Veterans Employment

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How Veterans Fare in the Civilian Labor Market

Around 200,000 service members transition to the civilian labor market every year. They often find it's like falling into another dimension, one where employers don't even speak the same language. More than a decade of RAND research has sought to ease that transition.

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Dog Tag Bakery: A Fresh Start for Veterans

A bakery in Washington, D.C., brings together service-disabled post–9/11 veterans, military spouses, and caregivers. For five months, they are immersed in an intensive entrepreneurial-focused business program. It's become a model for helping veterans and others in the military community reestablish their lives.

q&a

The Mutual Rewards of Hiring a Veteran: Q&A with Kyleanne Hunter and Kayla Williams

July 25 is National Hire a Veteran Day, and its purpose is to encourage employers to look to this diverse pool of workers to fill positions. Employers stand to benefit from the experience and skills that veterans acquire during military service. For veterans, a fulfilling career can ease the transition to civilian life.

commentary

From the Battlefield to the Boardroom: Transferring Veterans' Skills to the Civilian Labor Market

The number of returning veterans is expected to grow to 4.2 million over the next decade. This robust talent pool can be an asset to the civilian workforce. Investments in translating veterans' skills, certification and licensing, and comprehensive career counseling can improve this transition.

Kimberly Curry Hall

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The Changing Landscape of Veteran Employment Programs

To understand trends in veteran employment, data must be collected on such factors as gender, race/ethnicity, military career field, and period and length of military service. In turn, this information will help policymakers tailor and adjust programs to target obvious gaps in career assistance efforts.

Kimberly Curry Hall, Caroline Batka

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Warriors in the Civilian Workforce: Helping Veterans Transition

​Americans who served during the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq continue to face higher jobless rates than nonveterans. A growing body of RAND research has sought to identify what can help get more of them back on the job.

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Research Drives Ongoing Support for Veterans

On November 11, we honor the service and sacrifices of America's veterans. But as they return home and adjust to civilian life, veterans and their families face new challenges and communities struggle to meet their unique needs. Rigorous research is essential to addressing these challenges and finding long-term solutions. RAND explores key issues concerning veterans such as employment, health and well-being, family support, and education.

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The Long-Term Benefits of the Post-9/11 GI Bill for Military and Veteran Families

Almost 450,000 servicemembers have elected to transfer some portion of their GI Bill benefits, predominantly to their children. These numbers suggest the extent of the Bill's potential effects on social mobility and post-secondary educational attainment for the next generation.

Peter Buryk

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We Need a Public-Private Approach to Supporting Veterans

Honoring the sacrifices of veterans should be front and center on our policy agenda and not limited to one day a year, says Terri Tanielian.

Terri Tanielian

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RAND Research for Military Family Month

RAND is a resource for research and policy recommendations that address the challenges faced by military members, spouses, and their children.

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Tax Credits Can Boost Employment Among Vets with Disabilities

RAND researchers undertook a study designed to measure the impact of the 2007 WOTC tax credit expansion on the employment and earnings of disabled veterans. They found that the new tax credits expanded employment significantly among the target group of disabled veterans.