Protected Veteran

A protected veteran has earned status that prohibits discrimination against them and provides Affirmative Action-type requirements for certain employers. Protected veterans include: disabled veterans; veterans who served on active duty during a war, campaign, or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized; veterans with an Armed Forces Service Medal “pursuant to Executive Order 12985 (61 FR 1209)”; and recently separated veterans. Protected veteran status begins on the date of discharge or release from active duty and continues for three years afterwards. See here.