“I wasn't easy to get along with. I passed a lot of promotion opportunities because of what I was feeling.”
Edward Rentas
U.S. Army
1999-2010
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Information for Employers About Veterans
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Information for Employers About Veterans
Information for Employers About Veterans
Veterans bring unique skills to the workplace. At the same time, adjusting to civilian work after deployment or service may take time. If you manage or supervise a Veteran, you can help. Learn about resources to support Veterans at work.
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Returning Veterans often resume the job they had before they left home. Other Veterans may start a new job after discharge. Veterans make very good workers because of their military training. They learn skills in leadership, teamwork, and performance under pressure. Military experience fosters respect for procedures. Veterans are not afraid to tackle tough problems.
However, Veterans all go through some readjustment after they get back from a war zone. Employers can benefit from understanding their employees' needs and rights. Informed employers can help make the process smoother for both the returnee and the workplace.
The National Guard and Reserve
About half of those who returned from deployment in the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts were members of the U.S. National Guard and Reserves. These Service members have faced many challenges that differ from those on Active Duty.
When they are deployed, the normal "civilian" lives of Reserve Component members are highly disrupted. The lives of their families are also disrupted. Spouses must suddenly make decisions without a partner. Families go through financial changes and emotional upset. At the same time these families often lack the close ties and support that full-time military families share with each other.
The change from active duty back to everyday life is not always smooth for Veterans. It can be even harder for Guard and Reserve. They no longer have others around them who have shared the same war experiences.
Rights of Employees
Employers also need to be aware of the rights of their Veteran employees. The law applies to all public and private employers in the United States. For Service members meeting criteria, employers must provide:
- Prompt job reinstatement
- Accumulation of seniority, including pension plan benefits
- Reinstatement of health insurance
- Training or retraining of job skills, including accommodations for the disabled
- Protection against discrimination
Resources
- Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve
ESGR helps both military reservists and their employers adjust after deployment. - Veterans' Employment & Training Service (VETS)
This US Department of Labor program helps Veterans to maximize their job opportunities and protect their employment rights.
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