5 Pivotal Benefits Veterans Bring to Teams

Veterans offer many benefits to the modern workplace, but some companies have yet to make the leap to leverage their skillsets. Employers and hiring managers may wonder how military experience can transition to the civilian workforce, at times questioning if it can at all. 

With expert insights from Rodger Torkington, the leader of Insight Global’s military hiring programs, we'll address some common misconceptions about hiring veterans, the value they can bring to your team, and why hiring veterans is a worthwhile initiative. 

Let's get started. 

The Benefits of Hiring Veterans 

According to VA News, roughly 200,000 service members re-enter civilian life and the workforce each year. That means that the employers across the U.S. stand to gain access to a large pool of professionals with diverse skills and perspectives.  

Despite this, chronic underemployment continues to affect the veteran community, revealing that many companies are still unaware of how veterans can positively impact their organizations. 

So, what are these valuable skills exactly? 

Rodger Torkington, former Coast Guard and current Senior Project Manager of Miliary Relations and Captain in the Air Force Reserves, has pinpointed five key pillars of value that veterans and transitioning service members bring to teams: 

1. Discipline 

2. Trainability 

3. Problem-solving 

4. Leadership and management 

5. Technical training 

Let’s look at each one in more depth.  

Discipline  

Military veterans have a reputation for their steely discipline and strong work ethic. From the moment they’re brought into the ranks, they’re trained to do a high stakes job, which requires dedication and strong attention to detail. They’re trained to follow rules, procedures, and protocols, which makes them reliable and consistent in their work. 

Trainability  

Military veterans are known for their adaptability and ability to learn new skills and concepts. In the military, they often face rapidly changing situations and technologies, which require them to be highly trainable. This adaptability extends beyond their military service and into their civilian careers. 

Problem Solving 

No mission goes according to plan, according to Torkington, and no one knows that fact better than military veterans. They’re trained to think on their feet, make strategic decisions on the fly, and calmly handle the most high-pressure scenarios. 

Leadership and Management 

Many veterans and transitioning service members who enter the civilian workforce bring years of leadership and management experience with them.  

As they climbed through the military ranks, they mastered the skills necessary to lead teams and oversee an array of processes and procedures.  

Technical Training 

One common misconception about military veterans is the belief that they lack technical skills and that all members served in combat roles. But, as Torkington highlights, the majority of military personnel occupy operations-based roles, which means they have experience in areas like: 

• Documentation and reporting 

• Data analysis 

• Human resources 

• Information technology (IT) and cybersecurity 

• Financial forecasting 

• Project management 

It’s also important to note that the military functions with similar needs to any modern corporation. Just like businesses, the military requires the expertise of mechanics, engineers, cybersecurity experts, administration support, and the list goes on.  

Tips and Resources for Hiring Veterans  

Now that you’ve read about some top benefits of hiring former military professionals, let’s go over some things to keep in mind as you bring them on board. 

Bridge the Cultural Gap  

Military work culture can differ significantly from a corporate culture. Transitioning from military to professional culture may prove challenging for veterans and their work team members.  

Find ways to integrate veterans into your corporate culture through your diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging efforts. Promote your company’s focus on working with talented veterans to create a culture supporting their integration and a greater understanding, acceptance, and cohesion among management and staff.  

Translate Military Skills  

Sometimes, it may take some effort to understand and translate military skills to civilian businesses and roles.  

Work with your HR team to research military terminology and provide support for talented veterans. Find ways to help them adapt and assimilate their strong military-related skills and experience into your company’s environment and the corporate world.  

Create a Community for Veterans 

Focus on providing a supportive environment for veterans that offers resources to empower and promote their professional development and well-being within your organization. Some ideas include:  

• Establishing an employee resource group for veterans, where they can connect with peers who understand their experiences. 

• Recognizing military holidays, like Veterans Day and Memorial Day, with thanks and activities that honor veterans and their service.  

• Promoting a culture of inclusion where all employees, including veterans, feel respected and valued for their unique backgrounds and perspectives.  

Hiring Veterans Adds Value to Your Company  

Military veterans possess a range of valuable skills, yet they remain among the most underemployed groups in the U.S.  

When organizations hire veterans, it's not just a savvy business move; it's an opportunity to tap into an overlooked talent pool, create a positive impact, and encourage others in your industry to do the same. 

At Insight Global, we're dedicated to bringing veterans on board, and we urge others to do the same. If you're interested in harnessing the skills, talent, and dedication that veterans offer the corporate world, get in touch with us today!