For positions in any agency as defined in section four, article one, chapter five-f of this code or any other political subdivision of this state in which positions are filled under civil service or any job classification system, a preference of five points in addition to the regular numerical score received on examination shall be awarded to all veterans having qualified for appointment by making a minimum passing grade; and to all veterans awarded the purple heart, or having a compensable service-connected disability, as established by any proper veterans' bureau or department of the federal government, an additional five points shall be allowed.

For the purpose of this article, a person is defined as a "veteran" if he or she fulfills the requirements of one of the following subsections:

(a) Served on active duty anytime between December 7, 1941, and July 1, 1955. However, any person who was a reservist called to active duty between February 1, 1955, and October 14, 1976, must meet condition (b) stated below;

(b) Served on active duty anytime between July 2, 1955, and October 14, 1976, or a reservist called to active duty between February 1, 1955, and October 14, 1976, and who served for more than one hundred eighty days;

(c) Entered on active duty between October 15, 1976, and September 7, 1980, or a reservist who entered on active duty between October 15, 1976, and October 13, 1982, and received a campaign badge or expeditionary medal or is a disabled veteran; or

(d) Enlisted in the Armed Forces after September 7, 1980, or entered active duty other than by enlistment on or after October 14, 1982; and

(1) Completed twenty-four months of continuous active duty or the full period called or ordered to active duty, or was discharged under 10 U.S.C. 1171, or for hardship under 10 U.S.C. 1173, and received or was entitled to receive a campaign badge or expeditionary medal; or

(2) Is a disabled veteran.

To receive veteran preference, separation from active duty must have been under honorable conditions. This includes honorable and general discharges. A clemency discharge does not meet the requirements of the Veteran Preference Act. Active duty for training in the military reserve and National Guard programs is not considered active duty for purposes of veteran preference.

These awards shall be made for the benefit and preference in appointment of all veterans who have heretofore or who shall hereafter take examinations, but shall not operate to the detriment of any person heretofore appointed to a position in a department or agency.