Why do Veterans make great hires?

It’s not a new occurrence and it won’t end in our lifetime nor that of our grandchildren. What is it you ask? Military veteran transition to civilian life. Throughout history, service members have served with a discipline that is not easily understood by civilians. Service members are driven by commands without question and when a veteran returns to civilian life, the civilian culture shock can be daunting. Each branch of the military is built on a distinct mission, traditions, and practices. Military members must be physically fit, mentally stable, and ready to participate in or support combat missions that may be difficult and dangerous and involve long periods of time away from family; however, some personnel are rarely deployed near combat areas. 

Did you know that 91% of the jobs in the military are regular jobs such as administration, logistics, medical, construction and HR? Highly competent veterans who bring years of leadership, technical expertise, cultural diversity and dedication to service. For the returning service member, a major component of their transition to a second career is to translate their military skills into equivalent civilian workforce management. Being in the military is a proud career with a high sense of duty. Used to being told what to do, a veteran will likely find it overwhelming to be completely on their own facing such a significant change.

• Outstanding leadership and development training
• “Can’t be a good leader until you are a good follower”
• Manage diverse cross-functional teams
• High level of cultural sensitivity and diplomacy
• Handle complex projects
• Learn fast and adapt quickly
• Accountability – mission accomplished at all costs
• Outstanding leadership and development training
• “Can’t be a good leader until you are a good follower”
• Manage diverse cross-functional teams
• High level of cultural sensitivity and diplomacy
• Handle complex projects
• Learn fast and adapt quickly
• Accountability – mission accomplished at all costs

Finding the right fit and matching skills is an impactful point in the career planning process. In their transition to civilian life, one huge gap for a military veteran will be losing their sense of belonging to an organization viewed as synonymous with freedom. Employers that want or need to hire veterans (those with federal contracts) can attract veterans by creating an environment:

• That understands why they are hiring veterans and what they will get in return
• That has an active veteran recruiting effort, including one that ensures any electronic application system is not dismissing veterans for “lack of experience”
• That understands hiring veterans needs a long term approach that will pay rolling dividends
• That has a clear mission and vision and works toward accomplishing goals every day 

George Pratt wrote the book, Soldier to Civilian in 1944 and outlined the problems related to post military employment of our servicemen at that time. Seventy years later, many things have changed for our servicemen and women, except the adjustment back to civilian life and securing a job as a civilian.

 "one of the most urgent problems of civilian adjustment facing the returned serviceman is the question of securing a job"  George Pratt 

Service to Civilian builds a relationship with each client, getting to know the culture and business drivers. Coupled with the relationship we build with each veteran, we know their strengths and what they stand for. Service to Civilian then bridges the gap.