Chapter 1: Defining the Target Audience

Newly-Separated Veterans

A "recently separated veteran" means any veteran during the 3-year period beginning on the date of such veteran's discharge or release from active duty in the U.S. military, ground, naval, or air service.

Long-Separated Veterans

A Veteran who has been separated longer than the above. In the armed forces, separation means leaving active duty, but that does not mean leaving the service entirely for some. When someone reaches their ETS (Expiration of Term of Service) they are released from active duty, however they must still complete their military reserve obligations. Once separated, they receive a form called ‘DD214’, that verifies their service in the military. A Veteran cannot receive VA (Veterans Administration) benefits without their DD214, but they can request a copy from the National Personnel Records Center's website. Once a service member completes their full military obligation, they are then discharged and receive a certificate - usually an Honorable Discharge.

Protected Veterans

Veterans with this status are protected by an amended version of the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 (VEVRAA), which prohibits discrimination against them. Certain employers who hire protected veterans must adhere to Affirmative Action type requirements, which involve a level playing field for them.

Who Is Considered A Protected Veteran?

● Disabled veterans. ● Veterans who served on active duty during a war, campaign, or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized. ● Veterans with an Armed Forces Service Medal “pursuant to Executive Order 12985 (61 FR 1209)”. ● Recently separated veterans. They must have a military discharge that’s not characterized as Dishonorable. Protected veterans cannot be denied employment, harassed, demoted, terminated, paid less or treated unfavorably because of their veteran status. Employers must provide reasonable accommodations for the veteran’s disabilities or limitations.

Which Employers Are Required To Comply? Employers conducting business with the Federal government, which includes contractors and subcontractors.