From Service to Success: Supporting Veterans in the Workforce

As we approach July 25, 2025, we join millions in recognizing National Hire A Veteran Day — a vital moment to spotlight the tremendous value veterans bring to civilian careers. At PRT Staffing, we believe this annual observance aligns closely with our mission: to unlock career-defining opportunities for all workers including veterans and connect businesses with first-rate talent.

“National Hire A Veteran Day aims to inspire employers to recruit and hire veterans by recognizing the unique skills and values that former soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen bring to the workforce,” explains Veteran.com.

The Department of Labor’s (DOL) Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS) estimates that some 200,000 military service members transition to civilian life each year, a move that can be difficult for many.

“When veterans transition to civilian life, they often search for jobs in civilian fields where they can put unique experiences and skills to work. However, finding meaningful employment after their service is often easier said than done,” says the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP).

What is National Hire a Veteran Day?

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) says that National Hire A Veteran Day was established in 2017 and founded by Dan Caporale, a Marine Corps Veteran and founder of Hiring Our Heroes, a national nonprofit organization.

“Every day, hundreds of our military personnel leave the service in search of civilian employment. On July 25, National Hire A Veteran Day reminds employers to consider veterans to fill their open positions,” says the organization’s LinkedIn page. “As highly trained, qualified individuals, they’re ideal for numerous trades.

It's not a federal holiday but a nationwide call to action — urging businesses, HR teams, and organizations to recognize and hire veterans transitioning from active duty into civilian roles.

“There’s a lot of talk about the viability of often-overlooked job seekers – untapped talent – who also have a strong work ethic, are mission-focused, perform well under pressure, and are experienced at working for diverse teams and organizations,” wrote the Society for Human Resource Management. “Military veterans have these characteristics and more, employment experts say.”

Why Employers Should Hire Veterans

Hiring veterans is more than a gesture of gratitude, it’s a sound business strategy. Here's why:

• Leadership, Teamwork, and Resilience: Veterans are trained to lead, collaborate, and excel under high pressure. According to Military.com, they bring valuable soft skills — including teamwork, critical thinking, and customer service — to civilian positions
• In-Demand Technical Abilities: Contrary to stereotypes, only around 10 to 20 percent of military careers are combat-focused. The rest involve roles like engineering, logistics, medicine, IT, HR, and even culinary arts — all with direct civilian equivalents.
• Higher Education Credentials: A LinkedIn report shows veterans are three times more likely to hold a graduate degree, and generally more educated than their civilian peers.
• Long-Term Commitment: Studies indicate that veterans tend to stay longer with their first civilian employer. One source noted they remain 8.3 percent longer on average.
• High Productivity: The Department of Labor’s 2025 employer guide highlights veterans as mission-focused, adaptive, disciplined, and strong problem-solvers—making them immediate contributors to any team.
• Cost Savings: Employers can leverage incentives like the Work Opportunity Tax Credit and other programs to support veteran hiring.

The Department of Labor (DOL) says that the business case for hiring veterans includes:

• Proven leadership and leadership readiness.
• Mission-focused approach to work.
• Experience working and collaborating with cross-functional teams and organizations.
• Adaptable and immediate contributors.
• Strong work ethic.
• Strong performance under pressure.
• Creative problem-solving.
• Self-starter.
• Integrity.
• Technical skills.
• Loyalty.

“Studies have shown veterans are more productive and have higher retention rates than their civilian counterparts,” concludes the DOL.

The Challenges Veterans Face in Transition

Despite their strengths, veterans often encounter hurdles when shifting into civilian work.

“According to the latest Wounded Warrior Project Warrior Survey, nearly 6 in 10 warriors face underemployment. Furthermore, 67 percent of warriors reported experiencing financial strain, a rising trend since 2021,” said the Wounded Warrior Project. “The data highlights an important issue: Many former service members have trouble securing steady jobs and experience financial hardship, which impacts their mental health and overall well-being.”

Some of the challenges veterans face in this transition to civilian work life include:

• Translating Military Skills: Many veterans don't know how to leverage their military experience. The WWP Warrior Survey found that 37 percent of unemployed warriors had difficulty translating military skills to the civilian workforce.
• Résumé Rewriting: Veterans might list duties like “managed convoy logistics,” but without translating it, hiring managers may not see that as project or supply-chain management. Nonprofits like Hire Heroes USA and the Call of Duty Endowment assist with this translation process.
• Mental Health & Identity: Giving up a military identity isn’t easy. Many veterans experience stress, anxiety, or PTSD—compounded by the loss of mission and camaraderie.
• Underemployment: Many veterans are underemployed—working below their capabilities or in lower-paying roles.
• Understanding Corporate Culture: Veterans sometimes feel overwhelmed by new workplace norms. Structured support like mentoring, affinity groups, or manager training helps with smoother integration.

"Veterans served and sacrificed for our country and bring valuable perspectives to the civilian workforce," said Kevin Rasch, Warriors to Work regional director at WWP. "Employers willing to invest in veteran talent aren't just helping individuals — they're fueling innovation, reliability, and leadership within their organizations, too. The discipline, strategic thinking, and growth mindset that veterans developed in uniform helps organizations thrive."

How Employers Can Ease the Transition

PRT Staffing encourages employers to adopt best practices that maximize veteran retention and satisfaction:

• Translate Skills: Offer coaching or partner with veteran nonprofits to help translate military experience.
• Provide Mentorship: Establish veteran resource groups or peer mentors.
• Normalize Military Leave: Make sure managers understand and accommodate reservist obligations.
• Support Mental Health: Provide access to EAPs and mental health resources for conditions like PTSD.
• Embrace Inclusive Onboarding: Educate teams on military culture and encourage openness.

In addition, the WWP says that businesses should consider the following:

• Offering fair pay and creating clear pathways for growth ensures that those who served continue to thrive in civilian careers.
• Reducing stigma around service-related injuries and veteran employment by recognizing that disability does not mean workforce inability.
• Identifying optimal roles for veterans. Employers can match veterans’ unique qualifications to their organizations goals.

Partnering with PRT Staffing to Hire Veterans

As National Hire a Veteran Day arrives on July 25, 2025, let’s go beyond awareness. Let’s build intentional hiring practices that support our veterans and fuel your business success.

“We must never forget the cost of freedom. Veterans served and sacrificed for their country and are ready to continue their service in the civilian workforce. They have unique and proven abilities and a strong sense of purpose. Their contributions enhance teams, cultures, and outcomes across every sector, especially when companies invest in their development,” says the WPP.

PRT Staffing can help your business develop a veteran recruitment strategy tailored to your company, as well as help veterans connect with relevant, high-impact roles.

Together, we can honor the service of veterans and elevate your team with talent that's disciplined, mission-driven, and ready to excel.

Contact PRT Staffing today to get started on building a stronger workforce.