I will be flying to D.C. this week to take part in a meeting called by the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs to talk about Veteran employment problems and some possible solutions.  This is an issue that is near to my heart and one that lies at the core of our work, helping Veterans transition back to civilian life. 

The issue of Veteran unemployment is not new.   It is caused by many of the same issues that the Vietnam Veterans faced when they came home.  Troops already suffering mental and physical wounds and from general integration problems can have a hard time with the job search, marketing and interview process. 

It can be difficult for many combat Veterans to translate their military experience for the civilian job market.  Also, many employers do not see that military experience relates to the work they do, or have preconceptions about Veterans requiring more time or money to train. 

The effects are the same as they’ve been for the last 35 years.   It is almost impossible to help a Vet transition back to civilian life without also helping him or her find a job.  How can you treat a Veteran for PTSD or Traumatic Brain Injury, and then discharge him without being employed and expect that he is going to continue recovering successfully?  Employment provides a Veteran with a sense of purpose, and is critical to their sense of self-worth. 

The numbers, especially for Veterans ages 18-24, are scary.  The average national unemployment rate for non-Veterans is 16.6%.   For young Iraq and Afghanistan Vets, it has recently been reported as high as 30%, up from 22% a year ago.    

Today’s weak economy doesn’t help.  There are a lot of unemployed people in this country and there is a lot of competition for the jobs that are out there.   Young Vets are already at a disadvantage competing with peers who skipped military service and have at least a four-year head start on experience in the civilian workforce.  And many employers don’t make hiring Vets a priority. 

Our recommendations to congress are straightforward. 

We believe employment counselors should be placed in Vet Centers, where Veterans live and where they go for help.  We believe that these counselors should be trained to help Vets translate their military skills and experience as it relates to civilian jobs. Counselors need to be connected to networks of employers who are good at hiring Veterans. 

In addition, we should be working to make more companies Veteran-friendly.  There are employers, like Home Depot and Costco, that do a great job at hiring Veterans.  Let’s find out what those companies do right.  What elements of their corporate culture and hiring practices are resulting in success when it comes to hiring Veterans? We find out, then work on reaching out to other companies to teach them these practices. 

These are men and women have served and sacrificed for their country. It is our duty to help them them with comprehensive services, including employment assistance, until they have been successfully transitioned back into civilian life.