# Understanding the Veteran Recruitment Act

This bill is designed to make it easier for military veterans to get jobs in the federal government, specifically in international affairs positions. Right now, the State Department and other agencies that handle America's global communications and diplomacy don't hire many veterans compared to other federal agencies. This bill aims to change that by requiring these agencies to actively recruit former military personnel and remove obstacles that might be preventing veterans from applying.

The bill focuses on two main government organizations: the State Department (which handles diplomacy and foreign relations) and the U.S. Agency for Global Media (which runs international broadcasting). Both agencies have 90 days to create detailed plans for recruiting veterans and must fully implement these plans within a year. The State Department plan includes some specific changes, like making it easier for veterans to take the Foreign Service job interview by offering video-conferencing options at military bases, expanding recruitment efforts at military facilities, and creating new fellowship programs specifically for veterans. The bill also wants to make sure that military rank translates into appropriate job levels at the State Department, so a veteran with mid-level military experience doesn't have to start at an entry-level position.

Additionally, the bill tackles a technical barrier that has sometimes worked against veterans. Federal agencies can currently request waivers to skip over veterans when hiring, even though federal law generally gives veterans preference in hiring. This bill temporarily stops those waivers from being granted and requires the Office of Personnel Management to create new, stricter rules about when waivers can be used. The bill also directs the Defense Department to create formal agreements with federal agencies to help actively-separating military members learn about civilian job opportunities as they transition out of the military.

Veteran Recruitment Act

Herrell, Yvette

Veteran Recruitment Act This bill requires the Department of State and the U.S. Agency for Global Media to develop and implement plans to ensure that veterans receive priority hiring recruitment.&nbsp; The bill also requires the State Department to align Foreign Service positions with military ranks and to expand outreach efforts in recruiting veterans for the Foreign Service.