(a)        It shall be the policy of the State of North Carolina that, in recognition and appreciation for service to the State and this country, and in recognition of the time and advantage lost toward the pursuit of a civilian career, an eligible member of the National Guard as defined in N.C. Gen. Stat. § 126-81(4) shall be granted preference in employment for positions subject to the provisions of this Chapter with every State department, agency, and institution.

(b)        In all evaluations of applicants for positions with this State or any of its departments, agencies, or institutions, a preference shall be awarded to all eligible members of the National Guard who are citizens of the State. This preference applies to initial employment and extends to other employment events, including a subsequent hiring, promotion, reassignment, or horizontal transfer.

(c)        The provisions of this section shall be subject to the provisions of Article 9 of Chapter 143B of the N.C. Gen. Stat.. ?(2021-180, s. 19E.4(a).)