Section 3326 of United States Code Title 5 states that a retired member of the Armed Forces may not be APPOINTED to a civilian position in Department of Defense (DoD) within 180 days after retirement (without a ‘waiver’).

You can STILL apply!

When I was transitioning from the Army, I was told I couldn’t apply for a GS position for 6-months.

WHAT?!?!

I’m not personally a big fan of people saying I can’t do something, so…

• I was qualified.
• I knew the hiring managers.
• I was well-respected in the organization.

After 25 years in the military, this would be the FIRST job I targeted.

• I was referred.
• I went through three rounds of interviews.
• I was NOT selected; a more qualified person was.

IF I had been selected (and I accepted), a waiver would have been requested.

That’s it.

So…understand the “rules” before you let them deter you from applying for a position.

*Note: Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) and The Military Coalition are working with lawmakers to repeal the requirement for those retiring from military service to wait 180 days before entering DoD civil service General Schedule (GS) positions for GS-13 and below.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Matt Quick retired from the U.S. Army January 1, 2019 after 25 years of active service and settled just outside Raleigh, North Carolina. He’s dedicated his military career assisting service members in taking control of their careers and continues assisting service members and their families during the military transition journey. Matt founded ArmyReenlistment.com in 2003 and continues to lead its brand. He also serves as Fusion Technology, LLC’s Director of People and Culture, HireMilitary‘s Director of Training and Development Programs, and the Executive Director for Dylan Quick Foundation.

Article was originally posted on https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/180-day-rule-matt-quick/