Served 20 Years; Not Done Serving.
Twenty years in uniform, and now — no roadmap. Just questions and pressure. Navigating a job search process after decades in military service feels like starting all over again, doesn’t it? Many soldiers share sentiments that they do not regret service, not at all, nor do not regret the decision to transition out to civilian life, but the pressure to start a new chapter in late adulthood is absolutely daunting.
The question now is: How do I add value?
The Center for Workforce Inclusion highlights the power of leveraging Veteran talent to drive business success – $15M in business impact, to be exact. Veterans bring a mission-focused mindset, strong training, and a deep understanding of teamwork and adding value. They’re ready to make a difference for organizations that see their potential.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2023, 7% of the U.S. population – 17.9 million Americans – self-identified as Veterans, having served on active duty in the Armed Forces. Of those unemployed, 51.4% are aged 45 and older, with 72% aged 50 and up. Additionally, 30% of Veterans have faced service-related disabilities, with 23% holding disability ratings of 50% or higher, directly affecting their quality of life. These numbers highlight the critical need for actionable solutions to support our nation’s Veterans.
There’s immense value in hiring older Veterans to drive business success. Bringing seasoned Veterans into your workforce not only diversifies your culture but also sharpens your organization’s edge and strengthens the bottom line. These candidates excel in soft skills like team building – critical for retaining and attracting like-minded talent. With unmatched adaptability, a relentless work ethic, and a discipline forged through service, Veterans approach business with integrity and unite disjointed teams to achieve a common mission.
Broad experience in supply chain and logistics within military occupational specialties (MOS) transitions seamlessly into management roles – especially in organizations with the culture to welcome a strong operational leader. In cybersecurity, Veterans often require just a few certifications or additional technical training to excel. Across industries, language skills and global expertise, honed through collaboration with foreign entities, provide a strategic advantage in strengthening international business relations. These capabilities aren’t just skills – they’re force multipliers for businesses ready to embrace mission-driven leadership.
To give older Veterans a fair shot, several nonprofits are stepping up to increase awareness of the unique qualities Veterans bring as job candidates. By providing skill development training, these organizations prepare Veterans to succeed on the right career path. On the flip side, educating employers on the value of seasoned leadership ensures they recognize the strategic advantage of hiring Veteran talent – cueing the right leaders to actively seek Veterans for their workforce.
Who wouldn’t want a “Charlie” on their team – someone who sees the big picture while managing the forest of details within it? A leader who thinks on their feet, makes quick decisions, and adapts seamlessly to rapidly changing circumstances. In today’s fast-paced business world, critical thinking and adaptability are game-changers. They may not jump off a resume, but they’re among the most vital traits you’ll find in a leader.
Resources:
Unlocking $15M of Economic Value, 2024. https://www.centerforworkforceinclusion.org/unlocking-15-billion-in-economic-value-skills-based-hiring-of-veterans/#:~:text=Veterans%20are%20trained%20to%20work,be%20invaluable%20during%20organizational%20crises.
Veterans with Disability Stats, 2022. https://www.statista.com/statistics/250316/us-veterans-by-disability-status/
