u/ItchyOlCrabs

Is it normal for the VA to initiate a reference check shortly after you interview if you're not getting the position?

Ok so I'm an NP - series 0610. Received an offer at an army base over 2 hours away - salary is great and they gave step adjustment and enhanced PTO.

Just received an offer from an air force base an hour closer to my family. The salary was... Low. Same job basically. Lower than new grad rates. The top range is still on par with a new grad. Both are GS-12

My question - when requesting higher salary from the new base - should you mention the other offer? It's literally over 70k difference. I'll be requesting a salary about 7k less as that would be lost in State taxes at the intitial base anyway. My understanding is you only get one request attempt so want to not make any mistakes.