DEA is actively committed to recruiting veterans. We value their understanding of leadership, teamwork, and integrity and their array of experience, skills and abilities, proven in real world situations.

Veterans have certain entitlements by law in competing for Federal civil service employment. The following online resources are provided to help you understand veterans' preference and other hiring flexibilities available to veterans. Please visit the following outside websites for detailed information about:

Veterans' Preference:

• U.S. Department of Labor’s Veterans' Preference Advisor
• How to Claim Veterans’ Preference
• U.S. Office of Personnel Management’s (OPM) VetGuide

Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA) Authority (allows for appointment of eligible veterans in positions up to the GS-11 level):

• U.S. Department of Labor’s Veterans' Preference Advisor

30% or More Disabled Veteran Appointing Authority and Veterans Employment Opportunity Act of 1998 (VEOA):

• OPM’s FedsHireVets.gov

Noncompetitive Appointment of Certain Military Spouses:

• OPM’s VetGuide

Operation Warfighter
DEA participates in Operation Warfighter, a federal internship program developed for placement of wounded, ill, and injured service members. Active service members are placed in DEA offices nationwide and their assignments offer opportunities to explore interests and develop skills during the recuperation process.

• U.S. Department of Defense’s Operation Warfighter

Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA)

The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA) protects individuals performing, or who have performed, uniformed service in accordance with 38 U.S.C. 4301-4335 from employment discrimination on the basis of their uniformed service, and provides for their prompt restoration to civilian employment when they return to civilian life. 

These documents provide DEA employees called to active duty, their employee rights and benefits under USERRA.   In addition, the documents serve as a guide to assist employees and supervisors with documenting uniform service periods.

Checklist for Veterans and Reservists Called to Active Military Duty
Employee Military Leave Activation Package for Reservists Called to Active Duty