Ihi
&EPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
From M.O.S.
to J-O-B
A Guide for
Applying Military
Occupational Specialties
(M.O.S.) to Civilian
Drinking Water and
Wastewater Operations
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Office of Water (4606M)
EPA816-B-14-002
April 2014
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Introduction to Military Occupational Specialties
(MOSs) for the Water Sector Workforce
PURPOSE OF THIS GUIDE
In 2012, the United States Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) and the Department of Veterans Affairs
(VA) partnered to connect veterans with careers in
the water sector. While serving in the Armed Forces
many veterans held Military Occupation Specialties
(MOS) that directly or indirectly translate into the
types of positions needed in the water sector. This
guide highlights relevant MOSs and tips for water
and wastewater utilities considering hiring veterans.
What is an MOS?
An MOS, or Military Occupational
Specialty, is the job title and
description used by the Army and
Marines to describe each of it's
jobs. The US Navy and Coast Guard
use the term "Rating," and the Air
Force uses Air Force Specialty Code
instead of MOS. All of these terms
are interchangeable.
USEFUL TIPS
When a utility is considering a veteran as a potential candidate to hire, knowing his/her
qualifications and experience while serving in the military is important. There are several
ways to do this:
• Match the veteran's MOS with the corresponding page in this guide. This gives
information on the water-related MOS, and the skills and duties that it requires.
• You may request that the veteran provide copies of entries into his/her Service Record
Book (SRB) which provide evidence of specific training and qualifications. All branches
of the Armed Forces keep records of every formal and informal training that a member
receives. This will also cover on-the-job training, which may be the majority of training
the veteran has received.
• You may request a copy of the veteran's discharge papers, known as a DD214. This will
provide information on the veteran's MOS (called "Rating" for the Navy and Coast
Guard), rank, time in service, awards, etc.
• You may also request a copy of the veteran's Verification of Military Experience and
Training, known as a Form DD2586. Please note that the veteran may or may not have a
copy of this form. It is not standard for veterans to receive this upon discharge.
Additionally, this form will only contain "Formal" training. All informal training and on-
the-job training will be in the veteran's Service Record Book, which is a more
comprehensive way to evaluate his/her skills.
CONTACTING REFERENCES
Contacting military references can prove to be very difficult, if not impossible. Most military
members transfer duty stations every two to four years, which makes tracking them down a
daunting task. Some of the references could also have been discharged and moved on to their
own civilian careers, making it difficult to obtain updated contact information. When this
occurs, there are alternatives as listed below:
• All military members are evaluated on their proficiency and conduct every six-twelve
months. Some Veterans may have copies of their evaluations, which should provide an
accurate portrayal of their work skills and general work behavior.
• Award citations will also give the prospective employer a good picture of the Veteran's
major accomplishments, skills and work ethics.
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Document Contents
US Army MOS: 92W Water Treatment Specialist 3
US Navy Rating: Utilitiesman (UT) 5
US Marines MOS: 1171 Water Support Technician 7
US Coast Guard Ratings: Damage Controlman (DC), Machinery Technician (MK),
Marine Science Technician (MST) 9
US Air Force Specialty Code: 3E4X1 —Water and Fuel Systems Maintenance 11
United Services Military Apprenticeship Program USN, USMC, USCG 13
Additional Military Jobs that Support Drinking Water and Waste water Utilities 14
Appendix 1 Gl Bill —On-The-Job Fact Sheet 15
Appendix 2 Veterans Affairs —Non-Paid Work Experience Program 19
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US Army MOS: 92W
Water Treatment Specialist
OVERVIEW
Water treatment specialists are primarily
responsible for supervising or performing
the installation and operation of water
purification equipment, as well as dealing
with water storage and distribution
operations and activities. They also inspect
facilities and food supplies for the
presence of disease, germs or other
conditions hazardous to health and the
environment.
MOS SKILLS
Basic Skills
US Army Water Treatment Specialists
install, operate and maintain equipment
used to provide potable water and perform
water quality analysis tests. They perform
field water purification and treatment;
water quality analysis; and generator and
pump operations.
Soldiers ranked Private through
Specialist —Skill Level 10 —assist in water
reconnaissance, site preparation and setup
of water treatment activity. They operate
and maintain water treatment equipment;
receive, issue and store potable water; and
perform water quality analysis testing and
verification.
Some of the equipment and systems these
Soldiers use include the following:
Forward Area Water Point Supply
System (FAWPSS)
Hypochlorination units
From 125 up to 600 gallons-per-
minute (GPM) water pumps
From 125 up to 3,000 gallons-per-
hour (GPH) Light, Medium, Tactical
(LMT) reverse osmosis water
purification units (ROWPUs)
From 500 gallons up to a 50,000
gallon capacity collapsible fabric
potable water tanks
300k/800k gallon Potable Water
Storage And Distribution System
(PWS/DS)
These Soldiers carry out the following tasks
as part of their duties:
• Perform water reconnaissance (e.g.
locating new water sources)
• Conduct water analysis testing
• Complete entries on Water Reports/
Logs/Forms
Information provided by the US Army: Chief, Water Training Division, Fort Lee, Virginia; All photos
courtesy of the US Army
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US Army MOS: 92W
Water Treatment Specialist (continued)
• Operate reverse osmosis water
purification units
• Set-up/operate/dismantle and
perform Preventive Maintenance
Check & Services (PMCS) on the
Ocean Intake Structure System
(OISS)
• Operate and perform PMCS on
diesel generators, pumps and air
compressors
• Operate and perform PMCS on a
well head
• Set up/operate/perform PMCS and
dismantle hypochlorination units
• Perform water quality analysis
testing and verification
• Perform the storage, transportation
and disposal of hazardous material
and waste
Advanced Skills
As Soldiers gain more time and experience
in this MOS, they will earn the rank of a
Noncommissioned Officer (NCO). These
water treatment NCOs are the Sergeants,
Staff Sergeants and Sergeant First Class'
and are considered the backbone of the
skill and leadership of this MOS.
In addition to mastering the basic skills
listed above, the major duties for these
NCOs are to train, supervise, analyze and
manage the work of the Soldiers they lead.
In addition to training and supervising
junior Soldiers, the following are some
additional skills in which these Soldiers
maintain proficiency in:
Sergeants—Skill Level 20 —operate,
perform and install water purification
equipment, water storage, and water
distribution operations and activities.
Staff Sergeants—Skill Level 30—conduct
water reconnaissance; develop water
sources and water points; supervise and
train Soldiers to perform water treatment
tasks; perform operator maintenance and
inspect operational condition and
maintenance of equipment; determine
treatment method and treat water for
purification; analyze and verify test results
of raw and treated water; maintain and
inventory water treatment equipment and
chemical supplies; prepare water
treatment reports.
Sergeant First Class—Skill Level 40 —
directs water reconnaissance and water
point development for division, corps and
echelons above corps. Manages operation
and ensures quality control of water
supply, storage, distribution and
purification activities. Perform staff and
advisory duties. Furnishes reports to
headquarters. Develops area water supply
and treatment plan and supervises
operations.
Information provided by the US Army: Chief, Water Training Division, Fort Lee, Virginia; All photos
courtesy of the US Army
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US Navy Rating: Utilitiesman (UT)
OVERVIEW
Utilitiesman, also known as Seabees, work
with plumbing, heating, steam, compressed
air, fuel storage and distribution systems.
Their work also includes water treatment
and distribution systems, air conditioning
and refrigeration equipment, and sewage
collecting and disposal facilities at Navy
shore installations around the world.
MOS SKILLS
Basic Skills
• Locate and determine quality and
quantity of water sources
• Install and operate field potable
water treatment and wastewater
equipment
• Analyze water for chemical and
physical characteristics to determine
water purification treatment methods
• Install and maintain systems
requiring plumbing and pipe-fitting
skills
• Install, operate and repair heating,
piping, ventilation and air
conditioning systems
• Operate and maintain water and
wastewater systems and treatment
plants
• Identify and carry out procedures to
limit or minimize the adverse effects
of environmental pollution
• Interpret blueprints and prepare
sketches for projects
• Provide estimates of material,
labor and equipment requirements
for projects
Advanced Skills
Advanced Utilitiesman are trained to
perform more complex duties as they
advance. Some of the main areas and
equipment learned include the following:
• Water treatment and purification
• Sewage treatment and disposal
• Facilities maintenance management
• Blueprint reading and technical
drawings
• Planning, estimating and scheduling
• Advanced Base planning
Planning plumbing projects
Compressed air systems
Boilers
Duct and ventilation systems
Air conditioning and refrigeration
Solar energy
Environmental pollution control
Information obtained from "Utilitiesman (Advanced) Training Course book (NAVEDTRA 14259). All
photos courtesy of the US Navy.
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US Navy Rating: Utilitiesman (UT) (continued)
As part of the work Advanced Utilitiesmen
perform with water treatment and
purification operations, they learn and use
more specific skills, such as:
• Selecting water sources based on
source quantity, quality and
reliability
• Selecting and utilizing water points
such as surface water (streams,
lakes, rivers), groundwater (wells,
springs), seawater, rain, snow and
ice
Developing of water sources
Determining water contamination
Analyzing and verifying test results
of raw and treated water
Determining treatment method and
treat water for purification
Selecting, setting-up and operating
water treatment equipment
including distillation, reverse
osmosis, filtration and disinfection
units.
Emergency treatment methods
Wastewater and sewage treatment
Disposing of and monitoring sewage
effluents
Information obtained from "Utilitiesman (Advanced) Training Course book (NAVEDTRA 14259). All
photos courtesy of the US Navy
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US Marines MOS: 1171
Water Support Technician
OVERVIEW
US Marine Corps Water Support
technicians often work in some of the most
severe and rough environments to provide
safe drinking water to their fellow Marines.
They are skilled in improvising when tools
and resources are limited so that safe
drinking water is produced and delivered
on a consistent basis. Because these
Marines play an important role in
supporting the success of many missions,
the United Services Military Apprenticeship
Program includes an apprenticeship
program that leads to certification as a
Journey Worker under the US Department
of Labor. As such, USMC Water Support
Technicians develop expertise that may be
considered equivalent to those duties
performed by water operators at local
municipalities.
MOS SKILLS
The following are some (not all inclusive)
of the required tasks, skills and equipment
used to qualify as a "basic" Water Support
Technician.
Basic Skills
USMC Water Support Technicians install,
operate, inspect, and perform preventive
and corrective maintenance on pumps,
water filtration/purification equipment,
water storage/distribution systems and
laundry and shower facilities.
These systems and equipment include (but
are not limited to) the following:
• Forward Area Water Point Supply
System (FAWPSS)
• Hypochlorination units
• From 125 GPM up to 3,000 GPH
water pumps
• From 125 GPH up to a 1500 GPH
light and medium water purification
systems
• From 500 gallons up to a 50,000
gallon capacity collapsible fabric
potable water tanks
• Bare base shower facility
• Containerized batch laundry (CBL)
unit
Additionally, these Marines conduct the
following tasks:
• Cleaning tanks and filter beds using
backwashing
• Testing water to determine acidity,
impurities, turbidity and
conductivity
Information provided by Training and Education Branch, MAGTF Engineer Center, Marine Corps
Engineer School: MCO 1200.17E PT 1. All photos courtesy of the US Marine Corps.
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US Marines MOS: 1171
Water Support Technician (continued)
• Regulating the flow of raw water for
treatment while mixing it with
specified amounts of chemicals (i.e.,
alum, coagulate, chlorine, ammonia
and lime) in the filtration/
purification process
• Planning, installing and repairing
the plumbing systems of structures,
which includes: cutting, bending
and threading pipes; joining pipes
using screws, bolts, fittings, solder
and plastic solvent
• Identifying plumbing materials
• Cutting pipe
• Connecting pipe
• Installing plumbing fixtures in a
permanent structure
• Repairing plumbing system of a
permanent structure
Advanced Skills
• Conducting and evaluating water
surveys, water reconnaissance and
water quality analysis
• Developing water sources and water
points
• Supervising and training Marines to
perform water treatment tasks
• Performing operator maintenance
on equipment
• Inspecting operational condition
and maintenance of equipment
• Determining treatment method and
treat water for purification
• Analyzing and verifying test results
of raw and treated water
• Maintaining and inventorying water
treatment equipment and chemical
supplies
• Preparing water treatment reports
• Establishing, maintaining and
closing down sanitation systems
Marines with these advanced skills also
attend a "Train-the-Trainer" school to
ensure the continued knowledge retention
in this field. This school includes the
following tasks:
• Conducting training assessments
• Developing training schedules
• Developing training scenarios
• Conducting operational risk
assessments
• Creating performance evaluation
checklists
• Preparing for, conducting and
evaluating training
• Conducting After Action Reviews
(AAR)
• Leading guided discussions
Information provided by Training and Education Branch, MAGTF Engineer Center, Marine Corps
Engineer School: MCO 1200.17E PT 1. All photos courtesy of the US Marine Corps.
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US Coast Guard Ratings:
Damage Controlman (DC), Machinery Technician
(MK), Marine Science Technician (MST)
OVERVIEW
DCs and MKs stationed aboard larger
Cutters (Coast Guard ships) gain extensive
experience working on ship-board water
purification systems. The typical systems
on-board ships are large evaporators and
reverse osmosis systems that turn salty sea
water into ship drinking water. All aspects
of operating and maintaining these systems
are completed by the on-board MKs and
DCs. MSTs are the Coast Guard's
regulatory, scientific and environmental
specialists. They receive extensive training
and experience in environmental science
and chemistry throughout their career.
Some will serve in the Coast Guard
Laboratory analyzing water and oil
samples, while others will serve as the
responders to oil and hazardous materials/
waste releases into the environment. They
have extensive experience in water
sampling and environmental response.
MOS SKILLS
Basic Skills
MK—Machinery Technician students are
taught principles of theory, operation,
maintenance, repair and trouble-shooting
of mechanical, modernized maintenance
systems and tag-out procedures, hydraulic,
pneumatic, and electrical machinery and
systems. The following topics are covered
during the course:
• Mechanical Skills - Tag-out, Gauges
& Thermometers, Valves, Tubing,
Piping, Packing, Gaskets, Seals,
Flange Shielding, Brazing, Tapping,
Threading, etc.
• Hydraulic Theory, Maintenance,
Troubleshooting and Repair
• Flexible Hose Maintenance and
Repair Procedures
• Centrifugal Pump Theory,
Maintenance, Overhaul,
Troubleshooting and Repair
• Operation and Maintenance of
Dewatering and Firefighting Pumps
Pump Shaft Alignment Procedures
Propulsion Shafting Seals
Air Compressor Theory and
Maintenance
Basic Electrical Theory, Wiring,
Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Trailer Maintenance and Repair
Air Conditioning, Refrigeration
Theory and HVAC
Outboard Motor Theory,
Maintenance, Tune-up and
Troubleshooting
Introduction to Maintenance and
Information obtained from US Coast Guard Recruiting. All photos courtesy of the US Coast Guard
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US Coast Guard Ratings:
Damage Controlman (DC), Machinery Technician (MK),
Marine Science Technician (MST) (continued)
Requisition Supply Procedures,
Modernized Maintenance Systems
and Tag-Out Procedures
• Internal Combustion Engine Theory,
Maintenance, Overhaul, Casualty
Control, and Troubleshooting
• Fuel/Oil, Engine Coolant, Hydraulic
Oil and Lube Oil Testing
• Leadership
DC—The Damage Controlman rating is a
diverse rating. A single Damage
Controlman in today's Coast Guard has the
knowledge and skills of numerous trades,
such as welder, plumber, carpenter and
firefighter. Duties include:
Plumbing and pipe fitting
Oxy-fuel cutting/brazing
Engineering administration
Watertight closure maintenance
Welding
Shipboard firefighting procedures
Finish carpentry
Rough construction
Chemical, biological and radiological
warfare defense
Practical damage control
Leadership
lid iy:>i
samples
• Assisting environmental health
experts and other scientists in
oceanographic research efforts
• Facility security & safety, including
conducting security and safety
surveys at facilities
• Conducting harbor and port patrols
and inspections
• Boarding vessels to ensure
compliance with environmental
protection and maritime safety
standards
• Meteorology
MSTs are also the Coast Guard's hazardous
materials experts, Incident Command
System (ICS) and OSHA response trainers.
MST—Marine Science Technicians are the
Coast Guard's regulatory, scientific and
environmental specialists, performing a full
range of marine safety and environmental
protection activities. They are highly
trained in Marine Environmental
Response / Protection, marine safety,
regulatory enforcement / interpretation,
Information obtained from US Coast Guard Recruiting. All photos courtesy of the US Coast Guard
10
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US Air Force Specialty Code: 3E4X1 —
Water and Fuel Systems Maintenance
OVERVIEW
Airmen working in the Air Force's Water
and Fuel Systems Maintenance MOS Series
learn many skills throughout their careers.
They work on plumbing, water distribution,
wastewater collection systems, water and
wastewater treatment systems, fire
suppression, backflow prevention systems,
natural gas distribution systems, and liquid
fuel storage, distribution and dispensing
systems.
MOS SKILLS
Basic Skills
• Locate and determine quality and
quantity of water sources
• Install and operate field potable
water treatment and wastewater
equipment
• Analyze water for chemical and
physical characteristics to
determine water purification
treatment methods
Perform planning activities, and
quality assurance to include service
contracts and facility surveys
Install, operate and maintain,
inspect and repair: natural gas
systems, plumbing, water and
wastewater treatment systems, fire
suppression, backflow prevention
systems, aircraft hydrant refueling
and ground product dispensing
systems
Monitor systems operation to
ensure efficiency and compliance
with local state, federal and
Defense Department regulations for
safety and environmental
regulations for hazardous materials
Perform inspections, preventive
maintenance, winterization and
overhaul of systems
Operationally inspect and diagnose
malfunctions in mechanical
components using technical orders,
manufactures' specifications, local
procedures, codes and directives
Inspect condition and operation of
electrical components
Conduct fuel system components
inspections, and maintenance on
fuel system piping
Perform confined space entries to
accomplish system maintenance
Information provided by US Air Force, Water and Fuels Systems Maintenance Force Development Man-
ager; All photos courtesy of the US Air Force.
11
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US Air Force Specialty Code: 3E4X1 —
Water and Fuel Systems Maintenance (continued)
Solve complex maintenance
problems by studying layout
drawings, wiring diagrams, and
schematics to analyze, isolate and
troubleshoot system malfunctions
Remove, repair and replace
defective components
Install, modify, repair and maintain
a variety of new and existing utility
distribution and collection systems
and equipment such as sewage,
water, gas distribution systems,
backflow prevention devices and
fire sprinkler systems.
Locate and tap main lines.
Coordinate locations of field
latrines and pits with engineering
and medical staff
Analyze proposed work to
determine resource allocation
Initiate fuels facility Sustainment,
Restoration, and Modernization and
Military Construction projects to
include project review, monitoring
and acceptance
Prepare cost estimates and supply
procurement for in-service work
Apply engineered performance
standards to plan and estimate work
requirements
Ensure planning activities comply
with environmental, safety and
hazardous materials regulations
Advanced Skills
As airmen advance through the ranks, they
increase their expertise and take on
leadership roles. As the airmen in this MOS
Series are promoted, they advance through
the following skill levels:
3E411, Helper
3E431, Apprentice
3E451, Journeyman
3E471, Craftsman
3E491, Superintendent
NOTE: Superintendents are Senior Master
Sergeants holding a Community College of
the Air Force Associates degree. They serve
in leadership/management positions and
work with budgets, manpower, resources
and personnel management.
Information provided by US Air Force, Water and Fuels Systems Maintenance Force Development Man-
ager; All photos courtesy of the US Air Force.
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United Services Military Apprenticeship Program
USN, USMC, USCG
Program Information
The United Services Military Apprenticeship
Program (USMAP) is a formal military training
program executed by the Center for Personal and
Professional Development which provides active
duty Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and Navy service
members the opportunity to improve their job
skills and to complete their civilian
apprenticeship requirements while they are on
active duty. The US Department of Labor (DOL)
provides the nationally recognized "Certificate of
Completion" upon program completion.
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Applicable Apprenticeships
Water Treatment Plant Operator (Waterworks)
This apprenticeship program is open to the following MOSs:
• US Navy: Engineman (EN), Machinist's Mate (MM), Utilitiesman (UT)
• US Marine Corps: 1120 —Utilities Officer, 1169 —Utilities Chief, 1171 —Water Support
Technician
Pipe Fitter
This apprenticeship program is open to the following MOSs:
• US Navy: Hull Technician (HT), Utilitiesman (UT)
• US Marine Corps: 1120 —Utilities Officer, 1169 —Utilities Chief, 1171 —Water Support
Technician
• US Coast Guard: Damage Controlman (DC)
Plumber
This apprenticeship program is open to the following MOSs:
• US Navy: Hull Technician (HT), Utilitiesman (UT)
• US Marine Corps: 1169 —Utilities Chief, 1171 —Water Support Technician
• US Coast Guard: Damage Controlman (DC)
For more information on this program, please visit: https://usmap.cnet.navy.mil/usmapss/
static/trades.jsp.
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Additional Military Jobs that Support
Drinking Water and Wastewater Utilities
There are additional MOSs in the Armed Forces that are not directly related to water
treatment, but are relevant for some of the positions found at water and wastewater utilities.
Some examples of these additional MOSs include the following:
Electricians: All of the branches of the Armed Forces have some type of electrician MOS or
rating.
Heavy Equipment Operators: Heavy equipment operators of all kinds can also be found in any
branch of the military.
Mechanics: Mechanics of all types can be found in every branch of the Armed Forces,
including small generator mechanics, automotive and aircraft mechanics, as well as mechanics
working on some of the largest engines in the world aboard ships.
Additional MOSs may include jobs such as:
0 Contracts & procurement
0 Budgeting
0 Administration
0 Management
0 Topographic Surveyor
0 Electronics Repair
0 Quarrying Specialists
0 Plumbers
0 Laboratory Technicians
0 Computer and Network Administrators
0 Metal Workers
Helpful Links
Department of Veterans Affairs (Vet Success): https://www.vetsuccess.va.gov/public/
military skills translators.html
Work for Water: http://www.workforwater.org/
American Counsel on Education: http://www.acenet.edu/news-room/Pages/Military-Guide-
Online.aspx
United Services Military Apprenticeship Program: https://usm a p. cnet.navy.mil/usmapss/
static/trades.jsp
This document can be found electronically at: http://water.epa.gov/infrastructure/sustain/
ws workforce.cfm
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Appendix 1
Gl Bill — On-The-Job Fact Sheet
15
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On-the-Job & Apprenticeship Training Programs
Both on-the-job (OJT) and apprenticeship training programs are available for Veterans using their VA
education benefits, including the Post-9/n GI Bill. These programs allow Veterans to learn a trade or skill
through training on the job participation rather than attending formal classroom instruction. A Veteran
generally enters into a training contract for a specific period with an employer or union, and at the end of the
training period, the Veteran gains job certification or journeyman status.
Employers or unions generally pay a reduced OJT/apprenticeship wage (generally 40 - 50% of journeyman
wages). Veterans in an approved program can use their GI Bill benefit and receive a tax-free stipend. The
Post-9/n GI Bill stipend is the equivalent of the Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) of an £-5 with
dependents, which is paid in addition to the entry-level wage.
Stipend =
First six months of training
Second six months of training
100% of your applicable MHA
80% of your applicable MHA
The stipend is reduced 20% every six months thereafter as the Veteran's wages regularly increase until the
Veteran has attained journeyman status and pay. Stipend payments for other GI Bill programs are found here:
http://www.gibill.va.gov/resources/benefits resources/rate tables.html
Approved employers can use this benefit as a recruiting tool by using wages + stipend to attract Veteran
candidates.
State Approving Agencies (SAA)
The State Approving Agencies are responsible for approving OJT/apprenticeship programs in their respective
states. Requirements generally entail submitting a training request form that specifically outlines the proposed
program, wages, and standard workweek information, as well as the company contact name and phone
number. Once all required documents are submitted, approval is generally completed in 1-2 months. For more
information regarding OJT & apprenticeship programs, and how to apply see:
http://www.gibill.va.gov/resources/education resources/programs/on the job apprenticeship training.html
Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (VR&E) OJT/Apprenticeships
In addition to the services listed above, VR&E also provides employers with other benefits through the Special
Employer Incentive Program (SEI). Employers hiring Veterans with a service-connected disability who are
approved for VR&E services may be entitled reimbursements up to 50% of the Veterans' salary for six months
to offset training costs. Additional information about the VR&E OJT program is located here:
http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre/emp resources.htm
For more information contact us: www.va.gov 1-800-827-1000
17
U.S. Department
of Veterans Affairs
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Appendix 2
Department of Veterans Affairs
Non-Paid Work
Experience Program
19
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Non Paid Work Experience
Program
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Non-Paid Work Experience (NPWE) program provides eligible
Veterans and service members the opportunity to obtain training and practical job experience concurrently.
This program is ideal for Veterans or service members who have a clearly established career goal, and who
learn easily in a hands-on environment. This program is also well suited to Veterans or service members who
are having difficulties obtaining employment due to lack of work experience. NPWE programs may be
established in federal, state or local (e.g. city, town, school district) government agencies only. The employer
may hire the Veteran or service member at any point during the NPWE.
Benefits to the Employer
• The employer interviews the Veteran or service member prior to the NPWE
• The employer incurs no cost
• The NPWE participant does not count toward the number of full-time employees (FTE)
• Federal employers may use Special Hiring Authorities to directly hire NPWE participants without a
competitive recruitment
• VA refers qualified Veterans or service members to the employer
• Employer has the VA support during the NPWE to assist with Veteran or service member training related
needs
• The employer does not pay a salary to the Veteran. The VA provides a monthly subsistence allowance
paid directly to the Veteran
When an employer participates in a NPWE the VA VRC and/or the Employment Coordinator will assist in
completing all required forms. Therefore, the burden does not fall solely on the employer, reducing the
amount of time it takes to complete the paperwork for the NPWE.
If you have questions, please contact Angela Wilcher, Employment Coordinator at wilcher.angela@va.gov or
(202)461-9883.
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