For its 2012 Employing America’s Veterans: Perspectives from Businesses study, the Center for a New American Security conducted 87 interviews representing 69 companies and uncovered the following 10 reasons why firms hire veterans:
- Leadership and teamwork skills. Veterans typically have led colleagues, accepted direction from others, and operated as part of a small team.
- Character. Veterans are perceived as being trustworthy, dependable, drug-free, and having a strong work ethic.
- Structure and discipline. Companies, especially those that emphasize safety, appreciate veterans’ experience following established procedures.
- Expertise. Companies value veterans’ occupational skills, job-specific experiences, and understanding of the military community.
- Dynamic environment. Veterans are accustomed to performing and making decisions in dynamic and rapidly changing circumstances.
- Effectiveness. Interviewees report that veterans “get it done.”
- Proven success. Some organizations hire veterans largely because other veterans have already been successful in their organization. Veterans demonstrate that they share company values and fit the organizational culture.
- Resiliency. Veterans are accustomed to working in difficult environments, and to traveling and relocating.
- Loyalty. Veterans are committed to the organizations they work for, which can translate into longer tenure.
- Public relations value. Some companies have found marketing benefits to hiring veterans.