Hire a Veteran Day

Posted July 25, 2023

As a nation, we often take pride in honoring our service members. Their dedication to protecting our freedom deserves our utmost respect and gratitude. However, when their service ends, many veterans face a different battle altogether: finding employment. Hire a Veteran Day, a day dedicated to encouraging employers to consider veterans for job opportunities, seeks to address this pressing issue. At Charlie Mike, we see the potential in our veterans, and we think hiring more veterans is not just a moral duty, but a strategic imperative. Here’s why.

Veteran Unemployment and Underemployment

Veterans possess a unique skill set that is honed through rigorous training and real-life experiences in challenging situations. However, despite their qualifications, many veterans find themselves unemployed or struggling to secure suitable jobs upon re-entering civilian life. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the veteran unemployment rate consistently exceeded the national average by a significant margin until recently. While the situation has improved in recent years, the problem of underemployment remains prevalent. In fact, 1 in 3 veterans are underemployed, meaning they either don’t have enough work or can’t find work that adequately matches their qualifications.

The Transition Challenge

The military culture is vastly different from the corporate world, and veterans often find it challenging to translate their military skills and experiences into marketable civilian qualifications. Furthermore, biases in hiring processes make it hard for veterans to secure high-paying jobs. For example, misconceptions about veterans’ abilities, such as the assumption that they may have PTSD or difficulty adjusting to civilian life, can create unconscious bias during the hiring process. This bias can lead to veterans being overlooked for job opportunities they are well-suited for. Moreover, when veterans actually do have physical and mental health challenges resulting from their military service, they may require accommodations that employers are hesitant to provide.

Additionally, frequent relocations during military service can disrupt the development of professional networks and connections that are often vital for securing employment opportunities in the civilian world. Without a robust network to rely on, veterans may find it challenging to access job openings and industry information.

55% of veterans report that finding employment after their military service was the hardest part of their transition.

Demographics and Trends

Over the past few decades, the demographics of the veteran population have undergone significant changes. Originally, the majority of veterans were older individuals who served in wars like World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. However, with the winding down of conflicts like Iraq and Afghanistan, there has been an influx of younger veterans joining the civilian workforce. With that being said, among the 250,000 unemployed veterans in 2022, 61% were ages 18 to 54. These individuals, who are young, qualified, and ready to work, are still unable to find suitable jobs after their service.

Among the 250,000 unemployed veterans in 2022, 61% were ages 18 to 54.

Reasons to Hire More Veterans

Leadership and Teamwork: Military service instills a sense of discipline, leadership, and teamwork that few other experiences can match. Veterans are accustomed to working in diverse teams and achieving goals under high-pressure situations, making them valuable assets in any organization.
Adaptability and Problem-Solving: The military trains veterans to adapt quickly to ever-changing circumstances and think critically to solve complex problems. These skills are invaluable in today’s fast-paced and dynamic business environment.
Work Ethic and Reliability: The military demands a strong work ethic, which veterans carry with them into their civilian careers. Employers can rely on veterans to be punctual, dedicated, and focused on achieving their objectives.
Diversity and Inclusion: Hiring veterans contributes to workplace diversity and fosters a culture of inclusion. Embracing the unique perspectives of veterans enhances creativity and decision-making within an organization.

Charlie Mike’s Mission

In the quest to address problems within the veteran community, Charlie Mike has emerged as a beacon of hope for veterans in North Carolina. At Charlie Mike, we are dedicated to providing support to our heroes through two key avenues: Battle Buddies and equine therapy.

Battle Buddies: Charlie Mike pairs veterans with trained companion dogs, offering them friendship, emotional support, and practical assistance. These dogs help boost veterans’ confidence and overall well-being, which naturally helps them navigate the challenges of everyday life.

Equine Therapy: We also utilize the healing power of equine therapy to aid veterans in their transition to civilian life. Interacting with horses has proven to be highly beneficial in reducing stress, improving communication skills, and promoting emotional healing.

By empowering veterans with these resources, Charlie Mike’s mission aligns with the goals of Hire a Veteran Day. We provide our heroes with the necessary support and tools, which in turn helps them to gain the confidence to re-enter civilian life and diligently search for suitable employment.