While We’re on the Subject: Women Veterans and Employment

We all know it’s not easy transitioning from the military back to civilian life.  All the things that used to be taken care of so we could concentrate on our jobs are now, like it or not, back in our own hands. Transitioning out of the military in these particular times when the economy is less-than-robust (you will remember I am known for my politeness) is a royal pain. You vets just getting back into civilian life know all the verses of that song.

Things are a little different for our women vets. How? Well for one thing, the rate of unemployment for Iraq and Afghanistan women vets is higher than the national average for non-veteran women. Their rate of unemployment is even higher than women vets of the Gulf War and Vietnam, according to a story in USA Today.

Women vets struggle with the MOS translation stuff just like guys do.  Sometimes you look over-skilled for a position; sometimes it’s the reverse. Those years in the military might have left gaps where you’re not quite up-to-speed on the latest developments in your field.  But here’s one major difference---let’s be honest here----women vets can find themselves in an interview with someone who’s never served in the military or who is unaccustomed to women in leadership positions.  You know who I mean.

So I was glad to see someone come right out and say it.  And follow up with some pointers about interviewing tailored completely to women vets. Mildred Culp, in her column for the Modesto Bee has some pretty straight talk.  Check it out here.

Like I mentioned in my last blog, the VA is playing catch up for women vets on women’s issues around health care, child care and treating MST and PTSD in women.  But a large part of the civilian sector still doesn’t understand the role of women in the military, and that can make for a whole other layer of difficulty for women vets.

I’d hazard a guess that the best source for information and help would be folks who’ve been through it or are going through the process same time as you are. Try the Vet Center nearest you. Can’t get online? So call the vets at the NVF at 888.777.4443.  They'll get you connected. 

Keep your spirits up.  Being in the military wasn't easy either, was it?  Especially, I'll bet, at the beginning, but you made it through. And you made us proud.  Carry on, soldier! 

Dave Culmer, Semper Fi