OSUmetstud

I've talked to people at region over the past month. I don't think they were lying to me. GS-05 and GS-07 vets would not block at GS-09 non-vet candidate. In fact, a GS-09 vet would not block at GS-05 non-vet either.

Yes it does, I've been told this is how it works by numerous people at region. I made the gold category for at least a few intern positions but was not referred like usual since there was a veteran or veterans who qualified at the GS-05/07/09 levels.

I talked to these people before...that's why I'm confused. It's been true for some time that if a Veteran qualifies at GS-05/07/09 that they will block all gold candidates. If the Veteran qualifies at GS-05, the candidates that made gold at GS-07 and GS-09 are referred, and compete on an even level with the GS-05 veteran in consideration. And yes, as far as I know, even if only one veteran is qualified at GS-05/07/09, all non-vet golds are blocked and that veteran goes up against any other non-vet candidates in the MAP group. The MIC must offer the job to the veteran even if by chance he is the only one who gets referred.

The only change I know of is the streamlining of the Federal job hiring process, nothing has changed with Veteran's Preference. I have not made any interview panels, but I was making gold category at all three grades, which means that qualified Veteran(s) were blocking all three grades. I've applied to around 10 intern positions over the past 2 months and it's been the same deal.

There was a couple weeks of straight calc in the beginning of synoptic meteorology at Oswego, just as a refresher I guess.

WxChallenge (The PSU National Forecast Game originally) was recommended, but not required.

I can't speak for other schools, but it was required at Oswego that you participated in the local forecasting game while in Synoptic 1 and 2...and one of the requirements of synoptic 2 lab was to write forecast discussions and give forecast briefings. Also, while an elective, there was a broadcast meteorology and advanced forecasting course offered by Dave Aichorn, the chief met at WSYR at the time.

lol right...people should speak for themselves.