As you also said in your response, you've seen relatively incompetent controllers that were hired merely because they were "qualified" at that facility active duty. The best for the facility could EASILY be someone who will be a fast qualification, that has a varied background with a few facilities under his/her belt (not 30 facilities they were at for 18-24 months total), and who can provide a real benefit to the facility.

"I haven't even applied to AF DOD because I heard about how much they discriminate. Is that your experience with the AF DOD system in general "

I've seen some AF DoD positions that seemed to be very tailored, but I've also seen firsthand where non-retirees have been hired, as well as non USAF controllers being hired.

italpilot wrote: [TO: Ohana]
fair enough, I can tell you're frustrated with having had to deal with this for awhile now. If your heart is set on getting hired at "do over", looks like you have to fight an uphill battle. I gave up on getting hired at my old facility for the same reason. Also looking at things from their perspective, realize that some of the "ageism" comes from the fact that no matter what you tell the hiring manager, they assume that because you're young you will leave that facility as soon as you get a better opportunity. That is why I probably won't be hired despite my experience. And I have seen two or three new civs get hired there that did leave within a year for exactly that reason.
Retirees and older controllers, even if they couldn't control their way out of a wet paper bag, are more likely to stay for the long haul, and that makes the hiring manager confortable. He doesn't have to work with the controller everyday, and he just goes by his training record and the interview, which doesn't guarantee the controller's ability.
But once again, the good news for all controllers regardless of background or experience is that EVERYONE is hiring, so the opportunities are endless.
Wishing you the best on your search.