5-point veteran status

[Iceberg95]

Hi. Wanted to get some opinions on an issue that has bugged me.

I've been applying to some federal jobs and, to this point, while I have always identified myself as a veteran, I haven't claimed 5-point preference. I wasn't in for OEF/OIF, but I have a National Defense Medal, because they continued to award them for the Gulf War until early 1992, i.e., while I was a mid.

I know that the law (38 USC 1965) explicitly says that midshipmen/cadets are on active duty during their school time, so it seems like I can claim the 5-point preference. However, the DD-214 doesn't reflect Academy time; it only shows time after graduation (it does show the NDM, though).

So here's my question: Can (or should) I claim the 5-point preference based on being in the Academy in 1991-1992?

Thanks.

 

[NavyHoops]

I believe you need an Expeditionary or Campaign Medal to get the 5 points. National Defense Medal doesn't qualify. Armed Forces Expeditionary and GWOT Expeditionary are the recent ones that qualify a lot of vets. There are other nuances also. Google search for 5 point preference requirements should give all the details.

 

[LineInTheSand]

I knew someone who would have been CGA class of 1995... He left after two years (I think he was about to be kicked out), so 1991-1993 or so.

He got 5-points (never made sense to me, but he certain leveraged it).

To my knowledge he didn't have an expeditionary medal.

 

[Iceberg95]

• I believe you need an Expeditionary or Campaign Medal to get the 5 points. National Defense Medal doesn't qualify. Armed Forces Expeditionary and GWOT Expeditionary are the recent ones that qualify a lot of vets. There are other nuances also. Google search for 5 point preference requirements should give all the details.

  
  Thanks. This is what the VA website says:
  
  Q. What determines whether I am eligible to claim 5-point or 10-point preference?
  A. You are a 5-point preference eligible if your active-duty service meets any of the following:
  
  • 180 or more consecutive days, any part of which occurred during the period beginning September 11, 2001 and ending on a future date prescribed by Presidential proclamation or law as the last date of Operation Iraqi Freedom, OR
  • Between August 2, 1990 and January 2, 1992, OR
    • 180 or more consecutive days, any part of which occurred after January 31, 1955 and before October 15, 1976, OR
    • In a war, campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized or between April 28, 1952 and July 1, 1955.

I see your point about the campaign badge; that does not apply to me. However, the section I put in bold covers time I was in the Academy.

 

[Iceberg95]

I knew someone who would have been CGA class of 1995... He left after two years (I think he was about to be kicked out), so 1991-1993 or so.

He got 5-points (never made sense to me, but he certain leveraged it).

To my knowledge he didn't have an expeditionary medal.

Thanks. I'm class of 95 as well, so assuming he wasn't prior enlisted, he would be leveraging the same period I am looking to.

Appreciate the help.

 

[GrilledCheese94]

Are you a veteran with a DD-214?

I think that a valid DD-214 would be he deciding factor for Veterans Preference relative to civil service.

Did you graduate, graduate but not commission, or leave prior to 2-4-7? Not trying to embarrass you, but I think the answer to that question can point you towards legal veterans status.

 

[LineInTheSand]

I think it was answered. He fell into the time period in the 1990s....