Are we creating a generation of entitled Veterans?

Veterans aside, we are creating an entitled society period.

Too many are trying to push the envelope and definition of what being a veteran means. It used to be, not there are any regs on it, that a SM was considered a veteran for serving a tour in combat (or combat zone, now a days) or completed 20 years of honorable service. Just serving a single enlistment or mandatory service obligation w/o a combat patch, IMHO, does not constitute being a veteran, though I'm sure many will tell me otherwise.

Transitioning SM who expect a job solely on their merits as a SM are just living in fantasy land. There is no such thing. SMs SHOULD receive some additional consideration in job placement as a tie breaker, if they meet all the criteria and experience for the job but even that is wishful thinking sometimes.

I'm unconvinced. The veterans I know and work with feel lucky they have a job, and NONE of us feel entitled to any position. Over-qualified, sometimes. But entitled? This is the first I'm hearing of it.

Frankly, veterans are lucky to have a job. In my area, veteran support is minimal, and does little to set us apart from other job seekers. Are we inherently better than other job candidates? not at all, and I've not heard this expressed except in specific employment related scenarios.

In my area, we have it about as hard as everyone else. We're not special, and employers are quick to let us know that by NOT hiring us. And we know it.

**I understand this is a small window into this issue. Just my perspective.

I personally think its a fallout of professionalism and discipline that starts in boot. My years we was taught to be where we needed to be and always be professional because that characteristic follows us throughout our lives. Saying that i cant speak on behalf of the few who make the many look but ..but even in we had our share of dbags who acted that way. So with all this said in the end its just people being people civilian or veteran laziness is everywhere...it depends on the mindset of the person

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What veterans is your brother hiring? I have always found the exact opposite and my company goes out of its way to find and hire veterans for the exact opposite reason of his company.

From working in the civilian World, it does not take long for veterans to fall into the habits of the people they work with and around...so if they are having laziness and loyalty, they may want to consider purchasing a good mirror? Additionally, the turn over rate might not be a reflection of the low quality of the veterans hired but of the company hiring them?

As someone who is transitioning into "retirement" right now, I've noticed the "We hire Veterans" label is, about 50% of the time, lip service. What it should say is "we hire QUALIFIED Veterans". That said and in answer to the question, yes, but I don't think it is new. Transition programs need to start emphasizing the importance of adjusting your sight picture in reference to civilian employment. A veteran will likely win the job over a civilian when applying for the same job with the same qualifications, but not against someone who is more qualified.

Talking to many recruiters and corporate mentors, part of the problem is service members get out thinking they deserve to walk right into a management position. What some fail to realize is this makes zero sense. In the military, we do not take a guy/gal straight out of basic training and make him/her an NCO no matter what their prior experience was. That individual may fast track through the ranks due to their previous experience, but they still have to learn the basics of the military in order to do so. Why would we expect a private company to hire someone with, often and likely, zero experience in their industry or business, and make them a leader without that person learning the basics? Granted, the more leadership time in the military and jobs you worked may get you in above an entry level, but I don't think it is something to expect. Just like in the military, you have to pay your dues first, then you get what you expect to come to you.

I spoke recently with a recently separated MAJ who is now an assistant project manager for a company fielding a military contract. He stated the company who hired him, known for being very veteran friendly, would not even look at someone E-8 - E-9, or LTC on up. Why? Because to get to that level, they have shifted from hands on supervision to delegation and oversight. That's not a bad thing, as that is normally what is required to obtain those ranks, but when transitioning from military to civilian, they are not able to switch back without major problems. In the corporate world, people in positions requiring delegation have been with that company just as long as that LTC has been in the military.

It's the generation. I'm a Tech School instructor and these kids show up from basic and think we owe them something.. they expect everything handed to them.

Frankly, I think your brother has it wrong. I'm confident in the larger surveys that have been done that prove out veteran's work reliability.
One survey found: “Nearly all (99%) of the surveyed employers agree – veterans perform as well or better than their civilian coworkers. Similarly, employers report that veterans perform as well or better than non-veterans in terms of career advancement,” http://www.monster.com/about/a/Monster-Study-Reveals-Veteran-Friendly-Employer-Brand-Key-to-Attractin5292014-D3126688
Unfortunately, he probably ran in to a few bad apples and it gave him the perception that ALL veterans are like the ones he saw.

I wouldn't say this is a veteran issue, more so a generation that feels entitled. Encouraged by the narcissistic world of social media you get people more interested in snap chatting selfies, updating their status and hash tagging every thing under the sun. You wont find them learning how to fix a lawn mower, change a tire, or do anything else remotely close to being in the real world as there's an app for that now. #slackergeneration #dumbhelicopterkids #wimps

https://www.psychologytoday.com/articles/200411/nation-wimps

Think there might be a little PTSD involved?

And yes ... IMHO Veterans ARE an entitled class.
If you don't like, go down range for a while.

I have seen a little bit of both instances. There are alot of great veterans out there that do a great job and are really professional. I believe it has alot to do with the company that hires them. One company I know of just hires veterans just to check the box so to speak. No expections upfront, no guidance, etc... Other companies that are successful with the veteran hires bring these people on with high expectations and hold them to it. I believe that makes a world of difference. Give a soldier a task, they will make sure it's done!