Noteboom The Law Firm

Unemployment Plaguing Young Veterans

March 17, 2010 - Making the transition from combat soldier to civilian is a difficult task in itself. Some returning veterans are struggling with mental health issues, service-related health issues, and drug addictions. Unfortunately, yet another obstacle is standing in the way of veterans returning from duty, the inability to find work in the civilian world.

The Labor Department reported young veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan are facing an unemployment rate of 21.1%. In 2008 this number was 14.1% for the same group. For veterans across all age groups, the 2009 unemployment rate was 10.2%. As a comparison, non-veterans in the same age group have an unemployment rate of 16.6%. Nationally, last years unemployment rate was 9.3%.

There are many factors working together at the same time creating this situation. Veterans with multiple deployments return to downsized companies with eliminated positions. Some companies will simply not hire reserve and guard soldiers in the belief they will be deployed or be suffering from war-related illnesses. Unfortunately, many employers are reluctant to hire an employee they know will be gone for extended periods of time. 

Many veterans are discovery that few military skills can be deployed in the civilian workplace. This coupled with fewer overall jobs available make the reality of finding a job difficult at best. Those veterans without a strong support system are at an even bigger disadvantage.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) does provide programs to help these veterans, including one that teaches employers how to work with special needs veterans. The Post-9/11 GI Bill is also expected to help these veterans by making more money available to them to attend school.