Thousands of veterans leave the military for life after service every year. A major part of reintegration to civilian society is obtaining a civilian job. However, it can be difficult for former servicemembers to choose which career path they want to pursue. Take a look at some of the best job areas for veterans:
Cybersecurity
As the military become ever-increasingly technological, more and more military members are leaving service with a hefty set of cybersecurity skills. The training they receive during service can be applied to almost any civilian industry, and cybersecurity is currently one of the fastest growing fields. Veterans could apply for jobs such as Chief Information Security Officer, Forensics Investigator, Auditor and others with civilian businesses.
Human Resources
Former servicemembers searching for a career suited to post-military life should consider this career path. During service, military members get plenty of experience with conflict resolution, communications and other skills that make them strong candidates for human resources roles. Additionally, U.S. News and World Report stated that there are about 22,000 human resources jobs available.
Training and Development
If there is one thing that that former servicemembers understand, it is the importance of training. After boot camp and years of drills, veterans know that training molds people into the best versions of themselves. That is why these individuals are excellent in training and development roles. They will take pride in the organization of which they are a part and work hard to lead those around them. Former servicemembers are also good at taking direction and passing along the company message.
First Responders
Calm under pressure, quick workers and seemingly indefatigable: these are all qualities that are expected in both military servicemembers and first responders. Perhaps that is why so many veterans make the transition into careers as firefighters, Emergency Medical Technicians and police officers after service. There are typically plenty of first responder jobs available all across the country for interested veterans.
Finding a job in life after service is not only necessary, it is also a major part of the mental transition back into civilian life. However, finding a job that is well-suited to veterans can make the accomplishment all the more rewarding. By taking the time to speak with a military advisor and compiling a list of jobs that match a given set of skills, former servicemembers can find more meaningful careers in their post-service lives.
Veterans of the Vietnam War were not always treated with the respect they deserved when they returned home from their service. In fact, many were treated poorly. Established in 2012, the National Vietnam War Commemoration was created to recognize the former servicemembers who fought in this war and show them the respect they earned.
Nationwide, veterans of the Vietnam War are invited to attend ceremonies during which they are recognized for their service and given commemorative pins. WSLS 10 News described the front of the pins as having the image of an eagle and markers which were intended to represent the allies in the Vietnam War. The back is engraved with the phrase, "A grateful nation thanks and honors you."
"This is an opportunity for us to stop for a moment and acknowledge the sacrifice and the things that they did for this country," VA Regional Benefits Office director Bradley Mayes told the Boston Globe.
The news source reported that there are about 7 million living former servicemembers from the Vietnam War. The commemoration program's goal is to honor each and every one through the year 2025 by holding pinning ceremonies across the nation.
The Department of Veterans Affairs has come under some fire recently with respect to its classifications of those who qualify for various forms of support. Harvard Law School's Veterans Legal Clinic recently put out a report in conjunction with the National Veterans Legal Services Program that found many servicemembers from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have "bad papers," and that this is preventing them from getting support.
The authors of the study stated that roughly 75 percent of veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder who have these forms of discharge do not get granted eligibility from the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Oddly enough, bad papers are defined as being anything other than a general discharge, and a tremendous number of servicemembers have fallen into this grey area in the past few years, with more demanding the VA adjust their practices to quell the issue.
A massive sum
The New York Times reported that the total number of veterans believed to have been denied services from the VA is 125,000 just from those who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. According to the news provider, about 6.5 percent of veterans from these wars have bad papers, and they are not necessarily used to dictate misconduct or a dishonorable discharge, which is why so much confusion has surrounded this study.
To be abundantly clear, though, the source pointed out that plenty of those 125,000 veterans served full campaigns overseas and were given less-than-favorable exit papers, while the G.I. Bill has complicated measures to dictate what follows dishonorable classifications.
VA Deputy Secretary Sloan Gibson spoke to the organization's thoughts on the study.
"Where we can better advocate for and serve veterans within the law and regulation, we will look to do so as much as possible," she affirmed, according to The New York Times.
The real issue does appear to find its roots in what was supposed to be a contingency within the G.I. Bill, the news provider noted, as there are very strict specifications that dictate dishonorable discharges, but plenty of interpretations of every other type of exit. As such, many are calling for the overhaul of these components within the G.I. Bill, which was signed into law more than 70 years ago.
Advocates speak out
RT reported that the study in question was funded by an advocacy group called "Swords to Plowshares," which has spoken out regarding the report in the past few days. It appeared as though there was a consensus regarding the need for the VA to straighten out its policies regarding bad papers.
"The VA's board and vague regulations are contrary to law and create a system that does not work for the VA or for veterans… and stops the agency from effectively addressing the national priorities of ending veteran suicide and homelessness," the authors of the study stated, according to RT.
Because this report was released so recently, the VA's official response is pending.
Veterans need various forms of support when they return from overseas, including health care, jobs services and opportunities to acquire housing. Because of how many veterans have returned from Iraq and Afghanistan in the past decade, as well as those who served in other previous wars, it has taken a town to get the job done, with local, state and federal government entities, as well as nonprofits and businesses, all contributing in some way or another.
Specialized services that match the needs of all veterans are still being researched, developed and released today, while funding for the relevant programs is being acquired through a range of government programs and private fundraising efforts. One new program has been announced through the Wounded Warrior Project, while another seeks to help veterans access new services.
Out to sea
The Wounded Warrior Project recently announced that it is beginning to offer a cruise out of Pensacola to veterans who were injured during service and want to learn more about marine life. The organization has worked on projects to boost awareness and drive the care of wounded veterans for years now, and has myriad programs that fit different needs of varying injured servicemembers.
Interestingly, the real goal of this program is to build more camaraderie among wounded veterans in the area, which is especially powerful because of many servicemembers' sentiments regarding the loneliness following retirement.
"I spent over half of my life being part of a team, and suddenly, I was alone," Air Force Veteran Frank Dailey II explained. "As a WWP Alumni I am part of a team again and through the years, WWP has been there for me and my family," Frank continued. "When my son and I both ended up in the hospital unexpectedly, my wife had to care for each of us. Afterwards, WWP invited my wife on a caregiver's retreat, which was a huge healing point for our family. She didn't realize how much pressure she was under until it was lifted for those few days. She was able to recharge from the challenges of caring for a husband and son with personal issues. I can't tell you how much that weekend meant to her and how much WWP is a part of our lives."
Veterans interested in this program or others offered through the Wounded Warrior Project can find more information on the organization's website.
Service fair
The Chanhassen Villager reported that the Carver-Scott Veterans Services Office, alongside the Scott County Veterans Services Office, will host a large resource fair for veterans in the area. The Minnesota-based event will have 25 different organizations present to provide veterans information regarding a range of matters, including education, housing, health care and jobs, the source explained.
According to the news provider, this fair has been successful in the past thanks to the fact that it makes veterans aware of all the services they might be eligible to apply for, and can improve their qualities of life as well.
Certain states have been more actively engaged in programs and initiatives focused on military veteran support than others, with local governments and state legislatures stepping up to the challenges seen in this fight. In the past couple of weeks, there have been several stories regarding the actions of Florida, New Mexico and Maryland to expand certain services to veterans, provide them opportunities to have a strong quality of life and access to exceptional care.
Florida governor's move
WGCU recently reported that Governor Rick Scott and his colleagues are looking to raise more funds to contribute to the completion of a project involving the construction of a new nursing home for veterans. Unfortunately, the source pointed out that the state's financial planning was complicated by an issue with federal guidelines that ended up pushing the price estimate about $20 million over budget. It was originally forecast to be $39.7 million and is now $60 million.
The source reported that the governor and VA executive for Florida Mike Prendergast are not only looking to find the funds to complete the project with this new budget forecast, but are also lobbying in Washington to try to get the problematic requirements waved in this instance. WGCU noted that this nursing home, when completed, will be named after Ardie Copas, a Vietnam War veteran who gave his life in service and received the Medal of Honor.
New Mexico's exceptional performance
Las Cruces Sun-News recently reported that New Mexico has achieved the greatest stature in the country with respect to its programs that support veteran-run businesses. The U.S. Small Business Administration bestowed the award on the state. The Veterans Business Outreach Center was hailed by the SBA and acting Governor Susana Martinez for its impeccable performance in the past few years.
"I'm proud of the staff at our Veterans Business Outreach Center," Governor Martinez explained, according to Las Cruces Sun-News. "This is a job well done. Because of their hard work, veterans are learning the ins and outs of starting and managing a business of their own. This is a well-deserved recognition, and I have no doubt that our team at the outreach center will continue the great work they are doing for our brave men and women who served our country."
Maryland targets veteran unemployment
My Eastern Shore MD explained that Maryland is currently looking to sign a new bill into law that passed overwhelmingly in the state House of Delegates back in February that would work in favor of veterans looking for jobs. The source affirmed that Maryland has an above-average veteran unemployment rate at 8.5 percent compared to the national average of just over 5 percent, which is likely what caused this bill to move quickly through the state's government agencies.
This particular bill would allow businesses to hire veterans in a preferential fashion, and hopefully reduce the number of servicemembers who do not have a job.
Veterans have been hailed for their acumen in corporate leadership thanks to their experiences in the service that prepare them for the challenges of decision making and even business ownership. With this in mind, and considering the fact that tens of thousands of troops have returned home from overseas in need of employment, it only makes sense that so many organizations and government agencies have pushed to support veterans in their entrepreneurial goals.
The U.S. Small Business Administration estimates that there are roughly 2.4 million veteran-owned firms in the country today, with 5.8 million members of the workforce employed in such companies. There have been several programs launched through the SBA, VA and other government departments to ensure that veterans have all of the tools and financing they need to get their business ideas off the ground and through the challenges of the startup period.
A little perspective
Toledo ABC affiliate 13 Action News recently explained how the programs in place to help veterans get employed or start a business have come a long way. According to the news provider, Gil Goldberg was a serviceman in the Vietnam War and witnessed how difficult trying to be an entrepreneur was decades ago. Now, Goldberg is a district director at the SBA.
"We have special financing programs for veterans and special government contracting programs for veterans and we have technical assistance to help them with their business plan to get started," Goldberg told the source.
He then proceeded to state some of the reasons why loans provided through the SBA's veteran-focused programs are so competitive, including the fact that disbursements ranging from $350,000 to $5 million have their fees reduced by 50 percent. What's more, 13abc noted that the forum Goldberg spoke at brought together minds in various portions of the private sector, including contractors that do work with the military.
Importantly, the news provider pointed out that many veterans do not necessarily know the services and opportunities they are offered through the SBA and other entities, so raising awareness is key to ensure these programs play out effectively and help the servicemember community.
Stories of success
There have been countless veterans who have successfully launched startup companies and cultivated them into successful businesses. Tech Cocktail listed some of these examples, including Paul Sperry, the entrepreneur responsible for the highly popular Sperry Shoes, who was a veteran and eventually manufactured the U.S. Navy's official footwear.
According to the source, there is also Marine Fred Smith who launched FedEx and watched it grow into a $3.7 billion success. Veterans interested in taking advantage of the many programs in place to fund and support their business objectives should consider evaluating those of the SBA first, as they tend to be the most competitive and matured, but can also consult other resources to get more information regarding alternative opportunities.
There are few life changes bigger than that involved in transitioning from military service to the civilian world. The thousands of servicemen and women who do it each year know it isn’t easy to trade the uniform for a dress shirt and tie, or base housing for a private home or apartment.
Questions over health care, education, employment and much more have to be answered, preferably a few months before actually being discharged. One way to make the transition to a life after service easier is if servicemembers know they’re coming home to cities that welcome them with open arms, where opportunities to work and relax are theirs for the taking.
What would such cities look like? Which factors would determine their suitability for veterans? Affordability is obviously a key concern. Housing, including single family homes, condos and apartments, would have to be within an achievable price range, with guarantees that prices wouldn’t skyrocket in the next few years. That rules out some major cities but opens plenty of other options nationwide.
Proximity to Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals and care providers is obviously essential. Veterans need to have immediate access to medical support, both of the physical and emotional kind, so that rules out deep, rural areas and urban areas with only limited facilities.
Here’s another factor to consider – a sense of community. One of the great benefits of military service is the camaraderie and fellowship of being with like-minded men and women united in a patriotic effort. Many veterans miss that sense of togetherness when they leave, but they don’t have to. Veterans communities exist all over the country, and they’re often just as important to the happiness and well-being of retired servicemembers as a quality hospital or bright employment outlook.
Considering these requirements and many others, here’s a list of some of the best cities for veterans.
Small gestures of kindness and recognition can sometimes have a very big impact on veterans.
The Washington Post recently reported that members of the Washington Nationals professional baseball team decided to give a veteran a truly unforgettable gift. According to the news provider, the team had been in Viera, Florida for spring training, which was also where army veteran Joe Stanfield moved to be closer to a VA.
A lover of baseball, though with his allegiance more tied to the Atlanta Braves, Stanfield was watching the team play at a field very close to the VA when the players walked over. Rather than signing a baseball, the source explained that the team decided to sign Stanfield's golf cart.
"'I'd lose a baseball," Stanfield told the Washington Post. "I don't think I'll lose a golf cart."
The news provider noted that Stanfield had completed three tours in Iraq.
These types of simple, genuine methods of honoring veterans can positively affect a community as well. The Reporter published a letter to the editor from one individual who pointed out that such events have improved the connections across diverse members of his community.
The Arizona Coalition to End Homelessness estimates that there are roughly 556,729 veterans living in the state, which is about 2.5 percent of all servicemembers in the United States. Local and state government officials have been working to improve the quality of living among this community's members through programs related to homelessness and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Tucson News Now recently reported that Senator John McCain, a decorated veteran himself, spoke at a town hall to discuss some of the programs being launched to improve health care for veterans living in Arizona. Although the state has been involved in national initiatives including the Veterans' Access to Care through Choice, Accountability and Transparency Act, the source pointed out that the senator's announcement related to his own plan.
According to the news provider, the Care Veterans Deserve program would work to improve the ways in which veterans seek and acquire medical care, especially for needs that transcend PTSD.
"The VA does a magnificent job with PTSD, with traumatic brain injury," McCain told Tucson News Now. "But there are many other areas of medical care that it can be done as well or better by a private health care provider."
The news provider noted that McCain made it a point to discuss the ways in which all of these programs intertwine in the lives of veterans, such as how homelessness contributes to medical-related issues down the road. His plan seeks to take a more comprehensive approach to caring for veterans and positioning them for success.
Veterans in Arizona and other states should keep their eyes open for announcements such as this one, as more officials are pushing to advance care for servicemembers beyond the scope of traditional treatments and services.
Most people don't realize that veterans make some of the best business people around. In fact, many of the most popular countries in the United States got their starts in the minds of former servicemembers or are now under the watchful leadership of a veteran. Take a look at the list below to get a closer look at some of the most well-known veteran-run businesses.
Johnson & Johnson
Alex Gorsky, the CEO of this mega company, is a proud graduate of West Point Academy, according to Business Insider. Gorsky's military career lasted six years, during which time he was a member of the Rangers and earned the Captain ranking. Gorsky's service took him all over the world before bring him back to the U.S. to head Johnson & Johnson.
Casey's General Store
After serving the Army in Germany, Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait for 22 years, Robert Myers returned to America. According to Business Insider, this is when he began working for a Casey's General Store. Myers eventually earned himself the role of CEO of the company and remains in charge today.
Verizon
This communications giant is helmed by Lowell McAdam. The Veterans United Network stated that McAdam served as in US Navy Civil Engineer Corps for six years. Now, the former servicemember is CEO of one of the nation's leading communications providers.
Proctor & Gamble
According to Business Insider, Robert A. McDonald, the current CEO of Proctor & Gamble, wrote his congressman at 11 years old to ask for special permission to enter military service. When McDonald reached legal age, he entered the Armed Forces. He was put in the 82nd Airborne Division where he served until he retired. McDonald is now the head of Proctor & Gamble as well as the secretary of Veterans Affairs.
General Motors
This massive automotive company is another veteran-headed company. Daniel Akerson, the business' former CEO, spent five years as a Navy officer before assuming his role at the helm of General Motors, according to the Veterans United Network. Akerson reportedly comes from a long line of military service.
Veterans interested in pursuing entrepreneurial interests should look to their predecessors for inspiration. Many proud former servicemembers have started some of the country's most important and successful enterprises, and many of them have their military service to thank for giving them the drive necessary to complete these goals.