USA: Millitary, Civilian Officials to Share Information on Continued Hiring of Wounded Warriors

Military and civilian officials with the Department of Defense and other federal agencies will share information on the continued hiring of wounded warriors at the 2nd Annual Wounded Warrior Hiring and Support Conference, sponsored by Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) and scheduled for Nov. 9-10.

According to Laura Stanek, Naval District Washington wounded warrior employment program manager, wounded warriors are a smart and easy hire for federal agencies in particular, thanks in part to free placement agencies and support services.

“There’s a natural fit between a veteran or service member who wants to serve their country in combat and on the front lines and someone who wants to do public service,” Stanek said. “This is a way wounded warriors can still continue to serve their country.”

The Veterans’ Recruitment Authority, Schedule A Appointing Authority and 30 percent or more disabled veteran are all non-competitive hiring authorities that employers can use to save time and effort while filling positions with wounded warriors. Also, while Stanek said accommodations are generally affordable and simple, federal agencies can have these costs subsidized through the Office of the Secretary of Defense via programs like the Computer Electronic/Accommodations Program. Stanek said that this makes federal employment especially suitable for wounded warriors.

Stanek also said that with much of the current federal workforce set to retire in the next five years, wounded warriors are an excellent choice to bring in and fill those jobs.

“We can’t continue to poach candidates from other agencies,” Stanek said. “Wounded warriors are a new source of talent for any federal agency, and any employer would be smart to consider hiring one of them.”

The conference is scheduled to take place in Vienna, Va. and is sponsored by the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, Department of the Navy.

[mappress]
Source: navy, November 02, 2011