Do Veterans Receive Hiring Preference for SES Positions?
The short answer, according to OPM, is “No. The reason is that 5 USC 2108(3) which defines the term “preference eligible” provides that this term does not include applicants for, or members of, the Senior Executive Service.”
There is a problem with this and it doesn’t appear to have been addressed by anyone. The 5 USC 2108 was last revised in 1952, approximately 20 years before the Senior Executive Service (SES) was carved out of the GS pay scale system (it used to go to GS16, GS17, etc.). In other words, it was meant to apply to the entire pay scale. By separating the top end of the pay scale out and giving it a new name, the government has effectively rendered veterans preference null and void. This should be challenged by someone to bring the spotlight on it.
