By Ken Cates, Speaker | Consultant | Veteran
Employment Programs for Veterans: Do They Work?
Veterans transitioning to civilian life are often greeted with a promise: “We’ve got programs to help you find a job!” Sounds great, right? But when you dig deeper, you realize that these programs often range from “somewhat helpful” to “I could’ve Googled that myself,” and up to “they were amazing.”
Let’s break down the reality of veteran employment programs—the good, the bad, and the what- were-they-thinking (aka “Whiskey Tango Foxtrot”).
The Good: Veteran Career Transition Resources That Work
To be fair, some programs do provide solid resources. They offer skills-based resume assistance, interactive interview practice, and networking events. For those veterans who’ve been out of the workforce or military for a while, these can be a great starting point.
Some organizations go even further by leading the charge in skill-focused career transitions. Platforms like Major Talent excel at translating military skills into civilian qualifications. This empowers veterans to create actionable profiles that align their unique experiences with employer needs, driving real results in connecting veterans to meaningful careers.
But not all programs hit the mark. While some succeed, others are stuck in outdated approaches, proving that trying doesn’t always mean succeeding.
The Bad: Misguided Military-to-Civilian Career Transition Advice
Many programs operate with a one-size-fits-all approach. They promise to connect veterans with “top-tier employers” but often suggest entry-level jobs unrelated to a veteran’s experience. Imagine being a logistics officer managing millions in equipment and getting directed to a delivery driver role.
Worse, some advice feels outdated:
- “Dress for success!” (Got it, thanks.)
- “Practice your handshake.” (Really? This is the big takeaway?)
Veterans don’t need generic tips—they need actionable, skill-focused career support that leads to veteran job opportunities aligned with their leadership and problem-solving abilities
The Ugly: When Veteran Job Assistance Misses the Mark
Here’s where frustration kicks in. Some programs aren’t just unhelpful—they’re harmful. They perpetuate the stereotype that veterans are “damaged goods” who need extra hand-holding. Others exist solely for PR purposes, proudly slapping on a “veteran-friendly” label without delivering meaningful support.
But let’s be honest—what does “veteran-friendly” really mean? As we pointed out in a previous post, it’s about as meaningful as being labeled “pet-friendly.” Sure, you’re allowed in the space, but are you truly valued? Too often, these programs stop at tolerating veterans rather than driving efforts to recognize and harness their unique skills and experiences.
Veterans don’t need pity, token gestures, or vague friendliness. They need respect for their abilities and opportunities to prove themselves. Programs and employers alike must transition from being “veteran-friendly” to genuinely veteran-driven—where veterans are not just included but prioritized and empowered to thrive.
What Needs to Change?
- Skill-Focused Platforms
Programs should emphasize skill translation—something Major Talent does exceptionally well. Veterans deserve tools that help them create skills-based resumes and connect with veteran-friendly employers. - Employer Education
Hiring managers need to understand military experience. A platoon leader or Sergeant is essentially a project manager—often without the civilian certification yet. - Accountability
Hold these programs accountable. It’s time to move from “we tried” to “we delivered.” This includes cracking down on Skill-Bridge organizations that abuse the system, harming legitimate efforts. - Veteran Responsibility
Veterans: Be realistic about your goals. Certifications, skills, and experience determine career outcomes—not rank.
The Bottom Line
Veteran employment programs can and should work better. Veterans bring leadership, discipline, and adaptability to the table—skills every employer claims to want. It’s time for these programs to step up and truly bridge the gap between military service and civilian success.
And if they need a blueprint, they can start by exploring www.majortalent.com—a platform dedicated to skills-based hiring and connecting veterans with career opportunities. Just saying.
