Back from the war...
I was most dismayed to learn recently that some of the troops returning to civilian life are having a hard time finding employment, having been stigmatized for a number of reasons by certain employers.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the unemployment rate for veterans of the Global War on Terror is 15.6%, although the national unemployment rate is hovering around 4.8 percent.
I'm glad my employer hired me when I got out of the military; the training I received, and the education that I got were invaluable to my ability to get a good paying job...and thus all the things I've acquired.
Some employers are to be commended though, for going "above and beyond the call of duty", as described in this post by fellow blogmeister (and cyberbud) Rick.
10 Reasons to Hire Vets
1. Accelerated learning curve.
Veterans have the proven ability to learn new skills and concepts. In addition, they can enter your workforce with identifiable and transferable skills, proven in real world situations. This background can enhance your organization's productivity.
2. Leadership.
The military trains people to lead by example as well as through direction, delegation, motivation and inspiration. Veterans understand the practical ways to manage behaviors for results, even in the most trying circumstances. They also know the dynamics of leadership as part of both hierarchical and peer structures.
3. Teamwork.
Veterans understand how genuine teamwork grows out of a responsibility to one's colleagues. Military duties involve a blend of individual and group productivity. They also necessitate a perception of how groups of all sizes relate to each other and an overarching objective.
4. Diversity and inclusion in action.
Veterans have learned to work side by side with individuals regardless of diverse race, gender, geographic origin, ethnic background, religion and economic status as well as mental, physical and attitudinal capabilities. They have the sensitivity to cooperate with many different types of individuals.
5. Efficient performance under pressure.
Veterans understand the rigors of tight schedules and limited resources. They have developed the capacity to know how to accomplish priorities on time, in spite of tremendous stress. They know the critical importance of staying with a task until it is done right.
6. Respect for procedures.
Veterans have gained a unique perspective on the value of accountability. They can grasp their place within an organizational framework, becoming responsible for subordinates' actions to higher supervisory levels. They know how policies and procedures enable an organization to exist.
7. Technology and globalization.
Because of their experiences in the service, veterans are usually aware of international and technical trends pertinent to business and industry. They can bring the kind of global outlook and technological savvy that all enterprises of any size need to succeed.
8. Integrity.
Veterans know what it means to do "an honest day's work." Prospective employers can take advantage of a track record of integrity, often including security clearances. This integrity translates into qualities of sincerity and trustworthiness.
9. Conscious of health and safety standards.
Thanks to extensive training, veterans are aware of health and safety protocols both for themselves and the welfare of others. Individually, they represent a drug-free workforce that is cognizant of maintaining personal health and fitness. On a company level, their awareness and conscientiousness translate into protection of employees, property and materials.
10. Triumph over adversity.
In addition to dealing positively with the typical issues of personal maturity, veterans have frequently triumphed over great adversity. They likely have proven their mettle in mission critical situations demanding endurance, stamina and flexibility. They may have overcome personal disabilities through strengths and determination.
As posted at the Hire Vets First website.
I'll let them sum it up...
Your organization depends on reliable, resilient human capital. Veterans of America's armed forces have the skills, training and character to meet your toughest challenges for today and tomorrow. That's why the President's National Hire Veterans Committee wants you to know that hiring veterans is not just goodwill. It's good business.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the unemployment rate for veterans of the Global War on Terror is 15.6%, although the national unemployment rate is hovering around 4.8 percent.
I'm glad my employer hired me when I got out of the military; the training I received, and the education that I got were invaluable to my ability to get a good paying job...and thus all the things I've acquired.
Some employers are to be commended though, for going "above and beyond the call of duty", as described in this post by fellow blogmeister (and cyberbud) Rick.
10 Reasons to Hire Vets
1. Accelerated learning curve.
Veterans have the proven ability to learn new skills and concepts. In addition, they can enter your workforce with identifiable and transferable skills, proven in real world situations. This background can enhance your organization's productivity.
2. Leadership.
The military trains people to lead by example as well as through direction, delegation, motivation and inspiration. Veterans understand the practical ways to manage behaviors for results, even in the most trying circumstances. They also know the dynamics of leadership as part of both hierarchical and peer structures.
3. Teamwork.
Veterans understand how genuine teamwork grows out of a responsibility to one's colleagues. Military duties involve a blend of individual and group productivity. They also necessitate a perception of how groups of all sizes relate to each other and an overarching objective.
4. Diversity and inclusion in action.
Veterans have learned to work side by side with individuals regardless of diverse race, gender, geographic origin, ethnic background, religion and economic status as well as mental, physical and attitudinal capabilities. They have the sensitivity to cooperate with many different types of individuals.
5. Efficient performance under pressure.
Veterans understand the rigors of tight schedules and limited resources. They have developed the capacity to know how to accomplish priorities on time, in spite of tremendous stress. They know the critical importance of staying with a task until it is done right.
6. Respect for procedures.
Veterans have gained a unique perspective on the value of accountability. They can grasp their place within an organizational framework, becoming responsible for subordinates' actions to higher supervisory levels. They know how policies and procedures enable an organization to exist.
7. Technology and globalization.
Because of their experiences in the service, veterans are usually aware of international and technical trends pertinent to business and industry. They can bring the kind of global outlook and technological savvy that all enterprises of any size need to succeed.
8. Integrity.
Veterans know what it means to do "an honest day's work." Prospective employers can take advantage of a track record of integrity, often including security clearances. This integrity translates into qualities of sincerity and trustworthiness.
9. Conscious of health and safety standards.
Thanks to extensive training, veterans are aware of health and safety protocols both for themselves and the welfare of others. Individually, they represent a drug-free workforce that is cognizant of maintaining personal health and fitness. On a company level, their awareness and conscientiousness translate into protection of employees, property and materials.
10. Triumph over adversity.
In addition to dealing positively with the typical issues of personal maturity, veterans have frequently triumphed over great adversity. They likely have proven their mettle in mission critical situations demanding endurance, stamina and flexibility. They may have overcome personal disabilities through strengths and determination.
As posted at the Hire Vets First website.
I'll let them sum it up...
Your organization depends on reliable, resilient human capital. Veterans of America's armed forces have the skills, training and character to meet your toughest challenges for today and tomorrow. That's why the President's National Hire Veterans Committee wants you to know that hiring veterans is not just goodwill. It's good business.
9 Comments:
I am more than willing to spend a little more to patronize businesses that hire/employ/support our troops! I've going out of my way to check Sears first (and since they've recently been bought by K Mart there too)for the items I'm looking for. I'll continue to do so and I try and find a manager and tell them just how grateful I am for their treatment of our Vets/Guard members. I think letting them know we appreciate them too will encourage them to continue their "good will"!
Amen Brother. Good post. Any company that would discriminate against veterans should be made an example of. We owe our vets more than gratitude. We owe them a decent living.
I like the term Hire A Hero...
Amen and Hire a Vet!!
I am (happily) unaware of any discrimination against vets, It was disgusting the last time, would actually be worse this time if it is happening.
We will see how this and future administations "honor" the vets by the benefits they authorize and then actually fund properly. I have read rather dire predictions about the cost of what is already promised (which, to my mind in not enough) and those bills are going to be daunting indeed.
It's after the "hoopla" that who does or does not "honor" the troops really comes to light. We will see
OT...so...Judas wasn't such a bad guy after all eh? Never know what might get discovered next do we?
UpNorthLurkin:
I think we should definitely "vote with our feet" regarding those companies that do or don't support the troops. Collectively, we can make a real economic impact.
camojack_senior:
It is a fickle country we live in; remember how quickly some people seem to have forgotten the events of 9-11-01.
darth_meister:
Being proactive like that is commendable, and is in and of itself "going above and beyond the call of duty". Kudos, sir.
Hawkeye®:
Any company that would discriminate against veterans absolutely should be made an example of, I concur.
JR:
"Hire A Hero" does have a nice ring to it, huh?
kwl:
Amen and Amen!!!
Bob_inSpain:
Of course businesses have to be concerned about their bottom line, but veterans can be real assets to an organization, for all the reasons previously listed. There will be some who have been profoundly affected by the brutality and ugliness of war, but all veterans shouldn't be painted with that broad brush, which is exactly some some businesses appear to be doing.
boberin:
Well, if you should become (unhappily) aware of any discrimination against vets, be sure to respond accordingly.
But I don't know what you're referring to, vis-á-vis old Judas...
Excellent post, Jack. I "vote with my wallet" in many ways, already, and will add the list of employers linked on Rick's blog to my list of those to support. I'm glad to see that Sears is doing the right thing...I have several Kenmore appliances/Craftsman tools. Argh...argh...argh [Tim Allen vocals, not sure how to spell the "sound".] :-)
'da Bunny:
Yes, I think we should all "vote with our wallets"...it's yet another way to show our support for the troops in a real sense. Not that I'll be taking the yellow ribbon magnet off my van.
Maggie:
Thanks; I guess when measured thataway I'm a "ten".
Kajun:
I might be able to help her, yes; my profile picture is hosted for free at Image Shack...there's also a link for them on the left at my main page, under "Free Image Hosting".
Credit is due to Hawkeye® for that stuff...
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