In America, some companies will employ military vets instead of "normal folk" as an appreciation for their service to their country.
The answer is still yes, but we make no distinction between vets and non-vets. We try to find the most competent person for each position regardless of previous military status.
If the position calls for someone with military experience, then it's a plus of course.
In Sweden there hasn't been anything veteran like until now really. I'm referring to ISAF in Afghanistan that are actually seeing combat. We've more or less never been in a situation where we can show appreciation for our vets.
Sweden's armed forced is very modest, even when considered per capita. When fully mobilized Sweden has about 2 battallions and 8 companies. About 500 serve in Afghanistan.
The US on the other hand...has more
I have to ask, do companies in the US show appreciation so much that they hire vets over others that might be more qualified?
/S