The jobs report for October came out on Friday, and while the nationwide rate increased by 0.1 percent, the numbers for veterans were bit more favorable. For veterans of all ages, the unemployment rate dropped to 6.3 percent, considerably below the 7.9 percent nationwide average, according to Army Times.
Though there was some good news, the statistics were less favorable for those who have separated from service since September 11, 2001. In fact, they saw a slight increase from 9.7 percent to 10 percent. Experts say that while there are many programs targeted toward the most recent vets, they need help finding the appropriate ones. Though the rate for post-9/11 vets varies considerably from month to month, analysts are encouraged by a year-long trend of improvement.
"When you look month to month, it can be very volatile," Steve Gonzalez, assistant director of the national economic commission of the American Legion, told the publication. "I look at the trend."
By many accounts, this month's report was a bit better than originally anticipated. Industry analysts expected about 125,000 jobs to be added, but according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the figure came to about 171,000.