OPINION

Veterans: A Hidden Gem in the Job Market

USATue Nov 11 2025

Veterans offer unique skills and work ethic, but often struggle to find suitable jobs.

The Challenge

  • Unemployment Rate: Low, but many veterans are underemployed or facing financial stress.
  • Skill Translation: Military skills don't always align with civilian job requirements.
  • Certifications: Veterans may lack civilian certifications for certain roles.

The Gap in Transition Programs

  • Outdated Programs: Transition programs may not keep pace with technological advancements.
  • Employer Preference: Many employers prefer veterans over non-veterans with similar qualifications.

Solutions and Actions

  • Government and Private Sector: Need to take action to support veterans.
  • Congress: Proposed bills to improve transition programs.
  • Businesses: Should recruit more veterans and their spouses.

Success Stories

  • Provalus: A company that thrives on hiring veterans.
  • Training and Mentorship: Focus on attitude and aptitude.
  • High-Performing Workforce: Veterans make up a significant portion.

Leveraging Veteran Strengths

  • Communication Styles: Understand and adapt to veterans' unique communication styles.
  • Flexibility and Support: Offer flexibility and support to help veterans succeed.
  • Leadership and Decision-Making: Veterans bring leadership and the ability to make decisions under pressure.

The Impact

  • Nearly 18 Million Veterans: In the United States, ready to contribute to the economy and innovation.

questions

    Could the high underemployment rate among veterans be a deliberate strategy to keep them from influencing civilian politics?
    If veterans are so mission-focused, why do they always lose their car keys?
    Are the difficulties veterans face in transitioning to civilian jobs a result of a secret agenda to undermine their societal impact?

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