A few years ago, I met a job candidate whose background stood out – years of leadership, the ability to perform under pressure, and a strong sense of teamwork. But there was one thing missing from his resume: corporate experience.
He was a veteran.
It didn’t take long to realize the answer was a big YES.
Veterans bring discipline, adaptability, and an unmatched work ethic—traits that are invaluable in any business. Yet, too many organizations overlook this talent pool, missing out on results-driven employees who can strengthen their teams.
Randall L. Stephenson, Executive Chairman and Former CEO of AT&T, put it best: “We hire military veterans because they make great employees. They bring proven technical and leadership skills. They understand teamwork, and they’re adaptable. Bottom line, hiring veterans is good for business.”
Let’s break down why hiring veterans isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s a smart, high-ROI business strategy.
Why Do Veterans Make Exceptional Hires?
1. Leadership and Teamwork Are Second Nature
Leadership in the military isn’t about titles, it’s about action. Veterans have spent years motivating teams, taking responsibility for outcomes, and executing under pressure.
Jennifer L. Brown, an executive coach and leadership expert, explains it perfectly: “Veterans understand the importance of teamwork, communication, and serving others. These qualities make them exceptional leaders in the business world.”
2. Adaptability & Problem-Solving Under Pressure
In the military, plans change fast. One minute, there’s a well-laid strategy, and the next, everything shifts. Veterans are trained to adjust, think critically, and make decisions quickly – an invaluable asset in today’s fast-paced business world.
3. A Work Ethic You Can Count On
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
4. Experience with Technology & Operations
Many veterans have backgrounds in cybersecurity, logistics, operations, and cutting-edge technology – fields that are directly relevant to industries like IT, healthcare, and engineering. Hiring a veteran isn’t just about soft skills; it’s about bringing in someone who has already worked with complex systems and high-stakes operations.
The Financial & Strategic ROI of Hiring Veterans
1. Tax Credits That Directly Benefit Your Bottom Line
2. Reduced Hiring & Training Costs
The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) estimates that hiring a new employee cost over $4,000 on average. Because veterans already possess leadership, problem-solving, and technical skills, companies can save significant time and resources on training.
3. Lower Turnover, Higher Retention
Employee turnover is costly, and hiring the wrong candidate can drain resources. General Electric (GE) found that veteran employees had a 7% lower attrition rate compared to non-veterans. Companies that hire veterans often report higher retention and job satisfaction—a win-win for both employer and employee.
4. Stronger Company Culture & Brand Reputation
Veterans don’t just fill roles – they elevate teams. Their discipline, accountability, and ability to perform under pressure inspire those around them.
Additionally, 87% of consumers prefer to support businesses that align with their values. Hiring veterans isn’t just about internal success – it strengthens brand trust and public perception.
Richard Greene, a public relations expert, puts it well: “Customers and employees alike appreciate companies that stand for something meaningful. Veteran hiring is one such initiative that strengthens brand trust.”
Breaking the Myths: Why Some Employers Hesitate
Despite their advantages, some employers still hesitate to hire veterans due to common misconceptions. Let’s address them:
-
“Veterans struggle to adapt to corporate life.”
Truth: Veterans are highly adaptable. They’ve spent years transitioning between roles, teams, and environments. Corporate life is just another mission.
-
“Military experience doesn’t translate into business skills.”
Truth: Many military roles involve leading teams, managing logistics, handling technology, and executing operations — all directly applicable to corporate careers.
-
“Hiring veterans is just about doing a good deed.”
Truth: While supporting veterans is meaningful, it’s also one of the smartest business decisions you can make. You’re bringing in highly skilled, highly motivated individuals who drive results.
Now Is the Time to Hire Veterans
As businesses navigate an increasingly competitive market, the need for strong leadership, adaptability, and resilience is greater than ever.
Would you rather spend months training an employee to develop leadership skills?
For companies looking to build stronger teams, make smarter hiring decisions, and improve business outcomes, the choice is clear.
How to Get Started?
If you’re ready to add veteran talent to your workforce, here are some great resources to help:
U.S. Department of Labor
Hire Heroes USA
National Labor Exchange
The National Labor Exchange (NLX) connects employers with job seekers. This online platform allows organizations to post open jobs and reach a broader audience, especially veterans.
CCS Global Tech
We don’t just talk about hiring veterans, we make it happen. We’ve teamed up with over 200 veteran communities and nonprofits, rolled out training programs, and hit military bases coast to coast.
Are You Ready to Invest in Veterans?
To conclude, hiring veterans is all about investing in a mindset. Veterans are individuals who know how to lead, adapt, and deliver their best under pressure. It’s about building a team that is not just skilled but resilient.
So, what are you waiting for? Start hiring veterans now and build a better future for your organization. Contact us and hire highly skilled, professional, and well-trained veterans for your organization.
FAQ
- Offer mentorship programs pairing veterans with experienced employees.
- Provide clear expectations and structured training.
- Foster an inclusive work culture that values diverse backgrounds.
- Leverage veteran resource groups (VRGs) for peer support and career growth.
- Hire Heroes USA – A nonprofit connecting veterans with employers.
- National Labor Exchange (NLX) – A platform dedicated to veteran hiring.
- LinkedIn’s Veterans Program – Offers free premium access to job-seeking veterans.
- Veterans.gov – A government portal for veteran employment resources.
- Highlight veteran success stories on their website and social media.
- Partner with veteran-focused organizations for outreach.
- Offer clear pathways for career advancement and leadership roles.
- Promote veteran-friendly workplace policies, such as flexible schedules for reservists.
- Cybersecurity & IT – Veterans with security clearances are in high demand.
- Logistics & Supply Chain – Military experience in operations translates well.
- Healthcare & Emergency Response – Veterans often have medical and crisis management training.
- Engineering & Manufacturing – Veterans excel in technical problem-solving roles.
- Retention rates – Are veterans staying long-term?
- Performance metrics – How do veteran employees compare in productivity and leadership?
- Employee engagement – Are veterans satisfied and engaged at work?
- ROI calculations – Are tax credits, reduced training costs, and improved efficiency
- Providing training on corporate culture and expectations.
- Encouraging open communication and feedback.
- Offering veteran networking groups for peer support.
- Business communication & corporate culture.
- Industry-specific skill training.
- Leadership development tailored to civilian workplaces.
- Companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Boeing have implemented successful veteran training programs.
