Table of Contents
- Agent Orange
- Wars, Campaigns and Expeditions of the Armed Forces Since WWII which Qualify for Veterans Preference
- Uniformed Service Qualifying for Veterans Preference Purposes
Agent Orange
The Department of Veterans Affairs is the agency that administers claims for illness related to Agent Orange exposure, usually as a result of service in or around Vietnam. There are limitations and the requirements change periodically. See http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/
Army and USMC service in Vietnam is usually well documented in the Military Personnel Record.
Special Information for USAF veterans serving in Thailand:
U.S. Air Force Veterans who served on Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) bases at U-Tapao, Ubon, Nakhon Phanom, Udorn, Takhli, Korat, and Don Muang, near the air base perimeter anytime between February 28, 1961, and May 7, 1975.
(Generally, this would mean serving as Air Police performing guard duty along fences).
Important: To receive benefits for diseases associated with herbicide exposure, these Veterans must show on a factual basis that they were exposed to herbicides during their service as shown by evidence of daily work duties, performance evaluation reports, or other credible evidence.
See https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/hazardous-materials-exposure/agent-orange/
TDY service in Thailand may or may not be in the military personnel record. TDY was a finance action, not a personnel action. Morning reports (Pre 1967 for USAF) may be helpful in some limited cases.
Special Information for Navy and Coast Guard veterans:
See http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/agentorange/shiplist/index.asp
VetGuide Appendix A: Wars, Campaigns, and Expeditions of the Armed Forces Since WW II Which Qualify for Veterans Preference
War Service Creditable for Veterans' Preference
In the absence of a statutory definition for "war" and "campaign or expedition," OPM considers to be "wars" only those armed conflicts for which a declaration of war was issued by Congress. The title 38, U.S.C., definition of "period of war," which is used in determining benefits administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs, includes the Vietnam Era and other armed conflicts. That title 38 definition is NOT applicable for civil service purposes.
Thus the last "war" for which active duty is qualifying for Veterans preference is World War II. The inclusive dates for World War II service are December 7, 1941, through April 28, 1952.
Non-combat operations that are not qualifying for Veterans preference
Many medals are awarded for non-combat operations. These medals are not a basis for preference and include the following:
- Global War on Terrorism Service Medal for service from September 11, 2001, to date to be determined.
- The Medal of Merit for meritorious service in World War II.
- The Medal of Freedom for meritorious achievements or meritorious service to the United States on or after December 7, 1941, in the war against an enemy outside the continental limits of the United States.
- The Antarctica Service Medal for participating in scientific, direct support, or exploratory operation on the Antarctic Continent.
- The National Defense Service Medal for honorable service between June 27, 1950, and July 27, 1954, or January 1, 1961, and August 14, 1974; or for the period between August 2, 1990, and November 30, 1995.
- The Armed Forces Service Medal for participation in a United States military operation deemed to be a significant activity for which there was no threat of encounter of foreign armed opposition or imminent threat of hostile action.
- The Armed Forces Reserve Medal for 10 years of honorable service in a Reserve component; or active duty service in a Reserve component on or after August 1, 1990; or volunteer service for active duty on or after August 1, 1990.
Military Operations Since 1937 for Which a Campaign or Expeditionary Medal Has Been Awarded, Except for Operations Occurring During a Declared War
Military personnel receive many awards and decorations. To help agencies make decisions concerning entitlement to Veterans' preference and other benefits, the following list identifies those awards that are campaign and expeditionary medals. Any Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, whether listed here or not, is qualifying for Veterans preference. The Department of Defense, not OPM, determines who is entitled to receive a medal, and under what circ*mstances. The list below is derived from DoD 1348.33-M, Manual of Military Decorations and Awards.
DD 214, Certificate of Discharge or Separation from Active Duty, or other official documents issued by the branch of service are required as verification of eligibility for Veterans preference.
Campaigns and Expeditions Which Qualify For Veterans Preference | |
Campaign or Expedition | Inclusive dates |
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (AFEM) A veteran's DD Form 214 showing the award of any Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal is acceptable proof. The DD form 214 does not have to show the name of the theater or country of service for which that medal was awarded. | |
Afghanistan (Operations Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Iraqi Freedom (OIF)) | OEF September 11, 2001, to present; OIF March 19, 2003, to present |
Berlin | August 14, 1961, to June 1, 1963 |
Bosnia (Operations Joint Endeavor, Joint Guard, and Joint Forge) ) | November 20, 1995 to December 20, 1996; December 20, 1996 to June 20, 1998; June 21, 1998 to present |
Cambodia | March 29, 1973, to August 15, 1973 |
Cambodia Evacuation (Operation Eagle Pull) | April 11 - 13, 1975 |
Congo | July 14, 1960, to September 1, 1962, and November 23, to 27, 1964 |
Cuba | October 24, 1962, to June 1, 1963 |
Dominican Republic | April 28, 1965, to September 21, 1966 |
El Salvador | January 1, 1981, to February 1, 1992 |
Global War on Terrorism | September 11, 2001 to present |
Grenada (Operation Urgent Fury) | October 23, 1983, to November 21, 1983 |
Haiti Operation Uphold Democracy) | September 16, 1994, to March 31, 1995 |
Iraq (Operations Northern Watch, Desert Spring, Enduring Freedom (OEF), and Iraqi Freedom (OIF)) | January 1, 1997, to present; |
Korea | October 1, 1966, to June 30, 1974 |
Kosovo | March 24, 1999 to present |
Laos | April 19, 1961, to October 7, 1962 |
Lebanon | July 1, 1958, to November 1, 1958, and June 1, 1983, to December 1, 1987 |
Mayaguez Operation | May 15, 1975 to May 15, 1975 |
Operations in the Libyan Area (Operation Eldorado Canyon) | April 12, 1986 to April 17, 1986 |
Panama (Operation Just Cause) | December 20, 1989, to January 31, 1990 |
Persian Gulf Operation (Operation Earnest Will) | July 24, 1987, to August 1, 1990 |
Persian Gulf Operation (Operation Southern Watch) | December 1, 1995, to present |
Persian Gulf Operation (Operation Vigilant Sentinel) | December 1, 1995 to February 1, 1997 |
Persian Gulf Operation (Operation Desert Thunder) | November 11, 1998 to December 22, 1998 |
Persian Gulf Operation (Operation Desert Fox) | December 16, 1998 to December 22, 1998 |
Persian Gulf Intercept Operation | December 1, 1995, to present |
Quemoy and Matsu Islands | August 23, 1958, to June 1, 1963 |
Somalia (Operations Restore Hope and United Shield) | December 5, 1992, to March 31, 1995 |
Taiwan Straits | August 23, 1958, to January 1, 1959 |
Thailand | May 16, 1962, to August 10, 1962 |
Vietnam Evacuation (Operation Frequent Wind) | April 29, 1975, to April 30, 1975 |
Vietnam (including Thailand) | July 1, 1958, to July 3, 1965 |
Note:
Section 572 of Subtitle G of the Defense Authorization Act of Fiscal Year 1998 (Public Law 105-85), signed into law on November 18, 1997, allows the Secretary of the military department concerned to determine whether individual members who participated in Operation Joint Endeavor or Operation Joint Guard in the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina and in such other areas in the region as the Secretary of Defense considers appropriate, meet the individual service requirements for award of the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (AFEM). Generally, service members will be considered eligible if they:
- deployed to Bosnia and Herzegovina (or other area that the Secretary of Defense considers appropriate) in direct support of one or both of the operations;
- served on board a ship in the Adriatic in direct support of one or both of the operations; or
- operated in airspace above Bosnia, Herzegovina (or other area that the Secretary of Defense considers appropriate) while the operations were in effect.
Navy Expeditionary Medal and Marine Corps Medal for These Operations | |
Campaign or Expedition | Inclusive dates |
Cuba | January 3, 1961 to October 23, 1962 |
Indian Ocean/Iran | November 21, 1979, to October 20, 1981 |
Iranian/Yemen/Indian Ocean | December 8, 1978 to June 6, 1979 |
Lebanon | August 20, 1982 to May 31, 1983 |
Liberia (Operation Sharp Edge) | August 5, 1990 to February 21, 1991 |
Libyan Area | January 20, 1986 to June 27, 1986 |
Panama | April 1, 1980 to December 19, 1986 and |
Persian Gulf | February 1, 1987 to July 23, 1987 |
Rwanda (Operation Distant runner) | April 7 - 18, 1994 |
Thailand | May 16 - August 10, 1962 |
Vet Guide | |
Campaign or Expedition | Inclusive dates |
Army Occupation of Austria | May 9, 1945 to July 27, 1955 |
Army Occupation of Berlin | May 9, 1945 to October 2, 1990 |
Army Occupation of Germany | May 9, 1945 to May 5, 1955 |
Army Occupation of Japan | September 3, 1945 to April 27, 1952 |
Chinese Service Medal (Extended) | September 2, 1945 to April 1, 1957 |
Korea Defense Service Medal | July 28, 1954 to (date to be determined) |
Korean Service | June 27, 1950 to July 27, 1954 |
Kosovo Campaign Medal (KCM) & Operation Allied Force | March 24, 1999 to June 10, 1999 |
Kosovo Campaign Medal (KCM) & Operation Joint Guardian | June 11, 1999 to (date to be determined) |
Kosovo Campaign Medal (KCM) & Operation Allied Harbor | April 4, 1999 to September 1, 1999 |
Kosovo Campaign Medal (KCM) & Operation Sustain Hope/Shining Hope | April 4, 1999 to July 10, 1999 |
Kosovo Campaign Medal (KCM) & Operation Noble Anvil | March 24, 1999 to July 20, 1999 |
Kosovo Campaign Medal (KCM) & Task Force Hawk | April 5, 1999 to June 24, 1999 |
Kosovo Campaign Medal (KCM) & Task Force Saber | March 31, 1999 to July 8, 1999 |
Kosovo Campaign Medal (KCM) &Task Force Falcon | June 11, 1999 to (date to be determined) |
Kosovo Campaign Medal (KCM) & Task Force Hunter | April 1, 1999 to November 1, 1999 |
Navy Occupation of Austria | May 8, 1945 to October 25, 1954 |
Navy Occupation of Trieste | May 8, 1945 to October 25, 1954 |
Southwest Asia Service Medal (SWASM) (Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm) | August 2, 1990 to November 30, 1995 |
Units of the Sixth Fleet (Navy) | May 9, 1945 to October 25, 1955 |
Vietnam Service Medal (VSM) | July 4, 1965 to March 28, 1973 |
Rwanda (Operation Distant runner) | April 7 - 18, 1994 |
Thailand | May 16 - August 10, 1962 |
VetGuide Appendix B: Uniformed Service Qualifying for Veterans Preference Purposes
Appendix B | |
Capacity or Organization in Which Service is Performed | Qualify for Preference? |
Air Force Service: | |
Air Force Nurse Corps | YES |
Air Force Reserve, service on active duty | YES |
Air Force Reserve Officer's Training Corps | NO |
Air Force Service | YES |
Cadets of the Air Force | YES |
Regular Air Force | YES |
Women in the Air Force | YES |
Air lines under contractor | NO |
Air Transport Field Service | NO |
American Field Service | NO |
American Volunteer Guard | NO |
Army Service: | |
Army field clerks | YES |
Army Nurse Corps | YES |
Army Reserve (formerly Organized Reserve Corps) service on active duty | YES |
Army Specialist Corps | NO |
Army Transport Service: | YES |
Army Transport Service: | NO |
Cadets of the United States Military Academy | YES |
Contract Surgeons, service since June 3, 1916 | YES |
Female Dietetic and physical therapy personnel service since April 1, 1943 (exclusive of students and apprentices) | YES |
Licensed female physicians and surgeons, service since April 16, 1943 | YES |
National Guard of the United States (including all Federally recognized units, organizations and members of the National Guard of the several States, Territories and the District of Columbia) when called or mustered into active Federal Service | YES |
Philippine Army (organized military forces of the Government of the Commonwealth of the Philippines, including recognized guerrilla units) {see note 4 below} | NO |
Philippine Scouts | YES |
Regular Army | YES |
Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) | NO |
Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (WAACS) {see note 5 below} | NO |
Women's Army Corps (WACS) | YES |
Women's Medical Specialist Corps | YES |
Auxiliary Military Police | NO |
Bureau of Marine Inspection and Navigation | NO |
Cadet Nurse Corps | NO |
Chaplains: | |
Army | YES |
Knights of Columbus | NO |
Navy | YES |
Y.M.C.A. | NO |
Chemical Warfare Service: | |
Civilian and Contract employees military | NO |
Military personnel on active duty | YES |
Citizens Military Training Camps | NO |
Civil Aeronautics Administration Pilot Training: | |
Prior to September 1, 1943 | NO |
After September 1, 1943 | YES |
Civil Air Patrol | NO |
Civilian Conservation Corps (reserve Officers of the Army called to active duty with the Civilian Conservation Corps): | |
Service for at least 30 days before July 25, 1939 | YES |
Other personnel | NO |
Coast and Geodetic Survey Personnel {see note 3 below}: | |
Service under transfer by the President in time of natural emergency to the service and jurisdiction of the Armed Forces with proper military status (section 16 of the Act of May 22, 1917; 40 Stat. 87, as amended; 33 U.S.C. 855) | YES |
Service of commissioned officers of the Coast Guard and Geodetic Survey assigned to duty on projects of immediate military hazard under the provisions of Section 2, of the Act of December 2, 1942, 56 Sta. 1038, as amended (68 Stat. 730) | NO |
Coast Guard Service in or in connection with: | |
Cadets of the United States Coast Guard Academy | YES |
Coast Guard Auxiliary | YES |
Coast Guard Reserve Service (temporary): | YES |
Coast Guard Reserve Service (temporary): | NO |
Coast Guard Reserve Service (temporary): | NO |
Coast Guard Reserve Service (temporary): | NO |
Coast Guard Reserve Service (temporary): | NO |
Coast Guard Reserve Service (temporary): | NO |
Regular Coast Guard | YES |
Women's Reserve (SPARS), service on active duty | YES |
Marine Corps: | |
Aviation Cadets | YES |
Aviation Cadets | NO |
Marine Corps Reserve including: | YES |
Regular Marine Corps | YES |
Merchant Marine | NO |
Merchant Marine Cadet Corps | NO |
Military Sea Transportation Service (MSTS) | NO |
Navy, service in connection with: | |
Aviation Cadets: | YES |
Aviation Cadets: | NO |
Licensed female physicians and surgeons, service since April 16, 1943 | YES |
Midshipmen: | YES |
Midshipmen: | YES |
Naval Reserve Including: | YES |
Naval Reserve Officer's Training Corps Students | NO |
Naval Reserve Officer's Training Corps Students | YES |
Naval Reserve Officer's Training Corps Students | NO |
Navy College Program personnel, service between July 1, 1943 and June 30,1946 | YES |
Navy Nurse Corps | YES |
Regular Navy | YES |
Office of Strategic Services | YES |
Public Health Service: | |
Officers and employees detailed to duty with the Army or Navy by Executive Order 2571, during World War I | YES |
Commissioned officers performing active service: | YES |
Commissioned officers performing active service: | YES |
Commissioned officers performing active service: | YES |
Red Cross | NO |
State Guards | NO |
State Maritime Academy | NO |
State or Territorial police or Constabularies | NO |
Volunteer Defense Force Units, Territory of Hawaii (1942 to 1945) | NO |
War correspondents | NO |
Women's Air Service Pilots (WASPS) | NO |
Notes:
Military service under the Veterans preference laws is:
- Active duty in the Armed forces of the United States
- Active service in the Public Health Service which is a basis for entitlement to "full military benefits" under the Public Health Service Act of July 1, 1944
- Active service in the Coast and Geodetic Survey and successor organizations (NASA, NOAA) under transfer to the jurisdiction of the Armed Forces under 33 U.S.C. 855
- Service in the organized military forces of the Government of the Commonwealth of the Philippines (including recognized guerrilla units) between July 26, 1941 and June 30, 1946 when the forces were in the service if the Armed Forces of the United States, is not service in the military or naval forces if the United States for preference.
- Members of the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps served with but not in the Army. This organization was abolished on September 30, 1943.
- Coverage applies also to successor organizations, i.e. Environment Science Service Administration and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
- Service of Merchant Marine Reservists (U.S. Naval Reserve) called to active duty in the Navy, even though assigned to duty on merchant vessels or at shore establishments of the U.S. Maritime Service, is considered active duty for preference purposes.
- The Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service was declared to be a military service branch of the land and naval forces of the United States beginning July 29, 1945, and continuing through July 3, 1952. (Executive Orders 9575, 10349, 10356, 10362, and 10367.)
Back to NPRC Veterans Service Officer (VSO) Information Page