Posted on Oct 27, 2013
Why is the jobless rate so high for Iraq and Afganistan Veterans? What can be changed to reverse this trend?
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What needs to change moving forward? Any personal employment stories of your own that show the challenges of finding a job? What advice would you give someone starting at square one?
During a job interview with Long Island Bus, Marine Corps veteran Tireak Tulloch, who had done two tours in Iraq, recalled the senior manager commenting, “You have a lot of experience. This is an entr...
Posted in these groups: 
Employment
Civilian Career
Employment Civilian Career
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 24
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As a signal Soldier I have an idea from the tech side why jobless rates are so high. Soldiers believe they are entitled to more than they really are. Just because there are civilian jobs making 6 figures doesn't mean that you will get one. I know guys that have gotten out of the Army and refuse to take a job less than 6 figures because they have experience. Of course you will be jobless if you turn down jobs. Not getting hired at all and not excepting jobs are 2 different things.
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Capt Brandon Charters
Scott, Great point. You seem to be in one of the career fields that relates very well to the civilian world. I can see how guys in that field would be holding out for the right price. What about everyone else? Infantry, artillery, ect? I think there is still a lot the transition programs can do for these guys.
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Great question! I agree this is a critical issue. Even more staggering is a figure I heard on the radio recently...female veterans are 4 times more likely than their male counterparts to be homeless. And more likely to have children that are affected by the jobless/homeless issue. So somehow addressing the jobless rate could potentially have an impact with a much larger scope in the coming years. Thanks for pursuing the question!!
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SGT Tim S.
I appreciate your time and bringing attention to homeless Vets, Ma'am. This subject really hits home for me having to use HUD-VASH back in 2010. To be honest, I didn't even know VA could help. Fortunately I got my kiddo and I into our own home after a few months - thank God - and didn't need to use HUD afterall.
When you have a moment, Ma'am, please review this link provided by Huffington Post if you would like:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/11/veteran-homelessness-unsolved-progress_n_2113782.html
In short, the above link is referring to Veterans, but more less regarding male Veterans. Huffington Post mentions Vet homeless rate:
"Of the country's 22 million veterans, an estimated 75,609 were homeless
in 2009 when Shinseki announced the campaign. Veterans make up 14
percent of the U.S. homeless population. The number of homeless veterans dropped 12 percent between 2010 and 2011 to 67,497."
It seems to be a grey area for the amount of women veterans other than the ones who received assistance other than the - 10% of the 3,000 male veterans with HUD-VASH. Huffington Post unfortunately seems a bit crass in the latter article (male veterans) in my humble opinion. I will bring this information to my local VA outpatient clinic. I will suggest that this assistance need be directed at and to servicemen and women upon out-processing for ETS or Chapter.
When you have a moment, Ma'am, please review this link provided by Huffington Post if you would like:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/11/veteran-homelessness-unsolved-progress_n_2113782.html
In short, the above link is referring to Veterans, but more less regarding male Veterans. Huffington Post mentions Vet homeless rate:
"Of the country's 22 million veterans, an estimated 75,609 were homeless
in 2009 when Shinseki announced the campaign. Veterans make up 14
percent of the U.S. homeless population. The number of homeless veterans dropped 12 percent between 2010 and 2011 to 67,497."
It seems to be a grey area for the amount of women veterans other than the ones who received assistance other than the - 10% of the 3,000 male veterans with HUD-VASH. Huffington Post unfortunately seems a bit crass in the latter article (male veterans) in my humble opinion. I will bring this information to my local VA outpatient clinic. I will suggest that this assistance need be directed at and to servicemen and women upon out-processing for ETS or Chapter.
CHULA VISTA, Calif. — Arthur Lute's arduous journey from his days as a U.S. Marine to his nights sleeping on the streets illustrates the challenge for the Obama administration to fulfill its pro...
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Lt Col (Join to see)
Thanks for sharing that article. Great read. When it comes to homeless veterans, even if the number was comparable between men & women, I think there's a bigger issue...safety. While there is a certain amount of danger involved in either gender being homeless, I would imagine women tend to be more vulnerable in that situation.
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SPC (Join to see)
Thats is scaring ma'am as I am transitioning out of the Army. I hope praying I can land this sherriff dept job before I get out so my family wont suffer.
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SPC Leisel Luman
Very true. VA Vocational Rehabilitation qualified me by my medical record before the VA completed my claim. The VA has something called HUDVASH vets can apply for this. Each VISN (area) has alotted vouchers. You can chose where you live and HUDVASH pays a certain amount. Please google HUDVASH . Find who is the HUDVASH advocate in your region of your state.
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Many vets are leaving the military with great experience but they are not fully capitalizing on all of it. Being in the military we use a lot of jargon, and unique terms that civilians look at and say, "that is cool, but what does it mean?" We need to do a better job at using standard private sector terminology on resumes. Another thing is, the under appreciation for many of the skills we think have no value, PMCSing gives you two things skills with tools, and general knowledge of an engine. There are mamy other things we do and take for granted daily, but are valuable somewhere if written the right way on a resume.
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SPC Kamie Chavez
You are so right! I know most people sleep through their transition briefs, but I heard something really valuable that has truly stuck with me. EVERYONE has transferable skills. You just have to learn how to advertise yourself in a favorable light to civilians. That does not mean lie, though. Like you said, those daily tasks are invaluable. Like, being responsible for (hopefully without loss of) sensitive military equipment.
And although it's been mentioned, translating military jargon to English is so important. What is PMCSing again? hehe
And although it's been mentioned, translating military jargon to English is so important. What is PMCSing again? hehe
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