What is a Protective Veteran?
Contents
Introduction
In recent years, the term "Protective Veteran" has gained significant attention in the United States and around the world. But what does it mean to be a protective veteran? Is it simply a label assigned to a veteran who has served their country with distinction? The answer is no. In this article, we will delve into the concept of a protective veteran, their role, and the responsibilities that come with it.
Definition
A Protective Veteran is an individual who has served in the armed forces and has been granted the status of a Protected Veteran under the United States Department of Labor’s (DOL) Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA).
Protected Veterans are granted special protections under the law, including:
- Employment preferences
- Preference for federal contracts
- Tax benefits
- Access to education and training benefits
Eligibility
To be considered a protected veteran, an individual must have:
- Served in the armed forces during a war or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized
- Received a Purple Heart, Silver Star, or other Federal award for combat wounds
- Served on active duty for at least 90 consecutive days during a wartime period or for at least 30 consecutive days in a conflict zone
- Served in the Reserve or National Guard for at least 6 years, unless discharged due to a service-connected disability
- Been discharged from active duty with an honorable or general discharge
- Been awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge, Combat Medical Badge, or other Federal combat badge
Table 1: Protected Veteran Status Eligibility
| Service Type | Service Requirements | Award Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Active Duty | At least 90 consecutive days during wartime or 30 consecutive days in a conflict zone | N/A |
| Reserve or National Guard | At least 6 years of service | N/A |
| Wartime Service | N/A | Campaign Badge, Purple Heart, Silver Star |
Benefits
As a protected veteran, an individual is entitled to various benefits, including:
- Employment Preferences: preference in hiring for federal and private sector jobs
- Preference for Federal Contracts: preference for government contracts for businesses owned and controlled by protected veterans
- Tax Benefits: exemption from state and local taxes for certain types of military pension income
- Education and Training Benefits: priority access to education and training programs, such as the GI Bill
Bullets List of Benefits:
• Priority hiring preference for federal jobs
• Preference for federal contracts for businesses owned and controlled by protected veterans
• Tax exemption for certain types of military pension income
• Priority access to education and training programs, such as the GI Bill
• Access to other government services and benefits, such as healthcare and vocational rehabilitation
Responsibilities
In addition to the benefits they receive, protected veterans also have certain responsibilities, including:
- Self-Identification: protected veterans are required to self-identify as a protected veteran on job applications and in hiring processes
- Vocational Rehabilitation: protected veterans are eligible for vocational rehabilitation services, but are required to actively participate in the process
- Education and Training: protected veterans are entitled to priority access to education and training programs, but are expected to take advantage of these opportunities
Conclusion
In conclusion, a Protective Veteran is an individual who has served in the armed forces and has been granted special protections under the law. These individuals are eligible for various benefits, including employment preferences, preference for federal contracts, tax benefits, and education and training benefits. However, protected veterans also have certain responsibilities, including self-identification, vocational rehabilitation, and education and training. By understanding the definition, eligibility, benefits, and responsibilities of a protected veteran, individuals can better navigate the veterans’ benefits system and access the resources they need to succeed.
