Does age discrimination exist for retired vets?

2015-09-28T22:45:34-04:00

Before I retired, the last thing I thought about in regards to things that would work against my future employment was age discrimination. I think it does but not on an official level for obvious reasons. What do you think?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 28 at 2015 10:53 PM

2015-09-28T22:53:05-04:00

Age discrimination has always been a factor, whether in the military or not. When I was a Junior Soldier in Iraq in 2005, I had a 1SG once who was very sharp-tongued with anyone "young." I don't make this accusation lightly. At one point, we were verifying data for DD-93s, and she was demanding that Soldiers "hurry up" and "stop holding up the line." Another female Soldier, who looks young, but at the time had two boys, explained that she was checking to verify everything was correct, as we were in a combat zone at that time, and her sons deserved to be taken care of in the event something bad were to happen.

Seemingly instantly, as soon as this 1SG realized this other Soldier had children, her demeanor as a whole changed. The 1SG was then helpful to that Soldier, but then reverted back for the next Soldier.

That was one example, which doesn't exactly narrow it down. After about fifty other incidents such as this, though, it became painfully obvious this particular 1SG had a different opinion of those she perceived as older versus those who were younger.

Unfortunately, this 1SG probably wasn't even aware she was doing this. Many people have biases and aren't self-aware enough to leave the baggage at home and take care of business in an ethical fashion.

Age discrimination is not one of the 5 protected categories (or 6 now, seemingly unofficially, since sexual orientation is protected, but not listed as a protected category now), but it is still unethical to favor either older or younger people, and in the civilian workforce, can get an employer hit with allegations of equal employment opportunity violations. Especially if they receive any tax breaks, government stipends or subsidies.

I wish you luck in your employment endeavors.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Sep 28 at 2015 11:02 PM

2015-09-28T23:02:58-04:00

Age discrimination is the only type of discrimination that is done on a regular basis. It will happen mostly with the 30 year career types and will carry over once you become over 50 by pretty much all employers. Fact of life. I made it until 60 by the skin of my teeth.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Sep 29 at 2015 2:06 AM

2015-09-29T02:06:32-04:00

GySgt Moses Lozano, Face facts, there are so many discrimatory situations that we could not catalogue them. Continue to do your best and do you recon and preparatory work including a brief, non-military based resume saying what you can do for them, after you have researched and found out 'who and what' they are. RP can help if you will explore and exploit the various threads.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Sep 29 at 2015 2:17 AM

2015-09-29T02:17:03-04:00

I've had age work in favor of me; they know I will never be with them long enough to retire, so that makes me less expensive overall. Whatever the reason, a good job is a good job.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Sep 29 at 2015 2:37 AM

2015-09-29T02:37:25-04:00

Of course. I'm a Telecommunications Technician by trade. No one wants you as a Telecommunications Technician after 40. Just the nature of the Business so now I am a Private Security Officer.

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Sep 29 at 2015 2:59 AM

2015-09-29T02:59:44-04:00

Sadly those of us around or older than age 50 face age discrimination frequently.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 29 at 2015 8:34 AM

2015-09-29T08:34:03-04:00

I think you need to look at how you're selling yourself. For me, I word young as 'energetic' and 'enthusiastic'. Try viewing yourself as more 'experienced' rather than old

Response by SPC Nathan Freeman made Sep 29 at 2015 9:14 AM

2015-09-29T09:14:25-04:00

I prefer to own my own business. Employment should be a learning experience to prepare you for your own business, not a plan for retirement. You won't discriminate against yourself when you are the boss

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Sep 29 at 2015 9:24 AM

2015-09-29T09:24:44-04:00

Age discrimination certainly exists GySgt Moses Lozano although I expect it is more prevalent outside the US military than within it.
I think that among veterans age discrimination tends to be coupled with discrimination based on disabilities. Granted there are areas of employment where disabilities should be a discriminator- blind airplane pilots and bus drivers are examples of places where disabilities are rightfully applied to discriminate.
However, I have observed over the past 20 years a tendency in some areas where writing, speaking and thinking are more important for older wiser personnel who have a depth of experience to be replaced by younger energetic and relatively fresh out of college and much cheaper to hire personnel.
With the advent of the Affordable Care Act in 2013, I saw firsthand how businesses large and small had to determine how many people they could afford to continue hiring and which ones would be to expensive to employee based on health care costs and employability. I do not fault business management; but, do fault the Federal government for pushing something as broad as universal mandatory healthcare with out considering 2nd and 3rd order effects.
I was terminated in June 2013 after 20 years of employment based on an Affordable Care Act review. I know many others in their mid-to late 50's who were terminated for similar reasons.

Response by CDR Terry Boles made Sep 29 at 2015 10:18 AM

2015-09-29T10:18:58-04:00

Age discrimination is prevalent, and sometimes your age can work in your favor especially in the medical field.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 29 at 2015 10:24 AM

2015-09-29T10:24:46-04:00

I think it does! There are many employeers that mask it off as not being as qualified as someone else or other fabricated reasons. Most often they look at the longevity of an employee, so that automatically puts us vets into another category!

Response by Sgt Spencer Sikder made Sep 29 at 2015 1:49 PM

2015-09-29T13:49:29-04:00

Over 40, expect it, that's why there is a law. Interesting that when I interviewed former military for my vacancies, those who retired were very proud to say retired. This seemed to be an oxymoron for me, retired (don't want to work any more) but yet looking for a job. I would mentor them to say something a bit more positive, like completed my obligation of military service and looking for my new career or looking for new and exciting challenges. The other issue I always had a problem with was the General Schedule pay scale. For some E-8's or 9's they may only qualify for GS-5 or 7 clerk type jobs. I would question why hire a Sgt Major who gave out orders to a job that required them to take orders. I know it a broad statement, however, I always felt we should be hiring staff for their appropriate skill set. Hire this Sgt Major for a supervisor's role, even at a GS-7 or 9.

Response by SPC George Rudenko made Sep 29 at 2015 2:01 PM

2015-09-29T14:01:08-04:00

Yes and no. Some will obviously not want a vet for their personal reasons. But, since most retired vets have healthcare etc. employers like vets because it reduces their costs.

Response by SSG John Laurin made Sep 29 at 2015 9:19 PM

2015-09-29T21:19:11-04:00

I believe it does. When I was going thru my FTO training as a deputy my trainer kept calling me old man I took it as a joke but I figured it out when I read my evals from him.

Response by SFC Walt Littleton made Sep 30 at 2015 9:25 AM

2015-09-30T09:25:08-04:00

I retired in 1995 and started looking for employment about 6 months prior to retirement. I was 40 and in some interviews I was perceived as old however never brought up for obvious reasons. I did find a job with a company that provided products and delivery to inmates incarcerated in jails and prisons the the northeast. It was a tough job starting from one signed contract and setting up a distribution center. I was able to strive in that environment and was promoted with in a year to District Manager for all of the Northest.

Why do I say all of this. Even though I was a good manager it was a family business and with the entire family in the leadership of the company it was difficult. For starters they had no real respect for military service. I prided myself on honesty, entegrity and towing the line and there focus was more laid back. They jokingly used my military bearing and Boy Scout approach to business they would throw digs and barbs at me when they could supposedly in fun however to me it wasn't funny. I made a lot of money and moved on due to no family life. On the road every week.

I had a few jobs before finally fully retired and many many many interviews. Always passed the phone interview and then on to the face to face interview. I could tell as soon as they met me if I was going to get the job by their eye contact when meeting the first time. You can see the look on their face when you walk in and have grey hair. Plus sometimes your resume is better that thiers and I was older than them. Perception that I'm older, set in my ways and not a good candidate.

I never gave up and as with most had good and not so good jobs. Even though I came up through the military the employers failed to understand that military veterans are experts at change, very focused on the job at hand (mission) and are comfortable when the going gets tough.

CEO's need to be educated through veteran affairs if they haven't served. The VA (when they get sh$& together) should push the knowledge and understanding of these veterans during all Human Resourse Manager Training. Most don't have a clue what or who a veteran is. To most they are trained killers who go off and fight.

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Sep 30 at 2015 10:40 AM

2015-09-30T10:40:18-04:00

100%
Try being 55 AND on disability and looking for work...

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 30 at 2015 11:49 AM

2015-09-30T11:49:49-04:00

I definitely agree that it does. People discriminate and automatically assume three things: were hard asses, we ve killed people, and we have the Hollywood version of PTSD.

Response by SGT Kristin Wiley made Sep 30 at 2015 1:42 PM

2015-09-30T13:42:31-04:00

Age discrimination is quite common in my experience. I constantly feel like I'm discriminated again and have to work much harder to be taken seriously due to my age and sometimes my gender. It doesn't matter how much more I work my ass off, many people still maintain the mindset that I have gotten promoted off my feminine wiles instead of my own merit. Being young or even looking young, often makes people think you are immature, incapable, and inexperienced. Those of us subject to this type of discrimination learn very quickly not to 'judge a book by its cover'. I've seen the reverse happen in the IT field, where older individuals are seen as less capable because there is a belief that they are less inclined to be up to date on the latest technology.

Response by CPT William Gordon made Sep 30 at 2015 4:34 PM

2015-09-30T16:34:30-04:00

Of course it does but varies from Co. to Co. is it obvious? I would say not so much in some areas but it does happen. If you are retiring in a military area I would say you shouldn't see to much of it but in a smaller area where there are far less candidates then you would have to sell yourself as highly experienced due to your age and military background.

Response by SGT Michael Glenn made Sep 30 at 2015 9:48 PM

2015-09-30T21:48:41-04:00

Well Im not a spring chicken anymore and dont expect to keep up with the young whipper snappers either !!!!

Response by GySgt Zelig Holt made Sep 30 at 2015 10:13 PM

2015-09-30T22:13:34-04:00

As someone in yopur postion, I would say you are correct.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Oct 1 at 2015 4:01 AM

2015-10-01T04:01:54-04:00

Definitely! I applied once for an entry level help desk-type position. The hiring manager asked me straight up why a person with 20 years experience was applying for a help desk job. Needless to say I didn't get the job!

Response by 1stLt Steven P. made Oct 1 at 2015 10:39 PM

2015-10-01T22:39:45-04:00

Unfortunately age discrimination definitely exits, even for the veteran, in the civilian world. There is a target put on your back after the age of 50 that grows larger and more distinct each after that. Corporate america will deny this but statistics bear it out.

Response by CPL Carolyn L. Day made Oct 1 at 2015 10:46 PM

2015-10-01T22:46:24-04:00

Age is a factor for civilian employment, it has nothing to do with being a veteran. Once your out of that organization, no one cares about the time you served; especially the people that wasn't men or women to serve.