10 Best Reasons to Hire a Veteran
National Hire a Veteran Day is recognized every July 25th, highlighting the value veterans bring to the civilian workforce and to encourage employers to recruit former service members.
The day also serves as a reminder that veterans have in-demand skills, real-world experience, and the drive to succeed in a wide range of careers after military service.
In this post, we’ll cover the 10 best reasons to hire a veteran, from responsibility and adaptability to discipline and self-confidence.
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Main Takeaways
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Hire a Veteran Day falls on July 25th every year, encouraging employers across the country to recognize the value of hiring former service members and take action to support veteran employment.
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Veterans bring discipline, teamwork, problem-solving, and a strong work ethic to any role, making them valuable assets in today’s workforce.
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Veterans are more likely to stay with one employer for the long term, which improves retention and reduces turnover costs.
Why Hiring Heroes Makes Business Sense
A 2024 Workplace Wellness Survey by the Employee Benefit Research Institute found that veterans are more likely than non-veterans to remain with the same employer long-term.
For example, 28% of veterans preferred staying with one employer for over 21 years, compared to 27% of non-veterans. Meanwhile, only 13% of veterans preferred shorter tenures of 2–5 years, versus 21% of non-veterans.
On National Hire a Veteran Day, employers are encouraged to consider the lasting value veterans bring to the workplace.
Hiring heroes means bringing on professionals with proven leadership, discipline, adaptability, and a mission-first mindset.
10 Best Reasons to Hire a Veteran
Looking for employees who are reliable, adaptable, and driven? Veterans consistently bring these qualities and more. Here are the top reasons they make exceptional hires.
|
Reason |
Description |
Workplace Benefit |
|
Self-Confidence |
Built from real-world training |
Leadership under pressure |
|
Reliable |
Calm in high-stakes situations |
Crisis-ready performance |
|
Adaptable |
Adjusts to change easily |
Fits fast-paced teams |
|
Work Ethic |
Mission-first mindset |
Dependable results |
|
Responsibility |
Takes ownership |
Fewer oversight needs |
|
Discipline |
Organized and efficient |
Time/task management |
|
Skills |
Often highly technical |
Shorter onboarding |
|
Communication |
Team-focused & clear |
Strong collaboration |
|
Respect |
For rules and schedules |
Consistent reliability |
|
Teamwork |
Supports the group |
Strengthens culture |
1. Self-Confidence Built on Experience
Veterans bring a grounded confidence developed through years of training, discipline, and real-world problem-solving.
Whether leading a team or handling a crisis, they carry themselves with assurance, an asset that inspires trust and steadiness in the workplace.
2. Reliable Under Pressure
High-stress situations are nothing new to veterans. They’ve been trained to stay calm and make smart decisions when the stakes are high, skills that carry over into civilian roles that demand resilience, focus, and results under pressure.
3. Flexible and Adaptable
Military service requires the ability to adapt quickly, whether due to unexpected challenges, shifting objectives, or unfamiliar environments.
Veterans bring the same adaptability to the civilian workforce, making them quick learners and flexible team members who thrive in dynamic work environments.
4. Strong Work Ethic
Veterans are mission-driven by nature. They understand the value of showing up, putting in work, and going above and beyond to accomplish the job. This dedication makes them reliable hires who won’t cut corners or leave tasks unfinished.
5. Deep Sense of Responsibility
A strong sense of duty and accountability are central to military life. Veterans take ownership of their tasks and pride in completing missions with precision and integrity.
6. Organized and Disciplined
Veterans are trained to follow procedures, maintain discipline, and stay focused on their mission. Their ability to manage time, tasks, and priorities efficiently is a tremendous asset in any job.
7. Versatile Skill Sets
From cybersecurity and logistics to healthcare and aviation, veterans often bring highly technical or specialized training to the civilian workforce.
Many of these skills are directly transferable, giving employers a competitive edge without the need for additional onboarding or training.
8. Strong Communicators
Veterans know how to work within a team, especially when the stakes are high. They understand the importance of trust, effective communication, and cohesion in achieving results.
Employers benefit from this team-first mindset and the veteran’s ability to collaborate effectively in pressure-filled situations.
9. Respect for Rules and Schedules
Veterans understand the value of procedures, timelines, and accountability. They follow directions, respect authority, and show up on time, traits that foster efficiency and reliability across any role or department.
10. Proven Team Players
Veterans understand that success is rarely a solo effort. They’re trained to support their team, put collective goals above personal gain, and contribute wherever needed.
This makes them dependable colleagues who strengthen the workplace culture and lift those around them.
FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions
Are there tax benefits for hiring veterans?
Yes. Employers may be eligible for tax credits like the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) when hiring qualified veterans, especially those facing barriers to employment.
Why should you hire veterans?
Veterans bring discipline, accountability, leadership, and a mission-focused approach. They often raise the bar for performance, communication, and results.
How can I make my job listings more veteran-friendly?
Use clear, jargon-free language. Highlight teamwork, leadership, and mission alignment. Include a veteran hiring statement and consider translating military experience into civilian terms.
When is National Hire a Veteran Day?
National Hire a Veteran Day is observed every year on July 25th.
What is the purpose of National Hire a Veteran Day?
National Hire a Veteran Day encourages employers to consider veterans for open roles and helps raise awareness about the value veterans bring to the civilian workforce.
When is Veteran’s Day 2025?
Veterans Day 2025 falls on Tuesday, November 11.
What types of jobs are veterans best suited for?
Veterans excel in a wide range of roles, including operations, logistics, IT, security, healthcare, project management, and leadership. Many have advanced technical training and experience in high-pressure environments.
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