The most challenging turn of military life comes when a soldier leaves active service and enters civilian life. Many times it happens that employers are not able to directly relate the hard skills learned in the army to civilian jobs. Often interviewers assume that soldiers are only trained in combat skills, while the reality is that abilities such as discipline, leadership, crisis management and teamwork acquired from the army are invaluable assets for any company. This is the reason why such soldiers face disappointment in the search for a new job.
Why Veteran-Friendly Companies Are Important
Data from the United States shows that as of October 2021, about 18 million veterans were living in the country, of which only 46.8% were involved in the civilian labor force. This means that a large number of soldiers are deprived of employment after leaving the service. The unemployment rate is particularly high among soldiers aged 25 to 54. This situation indicates that it is not easy for soldiers to find a civilian job. Veteran-friendly employers play an important role in such times.
What are veteran-friendly employers?
A veteran-friendly employer is a company that honors the service of soldiers and provides opportunities that recognize their skills. These employers make special efforts for recruitment—such as contacting military groups, running awareness campaigns on social media, providing transition assistance, providing bonus or promotion opportunities, and flexible work hours.
Several surveys and organizations also formally rank companies as “military-friendly.” For example, Victory Inc. ranks companies that make special investments in recruiting and developing veterans as “Military Friendly.” Similarly, VETS – Beyond the Uniform categorizes companies based on their efforts into “Veteran Friendly”, “Veteran Ready” or “Veteran Focused”.
Characteristics of Veteran-Friendly Companies
Companies take soldiers’ backgrounds into account in the hiring process. They know that a soldier’s resume doesn’t always tell the whole story, so they try to understand their skills and experience in depth. Even after they get a job, veteran-friendly companies provide services such as career guidance, financial counseling and mental health support.
Mentioning veteran-friendly on a company’s website, having a veteran support group or supporting nonprofit organizations related to soldiers are signs that the company really values soldiers.
In which areas do soldiers get opportunities
First of all, government departments are the largest employers. The Department of Defense, Veteran Affairs, Social Security Administration, Justice Department and Department of Homeland Security employ a large number of soldiers.
In the private sector, defense, aerospace, IT, health services, education, transportation and manufacturing are the major industries that provide opportunities to soldiers.
Jobs suitable for soldiers
Many researches show that soldiers get more opportunities in jobs like financial advisor, IT specialist, management consultant, nurse practitioner, logistics manager and operations manager. At the same time, jobs like software developer, writer, accountant, animal trainer and librarian are also considered suitable for soldiers suffering from PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder).
Franchise opportunities are also an option
Many big companies encourage soldiers to start franchises. The US Small Business Administration also offers special financial assistance plans for veterans. Franchises like UPS Store, Dream Vacations, Anytime Fitness and Snap-On Tools are popular options for soldiers.
List of Veteran-Friendly Companies
Some of the major companies that are known for recruiting and supporting veterans include:
- Accenture – a global professional services company that has hired thousands of military personnel.
- Allied Universal – a specialist in security and management services that hired more than 20,000 veterans in 2020 alone.
- Boeing – offers a military skills translator tool that helps soldiers easily match jobs.
- Costco – provides flexible work hours for soldiers continuing their education.
- Google – hosts specialized career resources and training for soldiers.
- Southwest Airlines – has more than 8,000 soldiers and more than 1,300 military family members as part of its workforce.
- Verizon – offers flexible work and professional development opportunities to nearly 10,000 veterans.
- Walgreens – Provides training and mentorship to soldiers through the HERO program.
Conclusion
Veteran-friendly employers are more important than ever in 2025. The discipline, leadership and crisis management skills of soldiers are assets to any organization. Companies that have adopted special policies for soldiers are not only strengthening their workforce but also securing the future of those who have dedicated their lives to protecting the country.
