OPM Instructs Agencies To Waive Maximum Entry-Age Restrictions For Veterans

[timtim]

The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is instructing agencies that they must waive the maximum entry-age restrictions for preference eligible veterans, under certain circumstances. The waiver applies to Diplomatic Security Service Special Agents, United States Park Police, and Customs and Border Patrol Officers (subject to the Federal Employees Retirement System), among others.

Full Article
http://www.fedagent.com/current_e-report.php#245

My Thoughts: About Time.

[mopper]

I agree, to a point. It's this part that has me thinking that the decision isn't the smartest thing ever:

"OPM adds that in instances where the maximum entry-age is waived, the corresponding mandatory retirement age for these individuals will also be higher because it will be reached after 20 years of Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) service for the entitlement to an immediate enhanced annuity."

There's little difference between an active 35 year old and an active 45 year old. I would bet money on the fact that a 45 year old vet (recently out of the military) is in better shape than most Americans. But the truth of the matter is that our bodies don't last forever.

For example, what would happen if a 50 year old active vet was hired. That's cool, and I'm sure he or she would be highly effective for five years or so. But then you have the possibility of having a 70 year old special agent. That's really uncool.

I firmly agree that the age limit for entry should be lifted for vets, but the age of mandatory retirement should be kept at 57. No matter how sedentary the job is, there's no place in federal law enforcement for great-grandpa.

[nobodyimportant]

well i would rather have an active in shape 50 60 or 90 year old as a partner then a young fat slob whose belly covers their gun belt. get the out of shape young humps out then you can go after the old in shape active guys

[M-11]

But then you have the possibility of having a 70 year old special agent. That's really uncool.

I know thirty year old agents who are useless.

If you can pull a trigger and dress yourself, 90% of agencies have a place for you.

M-11

[ifp123]

well i would rather have an active in shape 50 60 or 90 year old as a partner then a young fat slob whose belly covers their gun belt. get the out of shape young humps out then you can go after the old in shape active guys

Thumbs up x 10 !

[vader]

Usss

Has anyone notice the change in this month's Special Agent posting with the Secret Service? It looks like this might not be a sure thing just yet. They just added the three paragraphs after the age requirements to this month's announcement:

Be between the ages of 21 and less than 37 at the time of
appointment (unless you have previous service in a Federal Civilian
Law Enforcement position covered by special civil service retirement
provisions, including early or mandatory retirement or are a veteran);

On August 26, 2009, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM)
published a memorandum for all Heads of Departments and Executive
Agencies related to hiring of preference eligible veterans applying
for federal positions with maximum entry-age restrictions.

As directed by OPM, the U.S. Secret Service will conduct an analysis
of all Secret Service positions having maximum entry age restrictions
to determine whether a maximum entry age requirement is essential to
the performance of the position. Applicants eligible for veterans'
preference who exceed the current maximum entry age requirement will
continue to be processed during this ongoing analysis. No final
determination regarding affected applicants will be made until
completion of this analysis. If it is the determination of the U.S.
Secret Service that the requirement is not essential to the position,
then the Agency will waive the maximum entry-age requirement for
veteran's preference eligible applicants for that position.

Proper notification to all affected parties will be published when
the analysis has been completed.

[streetshark394]

well i would rather have an active in shape 50 60 or 90 year old as a partner then a young fat slob whose belly covers their gun belt. get the out of shape young humps out then you can go after the old in shape active guys

I agree with this completely, and not just because of my age.

[Scout0315]

The analysis is not going to change the situation. The legal standard applying to this must be self limiting under the AADA.

i.e. Your eye sight must conform to 20/20 corrected and no worse than 20/200 uncorrected.

This is self limiting and a legal physical requirement under the AADA. Since no agent is allowed to serve with poor vision.

Now look at age, current standard is 37. Is it self limiting? Are there 37 year old agents? Yes, there for you can not limit an applicant under the AADA.

Before the world goes off, this argument cannot be applied to the general public, because Title 5 section 3307 allows a head of agency to set entry age, and has been vetted and affirmed by the USSC.

DSS has already walked this ground, OPM has already walk this ground for the entire 1811 series. The USSS is dotting the i and crossing the t’s.

Has anyone notice the change in this month's Special Agent posting with the Secret Service? It looks like this might not be a sure thing just yet. They just added the three paragraphs after the age requirements to this month's announcement:

Be between the ages of 21 and less than 37 at the time of
appointment (unless you have previous service in a Federal Civilian
Law Enforcement position covered by special civil service retirement
provisions, including early or mandatory retirement or are a veteran);

On August 26, 2009, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM)
published a memorandum for all Heads of Departments and Executive
Agencies related to hiring of preference eligible veterans applying
for federal positions with maximum entry-age restrictions.

As directed by OPM, the U.S. Secret Service will conduct an analysis
of all Secret Service positions having maximum entry age restrictions
to determine whether a maximum entry age requirement is essential to
the performance of the position. Applicants eligible for veterans'
preference who exceed the current maximum entry age requirement will
continue to be processed during this ongoing analysis. No final
determination regarding affected applicants will be made until
completion of this analysis. If it is the determination of the U.S.
Secret Service that the requirement is not essential to the position,
then the Agency will waive the maximum entry-age requirement for
veteran's preference eligible applicants for that position.

Proper notification to all affected parties will be published when
the analysis has been completed.