Q. I retired in 1996. There was a rule that retiring service members had to wait six months before they could take a civilian job with the federal government. Where can I find this regulation or policy?
A. To avoid the appearance of favoritism, 5 U.S.C. 3326 prohibits the appointment of retired military personnel to civil service positions (including a nonappropriated fund activity) in any Defense Department component for six months after retirement. (This restriction was temporarily suspended following the attacks of 9/11).
The secretary concerned may waive this prohibition. However, DoD Directive 1402.1 requires the secretary concerned to conduct intensive external recruitment before granting the waiver.
