Veterans are an important community of job candidates that are often overlooked when organizations are seeking to fill open positions. However, there are still many organizations that have identified how veterans have useful skill sets that make them an asset to civilian companies. A study by Pew Research Center has revealed that people who have served in the military bring unique skills and training that translate well to many civilian jobs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate among veterans fell to 2.7% versus 3.7% in October 2022, lower than the national average. This increase in veteran employment demonstrates that employers have recognized the value of employing veteran candidates.
A 2016 study by the Syracuse University Institute for Veterans and Military Families claims that veterans typically possess attitudes and characteristics that boost performance and ultimately benefit the organization as a whole. The study makes a compelling case to employ veterans based on their competencies, skills, and characteristics.
Why should companies hire veterans?
From their hands-on technical training to key intangible skills like leadership, discipline, and the ability to think on their feet, veterans can continue serving their country in a different capacity. Because of their military training and background, veterans are well-equipped to handle the challenges of the modern business world.
Here are some of the key reasons to employ veterans in a corporate work environment.
Mission-driven: Veterans come from a workplace culture where a mission and its objective hold the highest importance over anything else. They have an organizational mindset and are adept in navigating through the institutional hierarchy.
Diversity: According to the US Department of Defense, 41% of military personnel identify as a member of a minority group. The number is expected to grow over the coming years. Having veterans in an organization promotes diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
Leadership values: Serving in the military helps a person learn important values that can be immensely useful in a corporate setting. Military personnel know how to manage others, distribute tasks, take accountability, and motivate coworkers. This skill set helps veterans move into leadership roles and thrive when they manage a team.
Trainable: Training is often a continuous process in military services. Up-skilling is an important aspect of any military personnel’s career. They are required keep themselves up to date on new technology, protocol, and use of weapons. Veterans’ willingness to learn and train is a valuable transferable skill.
Decision-making: Security issues and tight deadlines can call for quick decision-making. Veterans can have experience making rational split-second decisions which can make them valuable workers in a company.
Analytical: While serving in the military sometimes requires making snap judgments, veterans also bring the important skill of having an analytical mind, without overthinking. They are trained to weigh the options and then make a rational decision based on the information given. This helps them think critically and address challenges in the workplace.
Tech capability: Military services are heavily tech-driven with electronic surveillance emerging as the backbone of the country’s security. Most veterans have knowledge of complex technological systems and are open to further learning.
Self-driven: Most veterans are self-starters and can execute projects independently. This helps them stay on top of their tasks and excel in remote work settings.
Stress management: Veterans often face situations in their military career where they must cope with high levels of stress. They receive specialized training in this regard. This skill will help them manage stress that may come in any civilian position.
Collaboration: Military experience teaches teamwork. In most cases, military personnel have to work as part of a troop or a cross-functional team, with each member assigned a dedicated task. Collaboration is an immensely important skill in any organization.
Trustworthiness: It forms the basis of serving in the military. It engenders a strong propensity to repose faith in coworkers and belief in organizational leadership. Military personnel often have to deal with sensitive information that can only be shared with the proper authority.
Hiring veterans is mutually beneficial. Organizations not only benefit from having employees who are natural leaders, dedicated, and great team players but also from their experience of having served the country. Veterans, on their part, can look forward to a satisfying post-military life pursuing new paths and continuing their career journey.
For organizations looking to hire veterans and veterans looking for meaningful employment with supportive employers, visit
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