Why Soldiers Make Good Employees

By Gerald P. Panaro, WSTDA Legal Counsel

Tens of thousands of troops will probably be coming home from Iraq in 2006 and most of them will likely be looking for work in the civilian sector, if they do not already have jobs to return to. The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA, 38 US Code, §§4301-4333) prohibits discrimination against those who are current or former members of the military. Section 4311(a) of USERRA prohibits employers from denying “initial employment, reemployment, retention in employment, promotion, or any benefit of employment by an employer on the basis of that membership, application for membership, performance of service, application for service, or obligation.”

There are excellent reasons, however, why former and current military personnel make excellent employees and why employers should therefore affirmatively seek out and hire such people. Assistance in doing so is available from the Veterans’ Employment & Training Service division of the US Department of Labor.

Ten reasons to hire former service members.[1]

1. Accelerated Learning Curve. Veterans have the proven ability to learn new skills and concepts. In addition, they can enter the workforce with identifiable and transferable skills, proven in real world situations. This background can enhance the employer’s productivity.

2. Leadership. The military trains people to lead by example as well as through direction, delegation, motivation and inspiration. Veterans understand the practical ways to manage behaviors for results, even in the most trying circumstances. They also know the dynamics of leadership as part of both hierarchical and peer structures.

3. Teamwork. Veterans understand how genuine teamwork grows out of a responsibility to one’s colleagues. Military duties involve a blend of individual and group productivity. They also necessitate a perception of how groups of all sizes relate to each other and an overarching objective.

4. Diversity and Inclusion in Action. Veterans have learned to work side by side with individuals regardless of diverse race, gender, geographic origin, ethnic background, religion and economic status as well as mental, physical and attitudinal capabilities. They have the sensitivity to cooperate with many different types of individuals.

5. Efficient performance under pressure. Veterans understand the rigors of tight schedules and limited resources. They have developed the capacity to know how to accomplish priorities on time, in spite of tremendous stress. They know the critical importance of staying with a task until it is done right.

6. Respect for Procedures. Veterans have gained a unique perspective on the value of accountability. They can grasp their place within an organizational framework, becoming responsible for subordinates’ actions to higher supervisory levels. They know how policies and procedures enable an organization to exist.

7. Technology and Globalization. Because of their experiences in the service, veterans are usually aware of international and technical trends pertinent to business and industry. They can bring the kind of global outlook and technological savvy that all enterprises of any size need to succeed.

8. Integrity. Veterans know what it means to do “an honest day’s work.” Prospective employers can take advantage of a track record of integrity, often including security clearances. This integrity translates into qualities of sincerity and trustworthiness.

9. Conscious of Health and Safety Standards. Thanks to extensive training, veterans are aware of health and safety protocols both for themselves and the welfare of others. Individually, they represent a drug-free workforce that is cognizant of maintaining personal health and fitness. On a company level, their awareness and conscientiousness translate into protection of employees, property and materials.

10. Triumph Over Adversity. In addition to dealing positively with the typical issues of personal maturity, veterans have frequently triumphed over great adversity. They likely have proven their mettle in mission critical situations demanding endurance, stamina and flexibility. They may have overcome personal disabilities through strengths and determination.

Help in hiring service members

The Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS), an agency of the U.S. Department of Labor, provides employers with many resources for finding former service members to hire. So does the Department of Veterans Affairs, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Service. There is also the President’s National Hire Veterans Committee, which works in conjunction with the DOL’s VETS and Employment and Training Administration (ETA) on a campaign to promote the hiring of veterans by employers. The Committee maintains a website at www.HireVetsFirst.gov. This website has both an “employer zone” and a “veterans zone.” There is also a toll-free helpline: 1-877-US2-JOBS (TYY: 1-877-889-5627). The website or telephone link will put employers in touch with “One Stop Career Centers”. The One Stop Career Centers serve the needs of those looking for jobs and employers seeking employees. They assist businesses with recruitment, training and retention of skilled workers.

There are nearly 2,000 One-Stop Career Centers nationwide where employers can go to receive assistance in connecting to and recruiting veterans. One-Stop Career Centers offer a wealth of resources including specialized Local Veterans’ Employment Representatives (LVERs) and Disabled Veterans’ Outreach Program (DVOP) staff who work solely with veteran populations and can provide relevant veteran applicant referrals.

In addition to the above, employers may also access, through the Department of Labor, the “O*NET,” the Occupational Information Network, which is a comprehensive database of occupational skills, knowledge and other occupational characteristics - including those that veterans bring to the workforce. O*NET can help an employer align military educational and job training curricula with current civilian workplace needs.

[1] Source: http://www.military.com/PressCenter/1,,10-reasons.htm,00.html

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