Final answer:
Veterans' preference in competitive service positions gives eligible veterans an advantage in federal government employment, helping to compensate for the economic loss they have suffered and recognizing their service.
Step-by-step explanation:
When selecting from a competitive service position in the federal government, veterans' preference applies by giving eligible veterans preference in appointment over many other applicants. Veterans who are disabled or who served on active duty in the Armed Forces during certain specified time periods or in military campaigns are entitled to preference over non-veterans both in hiring from competitive lists of eligibles and in retention during reductions in force. This means that if two candidates are equally qualified for a job, the veteran might be given the job over the non-veteran. The aim is to recognize the economic loss suffered by citizens who have served their country in uniform, restore veterans to a favorable competitive position for government employment, and acknowledge the larger sacrifice of disabled veterans.