The Air Force Civilian Service (AFCS) deeply values the skills and experience that veterans bring to the civilian workforce. Recognizing this invaluable asset, AFCS has established robust programs to facilitate the transition of veterans into civilian careers, allowing them to continue serving their country in a different capacity. The Air Force Civilian Career Program is not just about filling positions; it’s about enriching the workforce with dedicated, disciplined, and mission-focused individuals.
Veterans’ Recruitment Appointment (VRA)
The Veterans’ Recruitment Appointment (VRA) is a significant pathway designed to bring eligible veterans into AFCS efficiently. This excepted hiring authority allows veterans who meet specific criteria to be appointed without going through the standard competitive process. Veterans are eligible for VRA if they:
- Have served on active duty during a war, campaign, or expedition and received a corresponding badge.
- Have been awarded an Armed Forces Service Medal for participation in a military operation.
- Are recent veterans, having separated within the last three years with an honorable or general discharge.
- Have a service-connected disability.
Through the VRA, veterans can secure positions at any grade level up to GS-11 or equivalent. Importantly, after two years of successful service under a VRA appointment, individuals are converted to a career-conditional or career appointment within the competitive service, providing long-term job security and opportunities for advancement within the Air Force civilian career program.
Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA)
The Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA), particularly enhanced by the VOW to Hire Heroes Act, further strengthens opportunities for veterans. This act extends preference-eligible status to active duty service members up to 120 days before their discharge. This forward-looking provision allows transitioning service members to apply for Air Force civilian career program positions while still on active duty, streamlining their entry into civilian roles.
To utilize VEOA preference, service members submit a “certification” along with their job application. This certification is an official document from their armed forces branch confirming their expected honorable discharge or release from active duty within 120 days of the certification date. This proactive approach underscores the Air Force’s commitment to supporting veterans in their career transitions.
30 Percent or More Disabled Veterans
For veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 30 percent or more, another dedicated hiring authority provides even greater access to the Air Force civilian career program. This authority allows for non-competitive appointments to any position for which the veteran is qualified, without grade-level limitations, unlike the VRA.
Eligibility for this program includes veterans:
- Retired from active military service with a disability rating of 30 percent or higher.
- Rated by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as having a compensable service-connected disability of 30 percent or higher.
- Who are classified as disabled veterans.
Initial appointments under this authority are time-limited but extend beyond 60 days. Crucially, veterans hired under this program can be converted to permanent status at any point during their time-limited appointment without further competition, demonstrating a clear pathway to long-term civilian careers within the Air Force.
For veterans seeking to explore the diverse opportunities within the Air Force civilian career program, valuable resources are readily available. The U.S. Office of Personnel Management’s FedsHireVets.gov website serves as a comprehensive hub for federal employment information tailored for veterans. This resource, along with the dedicated programs within AFCS, underscores the Air Force’s ongoing commitment to recruiting, hiring, and supporting veterans as they transition to civilian careers, ensuring their continued contribution to national defense and service.
