Job Challenges for OIF/OEF Veterans

Kristina Derro

Veterans Disability Lawyer

There has recently been a big push by employers and the government to help post 9/11 veterans find jobs. That big push has knocked the unemployment rate for OIF/OEF veterans to 7.6% in February, below the overall U.S. unemployment rate of 8.3%.

However, countless veterans still struggle to find work. Many entered the military immediately after high school and didn’t have a chance to build a resume in the civilian work force. This limits their job opportunities after discharge because many employers don’t know what to do with them. Every veteran has a military occupational specialty while in service; some of skills honed during the service are easily transferrable to the civilian world. For example, military occupational specialties such as a pilot, mechanic, or clerk have similar jobs in the civilian market. However, infantryman often find that their skills are not easily transferable, unless they want to become a police officer.

Oftentimes, when OIF/OEF veterans do find work, they find it difficult to hold their jobs. Many have undiagnosed post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and some of the symptoms of the disorder, such as difficulties in social situations, anger issues, outbursts, etc. can limit positions in a field that requires interactions with the public. However, OIF/OEF veterans are beginning to utilize the GI Bill and are receiving college and post-graduate educations, enabling them to enter the civilian workforce with a different skill-set then they honed while in the military.

The government has been trying to encourage employers to hire veterans. With the passage of a number of bills specifically designed to support veteran hiring and training, the unemployment rate for veterans has dropped. The Returning Heroes and Wounded Warrior tax credits provide money to employers who hire veterans who either have been unemployed for at least four weeks or are disabled.

Even without the tax credits, employers have begun to recognize the unique characteristics that a veteran brings to his or her place of employment. Veterans are natural leaders, who are disciplined and dedicated—they are the people you can rely upon.

The Veterans Administration (VA) is trying to do its part in promoting the hiring of veterans. Detroit is the proud host this year of the National Veteran Small Business Conference and Expo, which the VA sponsors, from June 26 through June 29. The four day event will also host a job fair, allowing veterans to link up with potential employers. Visit http://www.nationalveteransconference.com/welcome for more information.