July 25th is National Hire a Veteran Day, which is dedicated to highlighting the valuable skills and experiences that former servicemen and women bring to the civilian workforce. The day also serves to raise awareness about the challenges that veterans may face when transitioning from military careers to civilian life and the importance of providing support and opportunities for their post-military life.
This annual observance, now in its seventh consecutive year, is particularly essential as the nearly 200,000 military personnel who transition to civilian life and work each year continues to grow, yet the number of available jobs holds steady at around 7,000 (DoD 2023). In fact, in 2022, 8.6 million military veterans age 18 and older accounted for about only one in 20 civilian workers in the United States (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 2023).
With veterans’ specialized skills and experience like teamwork, problem-solving, performance under pressure, discipline, communication, and more, there are significant opportunities for veterans to leverage these strengths in the civilian workforce. Despite having devoted their lives and the better part of their careers to our country, a large portion of this talent pool remains untapped. According to the organization Combat Veterans To Careers, some opportunities for veterans include:
- Obtaining Degrees or Certificates – Veterans can pursue the necessary licenses or certifications to complement their military training and qualify for civilian jobs of the same caliber.
- Translating Resumes – Veterans have the chance to learn how to interpret their military skills and experiences in civilian terms. Employers can also be educated on how military experience can greatly benefit a corporate environment.
- Navigating Transition Stress – Veterans can find new ways to define their sense of purpose, roles, camaraderie, honor, and mission in the civilian world. Learning the new set of terms, language, and boundaries in the business world can become an empowering journey, allowing veterans to bring their unique strengths to the civilian workforce.
The U.S. Army understands the unique qualifications that veterans possess – and the challenges that they can face – and has developed and implemented specific initiatives and programs aimed at ensuring that veterans have the necessary resources, training, and opportunities to transition successfully into civilian employment.
We at the Office of Enterprise Management (OEM) support these strategies and are recognizing the importance of hiring veterans by sharing this information. We invite both former servicemen and women, as well as employers, to review the following resources and visit the links provided to aid you in your post-military career goals.
Education, Training, and Employment Resources for Veterans and Employers
- Transition Assistance Programs
- Soldier for Life – Transition Assistance Program (SFL-TAP): This program provides resources and support to soldiers transitioning out of active duty, including career counseling, job search assistance, and resume writing workshops. Visit link: Soldier for Life.
- Credentialing Assistance Program: Helps soldiers obtain civilian credentials and certifications that are recognized by industry standards, increasing their employability in the civilian workforce.
- Employment and Training Resources
- Army Career Skills Program (CSP): Offers training and apprenticeships to soldiers in their final 180 days of service, providing them with skills and experience directly relevant to civilian job markets. Visit link: Army Career Skills Program.
- Army COOL (Credentialing Opportunities On-Line): Provides information about certifications and licenses related to Army MOSs (Military Occupational Specialties) to help soldiers understand how their military training translates to civilian job qualifications. Visit link: Army COOL.
- Partnerships and Job Placement
- Partnership for Youth Success (PaYS): The Partnership for Your Success (PaYS) Program is a strategic partnership between the U.S. Army and a cross section of corporations, companies, and public sector agencies. The program provides soldiers with an opportunity to serve their country while they prepare for their future. Visit link: Army PaYS.
- Hire a Soldier: An initiative that connects transitioning soldiers with job opportunities and employers who are committed to hiring veterans.
- Educational Opportunities
- GI Bill: Provides financial support for education and training, enabling veterans to pursue higher education or vocational training to improve their job prospects. Visit link: Army GI Bill.
- Army University: Offers educational programs and partnerships with civilian universities to provide soldiers and veterans with opportunities to further their education and enhance their qualifications. Visit link: Army University.
- Resources for Veterans
- Veterans Employment and Training Service (VETS): Provides resources and support for veteran employment. Visit link: VETS.
- Hire Heroes USA: Offers personalized job search assistance to veterans and their spouses. Visit link: Hire Heroes USA.
- American Job Centers: American Job Centers are designed to provide a full range of assistance to job seekers under one roof. Established under the Workforce Investment Act, and reauthorized in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act of 2014, the centers offer training referrals, career counseling, job listings, and similar employment-related services. Customers can visit a center in person or connect to the center's information online or through kiosk remote access. Visit link: Department of Labor Job Centers.
By recognizing the talents and contributions of veterans, National Hire a Veteran Day plays a crucial role in supporting their integration into the civilian workforce and honoring their service to the nation. Through the U.S. Army’s robust platforms and initiatives and OEM’s support, we can envision a future workforce rich with diverse experiences, talents, and personalities that only military service can provide.
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