A recently published survey, conducted by Edelman Berland[1],
found that vast majority of Americans, including many civilian employers, see
veterans as “heroes,” but don’t see them as “assets” within the community. The authors believe, and I agree, that view keeps veterans from being selected for jobs
they desire.[2]
The survey confirmed what veterans have known for
years: non-military personnel don't believe that veterans have much to offer civilian private and nonprofit employers. That is truly unfortunate, because veterans
aren’t just good at what they do in the military. Veterans bring skills and abilities that can
help organizations meet their operational goals. First, they have to be given a chance.
Too often, veterans do not get that chance. Too many employers see veterans as damaged
goods that are affected by PTSD or are homeless, even though the vast majority of veterans are able-bodied and ready for work. I’ve
talked with countless veterans who are talented and highly accomplished, and
they tell me that the only private sector jobs they are offered are entry-level
security jobs.
As I reach out to our community, one of my goals is to make
the case for veterans as viable job candidates. Nearly every veteran has made contributions that have helped
the U.S. military become the most successful organization in the history of the
world. Veterans are a valuable, but
untapped resource. When employers realize the benefit that veterans can
deliver, it will launch a Renaissance for the business community.
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