Amid the ongoing pandemic, the unemployment rate for veterans has fluctuated significantly. As the new year begins, here is a look at the latest data, how this compares to the record unemployment lows experienced just over a year ago, and what this means for veterans in the civilian workforce.

Unemployment raced from record lows to record highs in 2020

In January 2020, the veteran population and the workforce at large were continuing a streak of high employment and stability. The Department of Labor (DOL) noted that the 3.1% unemployment rate for veterans seen in 2019 was a 19-year record low.

However, the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic shook the civilian workforce, leading many companies to downsize or shutter their doors for months on end.

According to the latest DOL data, the veteran unemployment rate stood at 6.3% in November 2020, an increase from 5.9% the previous month. This was slightly better than the unemployment rate for the non-veteran working population, which was 6.7%.

Granted, these figures are significantly more promising than the 14.7% collective unemployment rate of April 2020. A staggering 11.7% of the veteran population — more than 1 million former service members — filed for unemployment that month.

Half a million veterans remain unemployed

Despite how far these numbers have settled since the spring, decreasing from nearly 12% in April to about half that figure in November, the ongoing pandemic and widespread economic turmoil still mean employment prospects are shaky for those who were pushed out of the workforce in 2020.

If the government's most recent data is still true for the start of 2021, 552,000 people who served in the armed forces and transitioned to the civilian workforce are still combating the instability of unemployment.

Youngest veterans impacted the most

According to a December 2020 report by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), post-9/11 veterans have a higher unemployment rate than most others:

• Of the veterans who served after 2001 (Gulf War era II), 244,000 (6.9%) were unemployed.
• Of the veterans whose service occurred between 1990 and 2001 (Gulf War-era I), 107,000 (4.7%) faced unemployment.
• Of all veterans of the Vietnam War, the Korean War or World War II, 75,000 (6.4%) were unemployed.
• Of veterans of other service periods, 126,000 (7.0%) experienced unemployment.

Certain sectors show promise for job seekers

In December 2020, the BLS reported that, although the retail trade and government sectors experienced declines in employment, "notable job gains occurred in transportation and warehousing, professional and business services and health care."

Veterans seeking employment can focus on these growth areas, while also taking advantage of resources available through the Department of Veterans Affairs, such as the Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program.

In the Valentine's Day spirit, we're tracing the history of "sweetheart jewelry," which became widely popular during the Second World War.

Traditionally given by a soldier heading off to war to a loved one at home, a piece of sweetheart jewelry was both romantic and patriotic in nature. Today, these items are considered collectible pieces of our nation's past.

Sentimental jewelry to remember soldiers during times of war

As the Cooper Hewitt museum explains, the custom of gifting sweetheart jewelry dates back to World War I. However, it became even more popular during World War II, when countless couples and families were separated as soldiers left home to fight overseas.

Sweetheart jewelry was most commonly exchanged between romantic couples. But fathers, brothers and sons also left family members with these tokens in their absence. Women purchased their own sweetheart jewelry, too, either to remember a certain soldier or show support for the nation's forces as a whole.

Wherever these sentimental items came from, their owners wore them proudly and passionately. Women wore brooches to keep their family and country close to the heart. They tucked pictures of the soldiers they missed into treasured lockets and they wore their hearts on their sleeves in the form of bracelets.

Patriotic colors and imagery permeated jewelry design

While hearts were a common theme, sweetheart jewelry was not only romantic in design; it was also highly patriotic. Many of these items featured military insignia and other icons related to a loved one's branch of service. Others included the American flag or details featuring stars and stripes.

An all-American red, white and blue color scheme was also typical of sweetheart jewelry. Additionally, a library of patriotic imagery, ranging from the eagle and the victory "V" to Uncle Sam's top hat, can be seen in jewelry from the WWII period. Phrases like "Loose Talk Can Cost Lives" and "Remember Pearl Harbor" also made their way into pins and pendants.

As the National Museum of American History explains, sweetheart jewelry became quite fashionable during WWII. Under rationing rules, new clothes and accessories were hard to come by. Women were urged to make do with what they had. Sporting a sparkling brooch was a welcome way to enliven an old dress collar and show one's support for the nation.

Meaningful jewelry made of modest materials

Sweetheart jewelry did not need to be made of fine, expensive materials like rubies, diamonds or sapphires set in gold. Instead, many Americans exchanged items made of gilded base metals set with sparkling glass crystals, rhinestones and imitation gemstones.

When access to certain base metals was restricted during rationing, jewelers turned to sterling silver. As the Cooper Hewitt museum notes, this forced one manufacturer to triple its jewelry prices — but consumer demand didn't falter.

Other materials such as enamel, wood, mother-of-pearl, shell, and celluloid and Bakelite plastics were also often found in sweetheart jewelry. Some soldiers handcrafted their own sweetheart jewelry items, carving bullets, coins, casings and other metal objects into sentimental adornments.

Sweetheart jewelry inspires a new generation of Americans

According to Collectors Weekly, wartime sweetheart jewelry is now highly collectible: "Sweetheart jewelry is among the most affordable of home-front collectibles, even though the prices have risen in the last 10 years. That's because these items have been growing in popularity with both military and jewelry collectors, as well as Americans who yearn to connect to veterans of past wars and express their patriotism."

Sweetheart jewelry has also inspired a new generation of jewelry makers, including Jessica Gibson, a former Supply Sergeant of the U.S. Army Reserves. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Gibson created a sweetheart jewelry-inspired collection.

As she explained in a news release, "1940s fashion and history have captivated my heart over the past few years. Considering all the challenges we are currently navigating, remembering that we've collectively navigated more challenging times has given me hope that together we'll get through this, as we've done in the past. Working on this collection has been therapeutic and inspiring as I designed it with the intention of providing the wearer with a sense of strength and comfort."

The U.S. Army recently announced several major updates to Army Regulation 670-1, Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia, slated to go into effect Feb. 24, 2021. Here is a look at some of the key revisions as well as the reasoning behind the changes.

A people-first approach

As part of the Army's Project Inclusion, instituted in mid-2020, the topics of hair and grooming have come under question. Current guidelines have been critiqued for being discriminatory against various groups, including Black Soldiers and women in the Army. The revised regulations aim to minimize racial bias and promote a more inclusive approach.

"The Army must continue to put people first by fostering a culture of trust that accepts the experiences and backgrounds of every Soldier and civilian," said Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel, Lt. Gen. Gary Brito, in an announcement. "Our diverse workforce is a competitive advantage, and the Army must continue to offer fair treatment, access and opportunity across the force."

Newly authorized hairstyles are intended to promote healthy, natural hair for all Soldiers

As for hair, a wider range of styles will now be accepted. Previously, women were required to style their hair in a low, tight bun. As this can lead to hair loss, the updated regulations specify that styles such as long ponytails and braids may be worn. They can be tucked into a Soldier's uniform to prevent snagging, and are expected to improve the fit of combat helmets.

"In an effort to stop hair damage and loss stemming from hairstyles like the bun, the Army approved healthier hairstyle options that are more inclusive of various natural styles," explained Sgt. Maj. Mark Anthony Clark.

Furthermore, the Army has loosened strict requirements related to cornrows, braids, twists and locks which may be worn by Black servicemembers. Soldiers were previously permitted one such style at a time, with individual sections limited to half an inch in width. The width requirement has been removed, and Soldiers may now opt for more than one of these styles at a time.

Highlighted hair that maintains a natural appearance will also be permitted, although vibrant, artificial hues like blue, green and purple are still not authorized. A Soldier's dyed or bleached hair color "doesn't necessarily have to be a color that is typically seen on a certain ethnic group," explained Master Sgt. Quintana Mitchell.

In an attempt to improve cultural sensitivity within the grooming regulations, words describing particular styles, such as "Mohawk" and "Fu Manchu," are also being revised in favor of verbiage that is less offensive and more descriptive. New images have also been produced to provide clearer detail about the authorized and unauthorized styles.

Additional grooming guidelines support self-expression and safety

Once the new regulations are in place, simple gold, silver or diamond stud earrings will be authorized for women in most non-combat contexts. Additional lipstick and nail polish colors are being added to the list of accepted cosmetics for women. Male Soldiers will also be permitted to wear clear nail polish, either as a grooming choice or in order to protect their nails while working with rough tools and harsh chemical agents.

"Our identity is important," said Sgt. Maj. Brian Sanders in an Army announcement. "If we care about people first and the Soldier as a whole, we have to care about the many aspects to who they are as well. This is a small, but significant change that positively impacts a considerable size of our force."

"I use the analogy, 'If you look good, you feel good — and if you feel good, you perform [well]," Sanders added, explaining that this more inclusive approach to personal appearance and grooming may result in productivity improvements.

So you're making your list and checking it twice — but you're still stumped on holiday gift ideas for the military servicemembers in your life. Not to worry! We've put together a roundup of seven military-friendly finds your loved ones will enjoy.

1. Handmade challenge coin display

Throughout their military career, your loved one may have collected quite a few challenge coins. What better way to celebrate their accomplishments than to gift them a handsome challenge coin display. From small desk decorations to large wall displays, browsing the selection of handcrafted challenge coin displays on Etsy will show that there are many different ways for the person on your list to showcase their one-of-a-kind collection.

2. Personalized stationery kit

This is a chance to put together a festive gift basket that's functional, too. In your stationery kit, you can include nice-quality letters and envelopes, as well as a set of USPS stamps honoring military working dogs. You can also customize return address labels with your loved one's location and their branch's official emblem. Consider adding in a rugged military-ready pen, or a more formal writing utensil engraved with a special message. Whenever there's something to write home about, the military servicemember in your life will appreciate the convenience of having everything they need all in one place.

3. Tough tumbler and coffee from a veteran-owned brand

A hot cup of joe can help warm up even the coldest, earliest morning. Pick up a bag of coffee grounds from a veteran-owned and operated coffee company. Popular brands include Victory Coffee, founded by a former Navy SEAL, or Black Rifle Coffee Company, established by an Army Special Forces veteran. Pair that with a durable coffee tumbler and your gift is all set for sipping — just add water!

4. Custom military ring

If you're looking for an extra special holiday gift idea for the military servicemember in your life this year, consider ordering a personalized military ring. Whatever branch they serve in, you can find a corresponding ring style and customize the design with the decorative detailing, gemstone and precious metal of your choice. Military rings can even be engraved with a name, date or other meaningful inscription. The one you choose is sure to become are modern family heirloom, cherished for years to come.

5. Military travel guide

Satisfy your servicemember's wanderlust by gifting them a 2021 military travel guide. Options include guides of popular destinations around the U.S., top camping spots and even overseas travel options. This kind of guide book can be helpful for servicemembers and military families who want to make the most of their free time. With all the planning in place thanks to your gift, they can embark on an exciting adventure as soon as it's safe to do so next year.

6. Tablet with durable case

A tablet can be a great, multipurpose piece of technology for a servicemeber on active duty. It's an all-in-one tool that's useful for getting work done on the go, joining video chats with friends and family, winding down with an e-book and everything in between. The larger screen size makes a tablet a nice alternative to a smartphone for a little less eye strain, and the compact size makes it even more portable than a laptop. There are plenty of popular tablets on the market. Whichever you choose, pair it with a rugged case and screen protector to keep it protected in all environments.

7. Tactical socks

Combat boot blisters are no joke. Since the military servicemember on your gift list spends long hours on foot, a pair of comfy, cozy socks will surely bring a smile to their face. Compare some of the best boot socks for the military and you're sure to find a perfect fit.

The U.S. Armed Forces continue to push technological innovation while boosting inclusion for all of its brave servicemembers. One recent example of this is how women jet fighter pilots may have a better-fitting and safer G-force suit available in the near future.

The Air Force announced the testing of a modified version of the Advanced Technology Anti-Gravity Suit (ATAGS) by five female fighter pilots in late October 2020. This is good news for the more than 800 female pilots and approximately 580 women serving as navigators or air battle managers.

Design problems with the current ATAGS

ATAGS, sometimes referred to as G-suits or anti-G suits, are worn by fighter pilots to protect them from the extremely high G-force exerted on their bodies during flights. Without these protections in place, pilots would be susceptible to losing consciousness or suffering hypoxia (a lack of oxygen to tissue cells) during maneuvers in fighter aircrafts.

One such protection includes an inflatable bladder that pushes blood toward the wearer's torso and exerts pressure on their lungs. This prevents a pilot from blacking out from the acceleration that can cause blood to pool in the bottom half of the body. 

Up until now, pilots used a version of the ATAGS that was designed in 2001 and used body specs taken from pilots in the 1960s. This means the suits were designed primarily for male bodies. Further, due to the nature of the suits' protections, they are not easy to adjust for a better fit, let alone adjust to a completely different body type. This means shorter pilots with smaller frames don't receive the full protections from the current design of the suits, such as proper performance of the waist bladder.

How the suits were redesigned

The new ATAGS design stems from the joint effort between the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) and AFWERX, a U.S. Air Force program that fosters a culture of innovation within the service, according to a U.S. Air Force news release.

The redesign addressed two key areas. The first modification includes wider lacing panels at the waist, thigh and calf. This will allow for more adjustments to accommodate a greater variety of body proportions. The second big change is that the suit now comes with a darted waist. This tailored waist design does not interfere with the inflatable waist bladder but allows for a better fit.

"In the past, some pilots with a shorter torso have had issues with ATAGS that were too large riding up and causing bruising on the rib cages, while pilots who are hard-to-fit may have had one size that fits through the legs, but need a smaller size in the waist," said Charles Cruze, an AFLCMC Human Systems Division engineer. "Now, the waist can be darted up to 3.75 inches, allowing for a more custom and accurate fit, preventing both of those issues."

Results of the new design's tests

After testing and evaluating the new suits with five pilots and one aircrew member, the results came back with overwhelming praise for the redesign.

Capt. Brittany Trimble, an F-16 Fighting Falcon instructor pilot, relayed her positive experience testing the modified ATAGS in the announcement. "I definitely noticed improvement with the new updates and the darted waist in particular," said Trimble.

Following this positive review, the 46th Test Squadron will next draft a test report on its findings. While the modified flight suit is not yet approved, the current acquisition strategy could put the updated ATAGS into use within 12 to 24 months.

This is a great step forward for the Air Force, and just one of many new improvements for ensuring the safety of its female service members.

Small businesses are the backbone of the American economy, and veteran-owned and -operated businesses make up a sizable chunk of these companies. There are 2.52 million businesses in the U.S. that are majority-owned by veterans, according to the Small Business Administration (SBA). Of these, 442,485 veteran-owned businesses have employees and 2.08 million are run by self-employed veterans without other staff.

In recognition of the service and sacrifices these veterans made for the country, the government offers their companies a variety of benefits. Small businesses owned and operated by veterans have many options for accessing support through agencies like the U.S. Department of Veterans Affair (VA) and the SBA.

Does the company qualify as a Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB)?

To receive VOSB benefits, a company must meet certain requirements as defined by the VA. Among these requirements, the veteran must own 51% or more of the small business and hold the highest officer position with full control over its daily management, decision-making and strategic policy. In addition, if the veteran isn't the highest-paid person in the company, they must provide a written statement explaining why a lower salary helps the company.

Service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSB) also qualify for benefits. The company must follow the same criteria as a VOSB, with the veteran having a VA-issued disability letter confirming a service-connected disability rating between 0 and 100%, or a disability determination from the Department of Defense (DOD).

VA Benefits

One of the main incentives for VOSBs and SDVOSBs is the ability to do business with the VA. The VA sets aside a sizable portion of its contracts for these types of businesses. Federal law provides unique authority for the VA to offer VOSBs and SDVOSBs set-aside and sole-source contracts. This means the only businesses that can bid on these contracts are those owned by veterans who qualify for the program.

The VA provides priority access to federal and state government contracts as well as better access to capital and tax relief. The administration also provides support in finding VA procurement, contract awards and acquisition awards. In addition, the VA offers resources, education and training to help veteran owners learn more about doing business with the agency.

SBA Benefits

The SBA also offers a wide range of benefits, opportunities and services for VOSBs and SDVOSBs. The administration set up the Office of Veterans Business Development (OVBC), which is exclusively dedicated to promoting veteran entrepreneurship. The OVBC has several initiatives to accomplish this goal.

Much like the VA, the SBA also gives procuring agencies the authority to set aside contracts exclusively for competition amongst SDVOSBs.

The Boots to Business and Boots to Business Reboot programs offer education, training and guidance for applicable business ownership fundamentals. The Women Veteran Entrepreneurship Training Program (WVETP) provides training for women who are veterans, service members and spouses of service members and veterans. Both of these programs are useful for those owners just getting started, and for established owners looking to gain new business insights.

The Veteran Federal Procurement Entrepreneurship Training Program (VFPETP) is a veteran-focused program that specifically addresses federal procurement. With government contracting already providing great business avenues for veterans, becoming trained and certified to go this route can help grow a VOSB.

The SBA also offers the Veterans Advantage 7(a) loan, one of the administration's most popular programs. This type of business loan comes with reduced fees for veterans who qualify.

These are just some of the many benefits and incentives offered for veteran-owned small businesses. Many other agencies and departments also make VOSBs and SDVOSBs a priority for contracting and acquisitions.

 

Happy Thanksgiving! Check out our tips for enjoying the holiday with your military family.

 

Day of the Deployed is a relatively recent military observance, but it is no less meaningful to the men and women who serve on active duty, or the community members that honor their efforts on Oct. 26 each year.

Read on to learn about what the Day of the Deployed observance recognizes, how it came to be and how to support military servicemembers and their families at this time and throughout the year.

Origins of Day of the Deployed

The proposal to create a day recognizing the sacrifices and valor of servicemembers on deployment came from Shelle Michaels Aberle of Solider’s Angels, a nonprofit organization offering support to members of the military community.

In 2006, Aberle pitched the idea to then-governer of North Dakota John Hoeven, after being inspired by her cousin, LTC David Hosna, who was serving in Iraq at the time. North Dakota chose to recognize Day of the Deployed on Oct. 26 — Hosna’s birthday — and many other states quickly followed suit with their own state observances.

Several years later, when Hoeven became a U.S. Senator, he put forth a resolution to enact a nationwide Day of the Deployed. In 2011, this measure passed unanimously in the Senate.

Paying tribute to 200,000 deployed servicemembers

According to the Department of Defense, the U.S. armed forces have a presence across all seven continents, with some 4,800 defense sites across 160 countries. The New York Times estimated that roughly 200,000 servicemembers were deployed overseas as of late 2019.

When the national observance was adopted, Aberle described the state and federal recognition as “an honorable way to extend appreciation to the deployed service members and their families. Day of the Deployed is recognition for their hard work, dedication and commitment to the United States of America. This day is all about them.”

“Our U.S. service men and women currently deployed, along with their loved ones, make untold sacrifices as they serve our nation,” Hoeven remarked on the occasion. “A national Day of the Deployed pays tribute to their commitment to our country and their work to protect our freedoms. We want to ensure that our military members and their loved ones know of our appreciation and support before, during and after their service.”

Ways to raise awareness and offer support

Around the U.S. and across the globe, members and supporters of the military community can find countless morale-boosting ways to mark the occasion. Here are just a few ideas for Day of the Deployed:

• Send handwritten notes or care packages to deployed servicemembers in your life or through a nonprofit organization.
• Make a charitable donation to an organization that supports members of the armed services.
• Bring awareness to the observance and the experiences of deployed members of the armed focus and their families using the hashtag #DayoftheDeployed on social media.
• Display a yellow ribbon in support of the troops serving away from home.
• Spend time socializing with a military family — or offer support in the form of babysitting, running errands or delivering a homemade meal.

You can support a deployed servicemember in your life, or connect with a nonprofit organization to reach out to other military members. And don’t forget that your efforts need not be limited to the official Day of the Deployed.

“Even a small act of gratitude goes a long way,” Nicole Motsek of the EOD Warrior Foundation noted in an interview with U.S. Veterans Magazine. “Any time of the year is a great time to show gratitude for the deployed, but this day serves as a great reminder.”

 

An extensive project of digitizing Vietnam deck logs reached completion in late September 2020. The effort was an interagency project between the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). Improved access to the data held within these records should speed up the processing of Blue Water Navy (BWN) veterans’ disability claims.

Digitized deck logs to quickly substantiate disability claims

According to Archivist of the United States David S. Ferriero, “Through this scanning project, VA contractors digitized declassified Navy and Coast Guard deck logs from 1956-1978 in NARA’s holdings.”

Scanned records included those of the hospital ship USS Sanctuary, which Ferriero served aboard during his time in the Navy. “As a veteran from this era, I recognize the unprecedented value this provides to veterans making these logs easily accessible online,” he said.

These deck logs — also called captain’s logs and ship logs — contain manually recorded details outlining the day-to-day activities of a given vessel or Navy unit. This information is regularly used when processing VA disability benefits claims as it provides evidence of exposure to chemicals used for tactical purposes during the conflict in Vietnam.

As established by the 2019 Blue Water Navy Veterans Act, Navy service members who served less than 12 nautical miles out from Vietnamese and Cambodian waters are assumed to have been exposed to Agent Orange. This carcinogenic herbicide is connected with more than a dozen known illnesses and conditions, including Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, ischemic heart disease and seven types of cancers.

Prior to the BWN Veterans Act, service members stationed offshore did not receive the same presumptive disability benefits as their peers who served inland. Now, BWN veterans can no longer be denied these benefits, which can amount to several thousand dollars per month, depending on the individual’s specific condition and health care needs. The completion of this yearlong digitization project means it will be easier to access proof of a veteran’s service and award the necessary disability coverage.

Access to BWN veteran benefits no longer a burden

According to VA Secretary Robert Wilkie, thousands of claims have already been processed this year, using deck log data as it became available. Military Times reported that approximately $641 million has already been issued to 22,524 affected Vietnam veterans.

“The team at NARA recognizes the importance of this effort making it easier for BWN Veterans to receive the benefits they’ve earned without burdening them with paperwork,” Wilkie said in the press announcement.

The total VA payout amount is expected to reach around $5.5 billion over a 10-year timeframe, according to the American Legion. This substantial sum was apparently a topic of concern while the proposal was under consideration.

However, as Ralph Bozella, chairman of The American Legion’s National Veteran Affairs and Rehabilitation Commission, noted: “The cost of caring for veterans after a wartime experience should never be a deterrent to what a veteran earns in benefits.”

It is predicted that some 90,000 BWN veterans may be eligible for these delayed benefits. Veterans, surviving spouses and dependents are urged to file claims as soon as they can. The VA recommends contacting approved Veterans Service Organizations for support in filing a claim.