Factors that Affect Veteran Employment and Reintegration

The issue of veteran unemployment affects millions of Americans; but often times, translating skills obtained in the military to the civilian sphere is difficult for veterans and their would-be employers. To try and correct this egregious disservice to U.S. military veterans, we must identify the factors that affect veteran employment and reintegration. The process of improving the situation starts by looking at the current factors affecting veteran employment and reintegration as well as what research is being done to address the issues of properly preparing demobilized soldiers for life after the military. For example, current information being disseminated about the translation of military skills into marketable civilian credentials include findings that suggest approximately 76% of veterans felt unable to transfer their skills acquired in the military to civilian employers. Furthermore, the literature on veteran community integration suggests the unemployment rate of veterans has fallen to an all-time low of 3.5%, and yet, many of those who have found employment are not happy with the opportunities available. This study asks veterans how they feel about their employment opportunities and evaluates the resources being made available to them through civilian institutions such as universities including Kennesaw State University. With the feedback provided from veterans and their service providers, we can begin to discuss potential improvements and adjustments to some of the methods that are currently being employed to reintegrate military veterans back into society and possibly provide a more prepared and employable veteran community. Keywords: veteran services, employment, reintegration, militar