Veteran preference only helps you on your overall score that determines your placement on the list. There is the possibility that non veterans could out rank you on the list.
Candidate #1 would obviously report to the academy prior to candidate #40. Unless there was something delaying them.
I heard that, your veteran preference only helps you for the selection list.
Your academy score/grade is based on your ability. Veteran preference will not help your score at the academy. So if a non military hire out performs you at the academy, then ohh well.