Washington, D.C. - Veterans will soon receive additional incentive and assistance as they transition from military service into the federal workforce. Office of Personnel Management Director Kay Coles James is launching the Veteran Invitational Program (VIP), an educational and recruitment strategy which targets military personnel who are transitioning to civilian life.

The much anticipated program is an effort by OPM to work with Transition Assistance Program offices on military bases in recruitment of new veterans that are becoming available to the Federal workforce. VIP will target veterans nationwide by providing informative educational tools and publications to Veteran Services Organizations (VSOs) and federal regional offices of Veterans' Affairs and the Department of Labor. OPM will distribute posters and pamphlets as well as providing a weblink for VSOs like American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), and Vietnam Veterans.

"President Bush wants to make every effort to assist our veterans as they transition to civilian life," James said. "Veterans represent a loyal and dedicated workforce that federal agencies and departments must tap into as they seek to successfully meet their goals and missions. Veterans' Preference offers individuals who have served America in the armed services the ability to transfer their skills from the military service to the civil service with due preference through the process. The new VIP program will educate veterans and allow timely and accurate dispersion of information on job opportunities in the federal workforce."

"We applaud this action by OPM. Transitioning service personnel are highly trained and possess skills that readily apply to the federal job market. Veterans are a resource that must not be ignored," stated VFW Commander-in-Chief Ray Sisk.

Coupled with the recent launch of the new USAJOBS website (usajobs.gov), the VIP program is another critical piece in OPM's effort to fulfill the President's Management Agenda: ensuring opportunities in the federal government are easily accessible to everyone. OPM recently revised the new website to reposition the interactive prompt for veterans and is encouraging VSOs to provide even more feedback to make the site use friendly for America's veterans.

"It is imperative that we make this information available to our veterans," James said. "These men and women are some of the most qualified candidates in terms of skills, talents and their commitment to our nation. They have sacrificed to secure the freedom of this great nation. As our President continues to make veterans' preference a top priority, the VIP will ensure their tireless sense of service is rewarded."

Our mission is to ensure the Federal Government has an effective civilian workforce. OPM supports U.S. agencies with personnel services and policy leadership including staffing tools, guidance on labor-management relations and programs to improve work force performance.