and they are frustrated that they aren't being hired. The problem here is that they weren't properly guided on interpreting their OWN backgrounds and/or they didn't seek assistance in doing so. Leadership, administrative and training backgrounds, for example, versus *"halo effect" (*hire me because I was in the military). <br />Furthermore, the experience of veterans is often "loaded" into a few years. So, when they apply for a job, they look or come off as wanting to rule the world, without any corporate experience. I have similar discussions with NCOs quite often that want a management or director role, based on their small unit leadership experience in the military for a few years. In corporate America, it takes YEARS for people to earn those places... not that it's impossible to walk into these roles... but remember, competition exists in the form of proven backgrounds that are commonly understood. <br /><br />I know these aren't the answers we want to hear. And I am happy to clarify and/or offer guidance when it comes to these issues. I assure you all though, there are companies that have positions for you and they are looking for you right now... but you, like everyone else, are experiencing the same job market that is overloaded with EVERYONE trying to find their next big shot. Also assume that when you apply for a job, you are up against 100 other people, many of whom might have the exact experience that is needed. This is why networking is SO valuable. Get to know some people in the organization, network with them, seek guidance, let them help you make the connection to the hiring manager, instead of waiting for an answer. <br /><br />One other quick point, there are LOTS of technical and specialized positions out there that seek certain criteria. A lot of us, myself included, have gone after very general, liberal arts degrees, which are saturating the markets. Some of the best paying jobs out there right now are technical, mechanical and information based, and those of us with communications, criminal justice and english degrees aren't competitive for them.

2014-05-21T20:48:21-04:00 2014-05-21T20:48:21-04:00 SFC Bob Chapman DEng 172543

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Hell no .. we're veterans, warriors. We don't need special privileges, or special rights to make us seem better than anyone else, we're aready better than everbody else. If an employer doesn't want you, their loss, move on, go find somebody that does.<br /><br />It pisses me off to no end when people make a big deal of getting arrested, or being homeless or not getting what they think they deserve because they are a veteran. If you're a veteran you'd know how to suck it up move on, and do something about it.<br /><br />We don't NEED special rights, or special set asides. We're just as smart or smarter than the rest, just as qualified or better qualified than the rest, and if you're not, pick up your ruck, quit your whining and DO something about it.

2014-07-07T16:33:12-04:00 2014-07-07T16:33:12-04:00 SFC Keith Ciancio 173234

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Absolutely! Veterans are historically discrimintaed against, particularly under a presumption of having PTSD. Many employers are concerned with lost time due to treatment plans as well as have an irrational fear that veterans are "ticking timebombs". Unfortunately, SFC Bob Chapman sorley misses the point, and he is likely to be one who will be discriminated against because he is more proud than he is wise.<br /><br />Having retired five years ago as an Army sergeant first class, I have seen first hand the kinds of discrimination against veterans that takes place. Unlike Chapman, I serve on my congressman's veterans advisory council and my county veterans advisory board, and I am an officer in my VFW post. In those capacities, I am in frequent contact with the issue of discrimination against veterasn, and the data doesn't lie. The only way to ensure fair and equitable treatment in terms of fair employment practices, fair access to education opportunities, and fair housing practices is to afford veterans the same protections under the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended.

2014-07-08T13:27:29-04:00 2014-07-08T13:27:29-04:00 SSG (ret) William Martin 176059

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I am less than 5 years from retiring from the Army. I have a BS and MS in Criminal Justice. I am not going to worry about finding my second dream job when I retire. I am going to take out student loans again, and go to law school. I want to enter politics at some point and use my experience and education to help veterans. I hope that with a leadership position that you must be voted in like a mayor or governor of my town or state I can do something to help vets bring swift justice to government workers who hurt vets in scandalous scams like the most recent with the VA.

2014-07-12T03:30:01-04:00 2014-07-12T03:30:01-04:00 Sgt Randy Hill 176292

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Yes this year the EEOC has increased its monitoring of this. As a result you will see more applications with veteran's status questions on the form both in paper and electronic form. Just took the refresher course on this on HR.com

2014-07-12T12:43:17-04:00 2014-07-12T12:43:17-04:00 SFC Keith Ciancio 177005

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Most of you on here are completely missing the point. A protected class is not preferential treatment. A protected class is an affirmative protection of one's equal rights that provides for specific remedy in cases where discrimination has occurred in disproportionate numbers compared to society as a whole.<br /><br />Of course this will not resonate with most of you because you are too stupid to get it, and as a result, you betray your fellow veterans because you have already been overly privileged, usually because you are a commissioned officer or senior enlisted service member who has a connection to find great employment after the military. As a result, you have no idea what it is like to be turned down for jobs because you are a veteran.<br /><br />Why does discrimination against veterans occur? Because most hiring managers think we all have PTSD with a propensity to abuse substances or commit workplace violence. Others also think we are all like a bunch of drill sergeants who do nothing but act like we could have played the DI in full metal jacket.<br /><br />These false perceptions are the impetus of veteran discrimination, and that is why we need to be a protected class. Want a stark contrast? The unemployment rate in Pierce County, WA, where Joint Base Lewis-McChord is situated is about 11%, but the veteran unemployment rate is 28% in that county? Why? Because most employers there think we are all violent people and there is no protection for us to prevent unfair treatment. The irony is that Washington State has a private industry veterans preference law that allows employers to give preferential hiring treatment to veterans without it being considered discrimination against non-veterans.<br /><br />Again, a protected class is NOT veterans preference, but a legal protection of the legal rights of a class of people who are historically discriminated against.

2014-07-13T12:43:43-04:00 2014-07-13T12:43:43-04:00 MAJ Private RallyPoint Member 180835

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Ma'am,<br /><br />That is a tough question. The position I just left hired me specifically because I am veteran. I think the potential problem with adding it is how hard it would be to prove that is the reason you were passed over. It's just as easy to say you do not have the exact qualifications just because. I'll give you an example. Years ago, I was a 63W mechanic, depot level engine and transmission rebuilds and the like. I applied for a job being a trailer mechanic for a national truck line. They told me that I didn't have any experience as a mechanic. Not just for trailers, but as a mechanic in general. They did spend a lot of time asking me about my Reserve duty and the time it would keep me away from work, but I would be hard pressed to push that in court. <br /><br />As devil's advocate, not all veterans served honorably or successfully, yet still walked away with an honorable discharge. I do not believe that simply doing your time and getting out, deployment or not, puts you ahead of the rest of the population. I recommend providing more successful transition services for our retiring and separating individuals in all branches of service.

2014-07-18T08:20:28-04:00 2014-07-18T08:20:28-04:00 SGT Aaron Miranda 183227

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>It falls under USERRA. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.dol.gov/vets/programs/userra/USERRA_Federal.pdf">http://www.dol.gov/vets/programs/userra/USERRA_Federal.pdf</a> <div class="pta-link-card answers-template-image type-default"> <div class="pta-link-card-picture"> </div> <div class="pta-link-card-content"> <p class="pta-link-card-title"> </p> <p class="pta-link-card-description">Ûê&#39;âÑÒKeª2)YYɪ6rnï)9865Rú$Û &#39;zØÌäÂ&#39;y?Ë2ÁÊÍóÕUOT»^6»KR`Ó)\¡1Eè-å&#39;ú&amp;·2N^«¶c+ejsÛô2ÝÌÜsÊÔÕÌv&amp;Y-K»%BÛ6UþÜ&#39;EGl;ÁÁ}oî¿9ôÑk6ÞÝ_úìííÍßÛÓtqé[m;ôÌñÍìÏØz`È{ÝÜ¡þjhÐR§;F[EãV2EV[SµRHc ~«WtvÎ%n\ó¡òy0QS m|&#39;èÅÈÐoèEÞOóìê t¶aNëðÑn]|æ/$f;`QêîÒ.Z-ð¿G@ï Øl;íOisJ!SÌÁTSymdR5cdS9IÕú«KöÁR|ÎOièniN~8¡?ÔªjíQvX»MýQ@iaQú$ûÜTÉÙ?UgûHXüh&amp;2º~usÛë_õGÒüÝÈæÂãm~}ó!Ww|ÈÙ êU«}oä#ï;Ñ û»Ê`dtÔüÏl\ÃFºXïú!ÐËÙ+¿ÍØdkÖnØŧk&#39;ÝÆ«cì4zä¶ÿÏ)Wé&quot;3jÎP$ý;OÄ&quot;YSê*KíËgíTEIa8âVã ÀéFAÐõºwÃóîÅÍpBî~iëDkååà...</p> </div> <div class="clearfix"></div> </div>

2014-07-21T17:23:18-04:00 2014-07-21T17:23:18-04:00 LTC Paul Labrador 189116

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>How would you prove it....?

2014-07-29T13:36:30-04:00 2014-07-29T13:36:30-04:00 1SG Ronald Rieck 460175

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>When I came back from Afghanistan as a Unit First Sergeant, I retired and started job hunting. One of the places I looked at was for a telecommunications company in Kent, Washington. I submitted my resume that showed that I had a BA degree from University of Washington, and included all of my military education as well (PLDC through First Sergeant school, along with being a graduate of Active Army Drill Sergeant school). Without being too immodest, it's a pretty decent resume' that took a lot of time and effort to have. I get the interview with the General Manager, and it lasts well over an hour. I knew it went well, and he stated it too. He then responds with a comment that stunned me. He said, "We never hire veterans because they don't clean up well (?!) socially, but your someone I want to hire". I thanked him, and left , barely able to control my anger. The next morning, the HR manager in the corporate office in Tukwila calls me to tell me that I have the job. She was stunned when I responded that I was no longer interested. Several seconds of silence pass until she finally asked "why the change of heart?". I then tell her what the General Manager told me, and that it was all I could do not to drag him across his desk. I thanked her for her time, but the incident seven years ago still pisses me off...As a Desert Storm and Afghanistan vet, I believe I deserved at least a little appreciation, and not the disrespect that was shown.

2015-02-06T23:01:20-05:00 2015-02-06T23:01:20-05:00 LTC Private RallyPoint Member 498167

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>As a Active Duty Veteran and a National Guardsman I have been surprised at the overall attitude towards Veterans. While nearly everyone unanimously thanks veterans for their service I was shocked how many healthcare employers, both corporate, hospital and private blatantly state that they simply do not want to deal with the inconvenience of having a Reservist or Guardsman working for them. I have been told many anecdotal stories of this across many industries with the professions ("professional jobs") being some of the worst culprits. While there is a tremendous amount of verbal support for Veterans but there seems to be a wide gap between the words and emotions and the actions. Congress and DoD are kicking out soldiers, benefits and salaries are freezing and falling, Veterans make up about 33% of the homeless, roughly 40% of unemployed (depending which poll you see) and a disturbing amount of bankruptcies, divorces, suicides, etc. What ever the exact numbers are, they are bleak. <br />I do not want this to come across as complaining. I have been very fortunate but the statistics are there and they do not paint a positive picture no matter whose numbers you agree with. As a Nation we really need to address the emotion/action gap and provide those supportive words with the actions to back them up. Call your Congressman and ask them why they voted themselves a 20% raise for themselves while kicking out soldiers, marines, sea and airmen. Challenge your company to hire a veteran and accept the fact that this is not about convenience or profit but National Pride and Patriotism. It certainly is inconvenient for a business to adjust to the Federal Governments Military requirements upon part time soldiers but not one ounce more inconvenient than it is for those soldiers, their wives and children who are willing to to their patriotic duty to risk their life in defense of this country.

2015-02-25T18:00:53-05:00 2015-02-25T18:00:53-05:00 CPT Private RallyPoint Member 1159571

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Yes, In 2012 I interviewed with Motorola Solutions and a manager kept asking me about deploying. There is a difference between National Guard members and people coming off of Active Duty. The former can be deployed and the latter cannot. The later can say they can't be deployed while the former the possibility is always there. BTW I didn't get that job.<br /><br />I would say there needs to be a track on not just veterans but also National Guardsmen / Reservists to gather data on how many apply VS not getting jobs.

2015-12-08T09:58:46-05:00 2015-12-08T09:58:46-05:00 Cpl Benjamin Long 1164722

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>unfortunately it would require more than a policy change.... Congress would have to vote to amend the civil rights act to add a new group to the list and it would need to survive a veto from the president.

2015-12-10T06:55:02-05:00 2015-12-10T06:55:02-05:00 2013-11-25T11:03:52-05:00