Effort tackles jobs for vets

"Shouldn't it be a level playing field for the rest?"

The biggest problem I see is the "prefrence" notion overall. Every minority or special group out there is seeking a job, housing, or education. First you have to identify w/ a group. For some that is easy, you might be black, hispanic, or female. If one doesn't fit in those categories, there are veteran, disabled, over 55, single-parent, etc. Is it time to do away w/ all preferences? (disclosure: I am a veteran)

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Jeremy and Dealio have good observations. The vet whose military job was his or her first ever has generous military assistance for school upon exit. Those who had jobs when they entered have legal rights to resume them upon return. However I do object to how "veterans points" are supposedly added to the score of public employment candidates. They are generally added at a stage of the hiring process that won't matter much by the end. Either give these guys a boost or just come out and say we're dumping the program. Right now it's a farce.

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As a vet myself, I have to agree with thedealio. The military doesn't just "kick you out" when you are discharged, etc. Hasn't been that way for years. The D.O.D. mandates that a military member, on getting discharge orders, retirement paperwork, or otherwise, completes a number of classes, lectures, or seminars...all geared towards easing the transition from military life back into civilian life. I took all of these seminars before I retired and unlike the bulk of the other people in those seminars, I listened, took notes, and used those programs that were offered. Can't imagine what it's like for the average Joe that's lost his/her job and has to work thru finding a different job without similar support like I got from those D.O.D. programs. Yes, my particular career choice had a fairly decent translation in the civilian world, and, yes, other career choices don't have an equivalent in the civilian world. At the same time, management skills easily translate to almos

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As much as we appreciate the work and sacrafices of our veterans, this seems unfair to regular unemployed citizens. Why do vets get so much assistance right when they return (or before) when theres so many citizens who have been without jobs for monthsmuch or years, or working multiple low-wage jobs just to scrape by? For vets who had jobs prior to leave of course they have every right to resume them. Shouldn't it be a level playing field for the rest?

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