Numerous positive outcomes result from military service. As an employer, you can benefit from the training and experience a veteran brings to the workforce.
Military personnel and veterans have been vetted by their training. All members of the military complete basic training, which is designed to “break an individual down” and then train them back up. Basic training varies by branch but includes intense physical training, academic and skills training, and socialization into that branch’s culture. When you hire a veteran or member of the military, the training you supply is built on top of a foundation that has already been set in the military. Military service instills strong values, selfless service, and loyalty — desirable attributes in an employee.
Military service results in the acquisition of numerous skills, training, and experiences that would benefit any company or agency.
Veterans in the General Workplace:
No matter the position, veterans are equipped with an array of strengths that translate into any job space, including:
- Working well in a team. Teamwork is considered an essential part of daily life and is the foundation on which safe military operations are built.
- Having a sense of duty. Responsibility for job performance and accountability for completing missions are something to take pride in.
- Experiencing self-confidence. Holding a realistic estimation of self and ability based on experiences is expected of each service member.
- Being organized and disciplined.
- Possessing a strong work ethic. In the military, the mission always comes first.
- Having the ability to follow through on assignments, even under difficult or stressful circumstances.
- Possessing a variety of cross-functional skills, such as extensive training on computer programs and systems, interacting with various people with different skills to accomplish a task, and coordinating and troubleshooting problems in novel and known conditions.
- Being able to problem solve quickly and creatively.
- The ability to adapt to changing situations.
- Naturally following rules and schedules.
Veterans Make Strong Leaders
Military service teaches and cultivates leadership skills that translate smoothly into the roles of supervisor, manager, and other “high up” positions. These skills include:
- Taking responsibility for self and actions
- Making sound and timely decisions
- Setting the example
- Understanding and accomplishing assigned tasks
- Being dependable
- Cultivating abilities to meet a variety of challenges
- Being disciplined
Veterans are Educated
After completing their service, veterans have easier access to educational and training resources. This means that in tandem with their hands-on experience in the military, they are typically more educated in their craft. These skillsets often manifest as:
- Technical and tactical proficiency in a variety of skills
- Technical education for a specific military occupational specialty
Veterans are Mature
Military service can result in personal growth and positive emotional experiences that foster a sense of respect and maturity that might not be seen otherwise. Veterans often exhibit:
- Enhanced maturity
- Self-improvement
- Knowing oneself better (e.g., strengths, capabilities, areas for improvement)
- Strengthening of resilience
- Positive transformations following trauma or situations of extreme stress
- Improved coping skills
- Pride (e.g., in self, unit)
Veterans Understand the Importance of a Team
Veterans are taught the importance of interpersonal skills and relationships in professional and personal settings. They are often more knowledgeable about working productively on a team with different opinions, personalities, and behaviors than those without military experience. Veterans are especially good at:
- Creating camaraderie and deep friendships
- Interpersonal maturation
- Working well in teams and understanding the importance of cooperation
- Looking out for the welfare of the team
Hiring a veteran will not only allow you to gain employees who are dedicated, lead naturally, develop an array of job skills, but are some of the greatest assets your company can have to better your company.
Source: VA.gov
