Challenges Veterans Face Transitioning to the Civilian Workforce

Veterans may face challenges adjusting to the civilian world but make great employees.

Translating Military Experience

Problem: Civilian employers often don’t understand military job titles, acronyms, or skills.

Example: A “Logistics Specialist” or “Infantry Officer” may have highly transferable skills, but they’re often not immediately clear to hiring managers.

Result: Veterans may be underemployed or overlooked despite strong qualifications.

Adjusting to Civilian Culture

Problem: Workplace norms, communication styles, and structures are often very different.

• Chain of command is less formal.

• Feedback may be less direct.

• Coworkers may not share a sense of urgency or discipline.

Result: Veterans may feel out of place or frustrated with the perceived lack of structure or purpose.

Lack of Civilian Credentials or Certifications

Problem: Many military roles require skills equivalent to licensed or certified civilian roles (e.g., medics, mechanics), but veterans may lack the civilian paperwork.

Result: Veterans often need to retrain or re-certify for jobs they’ve already been doing for years.

Networking Deficits

Problem: Many veterans haven’t developed professional civilian networks.

Result: They may struggle with job leads, mentorship, or referrals, which are crucial in many industries.

Resume & Interview Challenges

Problem: Veterans often struggle to…

• Write resumes in civilian language

• Market themselves effectively

• Highlight accomplishments instead of duties

Result: They may undersell their leadership, adaptability, or technical expertise.

Mental Health & Readjustment Issues

Problem: Some veterans deal with:

• PTSD

• Anxiety or depression

• Physical injuries or chronic pain

Result: These may impact focus, performance, or interpersonal interactions, especially if they go untreated or unaccommodated.

Salary Expectations & Career Progression

Problem: Veterans may expect to enter at a leadership level, but civilian roles may require starting lower and advancing over time.

Result: This can lead to frustration or feelings of being undervalued.

Discrimination or Misconceptions

Problem: Some employers have biases or misunderstandings, e.g., assumptions that all veterans have PTSD or are rigid.

Result: This may affect hiring decisions or workplace dynamics.

Summary

Veterans face a combination of practical, cultural, and psychological challenges when entering civilian careers. However, with the right support (e.g., job coaching, veteran-focused hiring initiatives, or mentorship), they can bring tremendous value in leadership, resilience, and mission-focused work.

Frank Manfre

Job Search Sherpa & Hire Heroes USA Mentor