No person entitled to preference or credit for military or naval service shall be required to claim military credit for service in the armed forces before any examination held under the provisions of this Division 2.1 but such preference shall be given after the posting or publication of the eligibility list or register at the request of such person before any certification or appointments are made from the eligibility register, upon the furnishing of evidence of an honorable discharge from and proof of such service.
65 ILCS 5/10-2.1-12