Veterans are unique individuals who have served their country and often possess skills and experiences highly valued by employers. However, transitioning from military service to the civilian labor market can be challenging for many veterans. This article explores the current state of veteran employment and some barriers veterans face when seeking civilian employment.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the unemployment rate for veterans in 2020 was 6.4%, compared to 6.0% for non-veterans. While this may seem like a slight difference, it is essential to note that veterans often face unique challenges in the job market that non-veterans do not. For example, many veterans have disabilities or injuries resulting from their military service, making finding and maintaining employment difficult.
Another barrier many veterans face when seeking civilian employment is needing more education or job training. Many veterans joined the military right out of high school. While they may have received extensive training in specific areas, they may have yet to have the opportunity to pursue higher education or gain experience in other fields. This can make competing with other job applicants with more formal education or experience challenging.
One issue raised in recent years is the issue of veterans being overqualified for the jobs they are applying for. Many veterans possess a wide range of skills and experiences that are highly valued in the military but may not translate directly to civilian jobs. For example, a veteran who served as a combat medic may have extensive medical training and experience but may need more formal education or certification to find employment in the civilian medical field. This can lead to underemployed veterans or taking jobs that only partially utilize their skills and experiences.
Several initiatives are in place to support veterans transitioning to civilian employment. The Veterans Affairs (VA) Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) program provides veterans with disabilities with job training and employment support. The Department of Labor’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS) offers various services to help veterans find employment, including job search assistance, resume writing, and interview coaching. Additionally, many employers have implemented veteran hiring initiatives, such as offering preference to veterans in the hiring process or actively recruiting veterans for open positions.
Despite these initiatives, much work must be done to support veterans in their transition to civilian employment. One area that has received increased attention in recent years is the issue of veteran mental health. Many veterans have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, or other mental health issues due to their military service, making finding and maintaining employment difficult. Employers may not always understand how to support employees with mental health issues, which can lead to veterans feeling isolated and unsupported in the workplace.
Another area that requires attention is the issue of veteran homelessness. According to the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, there are approximately 50,000 homeless veterans in the United States on any night. Homelessness can make it nearly impossible to find and maintain employment, and veterans who are homeless often face additional barriers to work, such as lack of access to transportation or appropriate clothing for job interviews.
In conclusion, while veterans often possess skills and experiences that employers highly value, they face unique challenges in the civilian labor market.
Lack of education or job training, disabilities or injuries resulting from military service, and mental health issues are just a few barriers veterans may face when seeking civilian employment. While there are initiatives to support veterans in their transition to civilian jobs, there is still much work to ensure that veterans receive the support they need to succeed in the job market. Employers and policymakers must continue to prioritize veteran employment and work to address the