Veterans have lost a key advantage in federal hiring under new policies implemented by the Biden administration, sparking backlash from critics who say the changes devalue their service. A Defense Civilian Personnel Advisory Service (DCPAS) memorandum announced the shift, removing veterans’ priority in hiring decisions for civil service jobs.
Since World War II, veterans’ preference has ensured those who served receive special consideration for federal employment. The new policy, however, places veterans on equal footing with other candidates, effectively dismantling a system designed to reward military service.
The memorandum expands Direct Hire Authority (DHA), allowing federal agencies to bypass standard hiring procedures for critical positions in STEM, cybersecurity, acquisitions, and related fields. This fast-tracked process excludes veterans’ preference, enabling agencies to prioritize hiring based on perceived urgency rather than service-based qualifications.
“This is an intentional effort to replace veterans with a new federal workforce aligned with the administration’s agenda,” a source within the Air Force claimed. The source called the move a “betrayal of those who served” and accused the administration of building a politically motivated bureaucracy.
The updated guidelines also extend DHA to roles in criminal investigation and data science, raising concerns among veterans’ groups that these changes will permanently limit opportunities for service members transitioning to civilian careers.
While proponents argue the new policies address urgent staffing shortages, critics contend they are part of a broader effort to prioritize diversity and inclusion over merit and sacrifice. Veterans’ advocates warn this shift could discourage military service by diminishing post-service employment benefits.
As federal agencies move forward with the new rules, the growing tension between the administration’s hiring priorities and veterans’ rights is likely to fuel further controversy in the coming months.
