It’s safe to say veterans are among the most exceptional Americans. The veterans in our community who committed their lives to protecting our freedoms are the perfect example of selflessness and sacrificial service. Yet, all too often, our national recognition of their sacrifices is constrained to one day on the calendar — Veterans Day.

My team and I are committed to advocating year-round for our veterans in the First District and across the country. To that end, I recently introduced the Retain Skilled Veterans Act. This legislation aims to address the well-intentioned “180-day rule” that has placed an unnecessary burden on veterans going through a stressful transition from military to civilian life. Currently, military retirees pursuing civilian jobs must wait six months, or 180 days, to begin employment at the Department of Defense.

The 180-day rule, established in 1964, implemented a six-month waiting policy intended to deter the negative effects of a “revolving door” between the military leadership and the civil service. After years of service, this 180-day waiting period caused retiring military personnel to lose their opportunity for civilian leadership positions within the Department of Defense, costing the DOD invaluable institutional knowledge and expertise. The attacks on Sept. 11 necessitated a temporary repeal, but it was reinstated in 2017. The 180-day rule has been successful in accomplishing its stated intent but has not been without unintended consequences.

For every isolated instance of hiring abuse the 180-day rule has prevented, there are countless other veterans who retired as senior enlisted or junior officers who were prohibited from civil service employment in positions for which they were qualified. Of the nearly 1.4 million active-duty soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen, only 900 are generals. It has become clear that while the intent of the 180-day rule must be maintained, its broad, unrefined and heavy-handed implementation has harmed much of the veteran community.

Federal bureaucracy is causing the Defense Department to miss opportunities to hire individuals who are highly educated, possess security clearances, and have a proven work ethic.

Here at Hill Air Force Base, the Ogden Air Logistics Complex employs over 8,000 highly skilled technicians who perform depot maintenance on numerous Air Force aircraft. Most importantly, they perform maintenance on the F-35, the cornerstone of America’s air superiority. A rapidly aging workforce necessitates the need for the 180-day rule repeal. Military leadership has told us that by 2023, 37% of Air Force Sustainment Center civilians will be eligible to retire, and by 2028, that number is expected to grow to 54%.

Without seasoned technicians, the Ogden Depot would be reliant on an entry level workforce. Unfortunately, it takes three to five years just to obtain the necessary skills to operate at a journeyman level. If changes aren’t made, exhaustion, excessive overtime and decreased morale might be unavoidable.

After 20 years in uniform, retiring members of the military should not face government-imposed obstacles to continue serving their country. The Retain Skilled Veterans Act maintains key protections against unscrupulous hiring practices while giving the Defense Department the flexibility needed to hire veterans in more junior positions.

I am working diligently with my colleagues in Washington to repeal the 180-day rule. This common-sense legislation maintains protections against exploitative hiring practices while ensuring that the Defense Department can quickly hire the most qualified candidates.

But most importantly, this bill supports the veterans who are committed to continuing a lifetime of service.

This Veterans Day, I thank the countless men and women who have served our country. While this legislation marks a significant step toward better supporting and honoring the veterans in our community, there is much more work to be done. Today and every day, we can and must ask ourselves what we can do for the men and women who have done so much for us.

Blake Moore represents Utah’s 1st District in Congress.

Newsletter