Servicemembers and Veterans Initiative

Welcome to the United States Department of Justice’s Servicemembers and Veterans Initiative, a guidance resource for current and former members of the military, military family members, legal practitioners who serve the military community, and the general public. 

Here, servicemembers, veterans, and their family members will find information about the federal laws that protect their rights.  The Department of Justice protects a servicemember's civilian employment rights by enforcing the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act ("USERRA"), Pub. L. No. 103-353, 108 Stat. 3149 (codified in scattered sections of 38 U.S.C.), voting rights by enforcing the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act of 1986 ("UOCAVA"), 52 U.S.C. §§ 20301-20311, and financial security through the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act ("SCRA"),  50 U.S.C. §§ 3901-4043.  Servicemembers who believe their rights under USERRA, UOCAVA, or the SCRA have been violated will be able to file a complaint with the Department of Justice on this site.  Servicemembers, veterans, and their families will also find information about where to obtain legal assistance.

Legal practitioners who protect the rights of servicemembers will find information and resources here to help them, including an overview of USERRA, UOCAVA, and the SCRA, sample pleadings, and legal updates on the work of the Department of Justice.

The Department of Justice, in partnership with other federal agencies, is committed to devoting time and resources to protect the rights of servicemembers, and the employees of the Department of Justice are proud to serve our nation's men and women in uniform.  Should you have a question not answered by this website, please contact us and we will be happy to assist you.  However, the Servicemembers and Veterans Initiative is unable to provide legal advice or opinions.  Thank you for your interest in the Department of Justice’s Servicemembers and Veterans Initiative.