Hiring military veterans has become a key priority for many companies seeking dedicated, skilled and reliable employees. BNSF Railway, a leader in the transportation industry, offers a model for how organizations can successfully attract, support and retain veterans. By exploring the strategies used by BNSF, other companies can learn effective ways to build a veteran-friendly workforce that aligns with their goals and values.
Aligning Military Experience with Company Roles
One of the first steps in effectively hiring veterans is recognizing how military skills translate to the private sector. BNSF’s Chief Operations Officer, Matt Igoe, exemplifies this transition. Before joining BNSF in 1998, Igoe served as an Army officer, where he honed skills in leadership, discipline, strategic thinking and safety—all crucial in his current role leading BNSF’s Operations organization. Companies looking to hire veterans should identify the qualities developed in military service that align with their operational needs. These include adaptability, leadership under pressure and a mission-oriented mindset.
Building Strong Recruitment Pathways
BNSF’s success in hiring over 7,000 veterans—comprising nearly 20% of its workforce—is no accident. The company has established partnerships with military bases, veterans’ organizations and Transition Assistance Programs (TAPs) across the country. Through regular career fairs, military base visits and targeted recruitment efforts, BNSF ensures that veterans know they are welcome and valued. For businesses aiming to improve their veteran recruitment, the takeaway is clear: invest in partnerships with organizations that connect directly with transitioning service members and actively engage in outreach.
Creating a Supportive Environment
Retention is as critical as recruitment, and BNSF has created an environment where veterans can thrive. A cornerstone of this effort is its BRAVE (Business Resource and Veterans Engagement) group, which helps veterans, reservists and first responders transition into the company, build leadership skills and engage with their communities. Companies looking to retain veterans should consider forming similar employee resource groups (ERGs) or mentorship programs that address veterans’ unique needs and help them connect with others with similar backgrounds.
The Value Veterans Bring
Veterans bring more than technical skills—they bring a work ethic grounded in discipline, teamwork and commitment. BNSF’s recognition of this value is reflected in its longstanding reputation as a top employer for military veterans. By focusing on the qualities that veterans naturally possess, like reliability and leadership, businesses can better integrate veterans into roles where they can make the most impact. As Igoe points out, “We know that military veterans have the experience, determination and dependability to be teammates that can always be counted on.”
Leveraging Strategic Partnerships
BNSF’s partnerships extend beyond recruitment to include organizations that provide ongoing support to veterans. Collaborations with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the U.S. Army Reserve are vital to offering tailored resources for veterans as they transition into civilian employment. For companies looking to enhance their support for veterans, partnering with organizations specializing in veteran services can be a strategic way to offer more comprehensive aid, from job placement to ongoing career development.
Supporting Veteran-Owned Businesses
In addition to hiring veterans, BNSF has integrated veteran-owned businesses into its supply chain. Companies like RCL Wiring, a veteran-owned business that provides signal bungalows for BNSF’s rail operations, highlight the mutual benefits of such partnerships. For RCL Wiring’s owner, Robert Albritton, the principles learned in the military—speed, accuracy and honor—are central to his business’s success. For companies interested in supporting veteran entrepreneurship, prioritizing veteran-owned suppliers strengthens supplier diversity and reinforces a company’s commitment to the veteran community.
Emphasizing Recognition and Awards
BNSF’s numerous awards, including their recognition from U.S. Veterans Magazine, underscore the company’s leadership in veteran employment. These accolades also highlight the importance of creating a workplace culture that values diversity and inclusion. For businesses seeking similar recognition, focusing on consistent, authentic engagement with veterans and fostering an inclusive work environment are essential steps.
Applying BNSF’s Strategies in Your Company
For companies looking to improve their veteran hiring and support efforts, several essential practices can be adapted from BNSF’s approach:
- Map Military Skills to Business Roles: Identify how military experience aligns with the roles your company needs to fill.
- Build Targeted Recruitment Programs: Engage directly with military bases, TAP offices and veteran organizations to create strong recruitment channels.
- Create Dedicated Support Structures: Establish ERGs or mentorship programs to help veterans transition and grow within your company.
- Recognize and Leverage Veteran Skills: Understand the unique value veterans bring, such as leadership, discipline and reliability.
- Develop Strategic Partnerships: Collaborate with organizations that specialize in veteran services to provide comprehensive support.
- Support Veteran-Owned Businesses: Incorporate veteran-owned suppliers into your supply chain to deepen your company’s impact on the veteran community.
- Strive for Recognition: Pursue awards and recognitions that validate your company’s commitment to veterans and provide motivation to improve continuously.
By adopting these strategies, companies can create a welcoming environment for veterans, access a valuable talent pool and strengthen their own operations while honoring those who have served.
Read more articles for the Veteran Community here.
