Basic Protections

USERRA provides the following basic protections:
- prohibits discrimination in initial employment, reemployment, retention in employment, promotion, or any benefit of employment due in any part to a person's past, present, or future military service, status, or obligations;
- prohibits discrimination or retaliation in employment against any person because such person (1) has taken an action to enforce a USERRA protection, (2) has testified or otherwise made a statement in or in connection with any USERRA proceeding, (3) has assisted or otherwise participated in a USERRA investigation, or (4) has exercised a USERRA right;
- provides benefits during the performance of military service such as health plan coverage and other non-seniority benefits (e.g., life insurance, holiday pay);
- provides for prompt restoration to employment with the pre-service employer as well as restoration of seniority-based benefits.