Mast Announces Support for End of 180-Day Waiting Period for Military Retirees

As a former U.S. Army Servicemember, Representative Brian Mast (R-FL) announced that he is supporting the Retain Skilled Veterans Act, which looks to bring the 180-day rule to a permanent end.

Under current law, military retirees must wait 180 days following their retirement from the service before they take a position at the Department of Defense (DoD).

Rep. Mast believes that this rule is “unnecessary red tape.”

“Currently, retired military members who wish to work as civilian employees at the Department of Defense are subjected to something known as the 180-day rule. The rule prohibits veterans from starting at the DoD within 180 days of their retirement or separation for positions at the GS-13 level or below. To put it plainly, it’s unnecessary red tape that keeps many from hitting the ground running in their post-military career,” stated Rep. Mast.

He would go on to provide more reasoning for supporting the legislation.

“The military invests in every soldier, sailor, Airman, and Marine, and there are valuable skills gained throughout their time in service. Our government should not be disincentivizing veterans by forcing them to wait six months to serve, especially when there’s a real need for their expertise and experience.”

The Retain Skilled Workers Act was first introduced in June of 2021 by Senator James Lankford (R-OK) who reintroduced the bill in February.

According to Mark Belinsky (writing for the Military Officers Association of America), “he 180-day rule forces many who wish to continue national service to consider other careers,” and that “the waiting period has resulted in a talent management problem for hiring officials grappling with an antiquated hiring process; it can take months to hire a qualified candidate with a current security clearance…the current scope of the 180-day rule severely restricts the ability of federal hiring authorities to hire highly qualified individuals for GS-13 and below positions requiring current military certifications and experience.”

Mast concluded his statement regarding the bill as a “commonsense solution.”

“This is a commonsense solution that will help veterans transition to civilian life and provide the government with hard working, dedicated employees. It’s a win-win, and I look forward to seeing it become law.”

There hasn’t been any movement on the bill since February.