Is Veterans Preference a form of Affirmative Action?

[Jake]

Does adding points to the civil service exam scores for veterans go against the system of merit that our civil service is supposed to be based on? How is veterans preference and affirmative action different? If women are under represented in the military, doesn't veterans preference have a disparate impact on women? Thoughts please.
not all jobs in the military open to women....therefore, I would think that women are discriminated against (although unintentional). Plus the ratio for men to women in the military is around 70/30, making women underrepresented by the 4/5 rule.
Citizen1: I have researched Vet's preference and found that it primarily benefits blacks, hispanics and lower income whites because they are the ones who in today's non draft era make up the majority of the military. So, I would dispute your argument that Vets pref only benefits white males.....I would say that females are the ones most affected.

[Mahal]

It's a form of "special rights", and even as a veteran, I despise it.

However, we veterans were federal employees, and all companies would much rather hire and promote from within because of the decreased cost of training. So if you're talking about a federal job, go join the army and get your own preference.

Seriously. They'll hire anyone.

[gomanyes562]

Yes, it is a form of (legal) affirmative action.

[Mike]

Do not be ridiculous.

the additional veterans points are for the additional experience and discipline that they bring to the job. That is not affirmaive action.

THAT IS MERIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Have a nice day.