The case, Isabella v. Department of State, stems from a claim filed by Robert Isabella, a preference-eligible veteran who applied for a special agent position at the department. The job description called for someone 37 or younger; Isabella was 36 when he applied and when he turned 37, the agency stopped processing his application. The reasoning was that he was too close to the cutoff age. But MSPB found that this violated Isabella’s rights under the 1944 Veterans Preference Act, the 1998 Veterans Employment Opportunities Act, and the 1994 Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act.

The ruling pointed to a section of the Veterans Preference Act that requires federal agencies to waive maximum age rules for preference-eligible applicants unless the age requirement is essential to the performance of the work. The board determined that in this case the sole purpose of the age restriction was to allow agents to enjoy a full career before reaching the mandatory retirement age, which is normally 57, but can be extended three years to 60 if the agency has a particular need. “Being 37 is not critical to the job,” said Mathew Tully, the attorney who represented Isabella. “[State] has special agents up to age 60, and if you could be 60 and a special agent, it’s not a critical element of the job.” MSPB ordered State to waive the age requirement for Isabella and finish processing his application. Tully said the ruling opens up to veterans 280 federal law enforcement and firefighter jobs that used to have age restrictions. The only other field that is not covered by the ruling is air traffic control, which has a maximum entry age of 30. But Tully said the ruling for law enforcement positions would make winning a second case for air traffic control “relatively easy.” “It’s crucial that veterans are knowledgeable about the laws that can help them get an edge in federal employment,” Tully said. “The more who know, the more who will become federal employees.” [Source: GocExec.com Newsletter Brittany Ballenstedt article 15Jul 08 ++]

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- MANILA: 2150 Roxas Blvd. corner of Quirino Ave. Unit P, Manila Bay Aloha Arcade, Malate. Tel: 02-522-2169 or [0919] 283-1470 or <raomanila@vasia.com>

- ANGELES: 1925 MacArthuer Hwy., Balibago, Angeles City 2009 Tel: [45] 888-2748 or <rao_cabr@mozcom.com>

- BAGUIO: Red Lion, 92 Glen Luna, cnr Leonard Rd & Brent Rd. Baguio City 2400 Cell: 0915-361-3503 or raoemo@sbcglobal.net /annieg@mozcom.com.

- SUBIC: 34 National Hiway (i.e. Beach Blvd.) in Barrio Barretto, Olongapo Tel: 47-222-2314 or <dir@raosubic.com>

The Recruiters will be available to explain benefits associated with service in the Coast Guard, answer questions, and interview applicants desiring enlistment. Those thinking about joining the Coast Guard must meet the following criteria:

1. US citizen or green card holder

2. Age 17 to 27. A two year waiver up to age 29 can be requested and are usually obtained.

3. Pass the ASVAB exam with a combined score of 45 or more.

4. Meet US Coast Guard Maximum Allowable Weight standards to be determined according to each individual’s height and bone mass structure crosschecked on a designated Coast Guard chart. Body fat is not factored.

5. Meet minimum High School education criteria. (Diploma, College credits, etc.)All education will be subject to evaluation thru the same agency used to evaluate all other armed forces applicants with foreign education.

6. Have no more than two dependents.(One must be the spouse)This does not mean you have to be married to join, it means you must be married if you have a child.

7. Bring all pertinent copies and ORIGINAL documents for verification (birth certificate, passport, social security card ,high school diploma, college credits, shot records, marriage certificate, spouse’s birth certificate, social security card, passport, all other ORIGINAL paperwork they may feel is necessary).

8. Tattoos are to be limited on the following areas: between the elbow and wrist, and knee and ankle. Limits for these areas shall not exceed 25% of such mass. In other words, if the applicant cannot cover the tattoo with his/her own hand it exceeds limitations. Tattoos above the T-shirt neckline or on the hands are disqualifying factors, and waivers will not be considered for such.

Applicants who meet or exceed the above standards will be commercially transported to Guam at government expense for official ASVAB testing, physical examination, and induction into the Delayed Entry Program upon completion of the National Security Questionnaire and all pertinent enrollment paperwork. Departure to basic training will be determined based on next available open date, or as vacancies become available. Regardless, all qualified personnel will be sent as soon as possible.

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February 28, San Diego Naval Base, Anchors Club, 10:00-14:00.
July 10, Camp Pendleton Marine Base, So. Mesa Club, 10:00-14:00.
July 31, San Diego Naval Base, Anchors Club, 10:00-14:00.
October 23, Camp Pendleton Marine Base, So. Mesa Club, 10:00-14:00.
November 6, San Diego Naval Base, Anchors Club, 10:00-14:00.
December 4, Miramar Marine Air Station, Officers Club, 10:00-14:00.

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