Transitioning from military jobs to civilian jobs always has been tough for many of our nation's veterans.
In recent years, the difficulties of gaining civilian employment seem even more pronounced. A 2012 study showed nearly two-thirds of new veterans said they faced a difficult transition to civilian life.
That's in part due to the economic environment, but it's also because they seem to be speaking a different language than the business leaders who might hire them, according to Stars & Stripes, an independent publication that covers military issues.
U.S. Senator Roy Blunt, R-Mo., a member of the Congressional Veterans Jobs Caucus, is pushing for legislation that will help to address the problem. Blunt, along with U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-West Virginia, last month introduced the Honoring Investments in Recruiting and Employing (HIRE) American Military Veterans Act.
It would establish a tiered recognition program within the Department of Labor to award employers based on their contributions to veterans employment.
Already, the bill has cleared the Senate, and now moves to the House for consideration.
"Our military men and women have the skills and experience that are an asset to employers in every sector of our economy," Blunt said in a news release. "I've been encouraged to see many employers in Missouri and across the nation step up their veterans hiring programs. This bill recognizes those efforts, and will help connect more veterans with businesses that offer benefits and opportunities to help them succeed."
Each year, nearly 200,000 service members transition from active duty to civilian life. The HIRE Vets Act would recognize qualified employers for meeting certain criteria designed to encourage veteran-friendly businesses, Blunt said. The recognition would come in the form of a Medallion Certificate, awarded at the platinum and gold levels.
"Transitioning to the civilian job market is one of the most daunting challenges our service men and women face," he said. "The HIRE Vets Act will provide information they need to guide their job search and ease that transition. It's a simple, bipartisan step we can take to help keep our promises to those who have served."
We support Blunt's legislation, while also encouraging area employers to do their part to consider veterans when looking to fill jobs.