Veteran Unemployment at 21.6 Percent

In a poll of 60,000 households, unemployment among male Gulf War Era-II (Iraq, Pakistan and Afghanistan veterans) veterans aged between 18 and 24 was at 21.6%. The survey says that these young males were having a hard time adjusting to life at home, specifically when it comes to finding gainful employment. Unemployment among non-veteran men in the same age range was only 19.1%.

Since 2001, there have been 1.9 million veterans who are now in that Gulf War Era-II group. Many of them suffer from mental problems such as PTSD, traumatic brain injury and substance abuse. These issues are understandably huge roadblocks to finding good work. It's not all bad news though, according to John Challenger of Challenger, Gray & Christmas, the nations oldest outplacement consulting organization, the young men who serve often display fantastic leadership qualities, something employers are looking for. In addition, these soldiers tend to be very mature individuals, as being in the war zone can age you. So in the end, these young veterans are mature, with good people skills and are very goal oriented. Sounds like an employers dream, so why are these young men having such trouble finding employment?

The key is matching a soldiers talents to the job. If a soldier has great social skills, put him in retail or customer service. A math wiz should obviously seek a job that is technology oriented. There are nine regional Veterans Employment Coordinators located throughout the country that help veterans find the work that would suit them best. However, it is obvious with unemployment rates as high as they are, that we could use some extra assistance in this area.