Expert: Rod Powers - 10/12/2009

Question
Is this a real website for civilian jobs in the military:

https://chart.donhr.navy.mil/index.asp

The reason I asked because they asked for my social security number.

Answer
Hi Monica,

Yes, it's real. Domains that end in ".gov" (such as whitehouse.gov), are official US government sites. Domains that end in ".mil" (such as navy.mil or army.mil), are official US Military sites.

The military often uses Social Security numbers as a means to identification. While I don't agree with this practice, it's done. For example, as a retired military member, I have to give my social security number when I shop on-line through the military BX (exchange) system. This is how they tell that I'm authorized to shop there.

The privacy statement for the Navy's civilian employment account set-up says, "Your Social Security Number (SSN) is requested under the authority of Executive Order 9397 in order to keep your records straight; other people may have the same name. As allowed by law or Presidential directive, we use your SSN to seek information about you from employers, schools, banks, and others who know you. Your SSN may also be used in studies and computer matching with other Government files, for example, on unpaid student loans. Providing your SSN is voluntary; however, if you do not give us your SSN or any other information requested, we cannot process your resume, which is the first step in getting a job. Also, incomplete addresses and zip codes will slow processing. The information provided on your resume will be used for employment consideration. We cannot be held responsible for safeguarding privacy act information during the e-mail transmission process."

For more information about the United States Military, feel free to visit my US Military information site at: http://usmilitary.about.com

Hope this helps!

Rod Powers
About.com US Military Guide
http://usmilitary.about.com