Author: USVM Editor

Numerous businesses today recognize the valuable skills and qualities that military veterans bring to the table, and are actively seeking to recruit them. With a growing number of service members transitioning to civilian life annually, many companies are eager to tap into the pool of well-educated, disciplined, and professional individuals. Not too long ago, veterans faced challenges in finding suitable employment, but the landscape has shifted significantly. Companies now vie for top veteran talent, striving to position themselves as military and veteran-friendly organizations to attract veterans. Whether you’re independently recruiting veterans or collaborating with recruitment firms, adopting certain practices can…

As April marks Month of the Military Child, Cohen Veterans Network (CVN), a national not-for-profit philanthropic organization that serves post-9/11 veterans, active duty service members and their families through a nationwide system of mental health clinics, recvently announced its collaboration with the National Military Family Association (NMFA), a nonprofit that works to strengthen military families, and Bloom, NMFA’s youth program by and for military teens, for an initiative aimed at supporting military teens and their parents. The organizations are joining forces for an online campaign titled, Ask Us Anything: Military Teen Edition, in which military teens will share insights about…

Working from home is an option to consider Whether you’re entering the workforce, or it’s been a number of years, it can be challenging to enter that world. Work environments and culture can change quickly. Brushing up on the latest technological advancements employers are using is a great first step. Familiarizing yourself with technology will help ease the transition into the workforce and provide you with much more marketable skills. Social media Social media is a powerful business tool for companies and for job seekers as well. Get to know companies that interest you through various social media platforms. Facebook,…

Last year, the Defense Department kicked off the Military Spouse Career Accelerator Pilot program. As the program enters its second quarter of the second year, lessons learned from the first year will be used to make it even better going forward.  The three-year MSCAP program is designed to help military spouses find employment fellowships with participating companies. Following the conclusion of those fellowships, some military spouses may be offered full-time employment.  The DoD’s C. Todd Lopez reports on challenges Military Spouses face as well as the Pilot program’s success: Eddy Mentzer, the program manager for spouse education and career opportunities…

By Joe Syznkowski Dogs have always been essential to the well-being of veterans, whether they are working as a service dog or simply providing companionship. But when dogs come together with today’s modern technology, we can create a way for our furry friends to support our veterans further.  Dogs For Our Brave is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing professionally trained service dogs at no cost to veterans who have suffered debilitating injuries or illness while in service to our country. “We truly believe this helps us save two lives at once,” said April Haskins, executive director at Dogs For…

By Tim Madden   A career in the military has many rewards, but it also has foundational relevance for a civilian career. According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, around 200,000 service members transition out of the military each year. Various federal programs are designed to facilitate this transition, including helping service members achieve their education, employment and other goals, and overcome potential challenges in adjusting to civilian life. Unfortunately, many of these programs fall flat, and thousands of veterans are left without any options or viable plans to fall back on post service. Fortunately, military experience proves to be an…

If you’re transitioning to the civilian workforce, or educational institution and interested in working in the STEM field with a stable income and opportunities for growth, here are some of the most popular STEM fields you should consider. Software Developer Rated as the top job in STEM by U.S. News & World Report, software developers are becoming more and more of a necessity in today’s world. As a software developer, you create computer applications that allow users to do specific tasks and the underlying systems that run the devices or control networks. This may include designing and developing software according…

Prepare to be inspired and empowered at the Women Veterans Engage Conference – Virtual, happening on April 27, 2024, from 9am to 2pm EST. Whether you’re a woman veteran, active duty, guard, reserve, spouse, or supporter, this event offers a unique opportunity for professional development, personal growth, and community connection. Event Details Mark your calendars for April 27, 2024, as Women Veterans Engage (WVE) hosts a virtual conference from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM EST. Organized by WVE, this year’s theme is “Empowered Warriors: Navigating Transitions, Igniting Purpose, and Cultivating Well-Being.” The conference will be broadcasted live in person throughout…

By Cpl. Andrew Bray   Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center (MCAGCC) has emerged as a critical center for innovation within the United States Marine Corps. The largest Marine Corps training facility of its kind, MCAGCC has become an essential testing ground for emerging technologies. Marines with Tactical Training and Exercise Control Group (TTECG), Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command, in concert with the Office of Naval Research (ONR), tested a quadruped robotic platform referred to as the “robotic goat” on Sept. 9, 2023. TTECG and ONR test fired an M72 LAW (light anti-armor weapon) rocket launcher from the robotic…

Check out the Women’s Bureau’s Military Spouses Fact Sheet on dol.gov/wb for insights into  collaborative efforts with various sectors to bolster job opportunities for military spouses. Key Points: Objective: Our aim is to work alongside government agencies, private entities, non-profits, educational institutions, and labor organizations to foster increased employment prospects for military spouses. Quick Stats: 92% of military spouses are women. 53% are part of the labor force, compared to 76% of the general population. Unemployment rate stands at 13%, nearly three times the national average (as of May 2017). 89% have pursued some form of college education, with 30%…