Breaking the stereotypes: The Value of Veterans in the Civilian Workplace

As veterans, we have served our country well. We have worked in some of the most challenging and dynamic environments imaginable and learned to adapt to new situations quickly. Whether deployed overseas or working on a domestic mission, we did our best to serve our country honorably.

One of the things that we learned in the military is how to work under pressure. We’ve been in situations where failure was not an option, and we made decisions in a split second that could have serious consequences. But despite the stress and pressure, we remained calm, focused, and effective.

In the military, we learned how to manage chaotic environments. We have been in the middle of combat operations, and I’ve had to make quick decisions to protect my comrades and complete the mission. This experience has taught us how to remain level-headed in even the most intense situations, and it’s a skill that all of us veterans bring to the civilian workplace.

Service members often possess skills such as teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving, which are transferable to a wide range of civilian careers. Additionally, military personnel often receive extensive training in technical and practical skills that can be applied to various industries. Employers, don’t think our skills are not transferable; otherwise, you will be missing out on highly qualified candidates who could bring unique perspectives and valuable expertise to your teams.

One of the most critical skills gained in the military is understanding risk. Whether we were leading a patrol through enemy territory or making a crucial decision in battle, we had to assess the risk involved and make informed decisions. This skill is just as valuable in the civilian workplace, where we use it daily to make intelligent, data-driven decisions.

The service needed discipline and reliability from us. We learned the importance of following procedures and protocols in the military, and I’ve brought that discipline and reliability to my civilian job. We are committed, show up on time, ready to work, and always follow through on our commitments.

A common stereotype of service members transitioning to civilian roles is that they are overly militant in their approach to work. This stereotype is based on the belief that military personnel are rigid and inflexible and struggle to adapt to new environments outside of the military. However, this stereotype is not accurate. Hiring managers, don’t confuse discipline with structure and organization. We are trained to be disciplined and follow procedures, but we are also trained to be adaptable and think critically in various situations. Rather than being overly militant, we are highly organized, detail-oriented, and committed to achieving our goals.

Employers, we have experience working in dynamic and complex environments and can contribute to a positive and productive work environment.

Civilian employers are often concerned about our integration within teams. However, we have experience working with diverse groups and taking orders from various individuals. Service members come from all walks of life in the military and must work together effectively to achieve their goals. They must learn to communicate and collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and personalities. Service members are also trained to take orders from anyone, regardless of rank or position. This interaction requires them to be highly adaptable and to be able to work in a dynamic environment.

We are told that veterans are prone to PTSD, that we can’t adapt to civilian life, that we’re rigid and inflexible, and that we can’t work well with others. Yes, many veterans indeed struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but our experiences in war have not given all of us PTSD. Instead, they have given us strength, resilience, and a host of positive traits that we bring to the civilian workplace. The military is a challenging and intense environment, but it’s also where we developed robust mental and emotional resilience. We’ve seen and experienced things that would break many people, but we came out the other side even stronger.

Military experiences and skills have given us service members a sense of the value we veterans can bring to the civilian workplace. Us veterans, we’re more than just a bunch of stereotypes. Our experiences in the military have given us strength, resilience, and a positive outlook. It has not been a burden but one of the most rewarding experiences of our lives. We were ready to give our lives to our country, and that same dedication and loyalty carried over to our work in the civilian world.

We, veterans, are more than just our military experiences; we’re ready to bring our skills and experiences to your team. So don’t underestimate the contributions that veterans can make in the workplace. We’re prepared to be loyal and dedicated team members, just as we were when we served our country.