Advocating for Veterans in leadership positions

We are in a time where for certain industries the available talent is scarce, and businesses are seeking ways to attract the best people for mission-critical jobs. Military Veterans provide a great opportunity for the corporate world to harness the unique experiences and talents that accompany military experience.

Military Veterans in a position of leadership

The percentage of military Veterans in business leadership positions varies depending on the source. According to a 2022 VA report, 10.8% of Veterans are employed in management, professional and related occupations. This includes occupations such as executives, managers, financial analysts and lawyers.

Another report, by the Center for American Progress, found that 12% of Veterans are employed in executive or senior-level positions. This report also found that Veterans are more likely to be employed in leadership positions than non-Veterans.

(It is important to note that these percentages are based on self-reported data. It is possible that the actual percentage of Veterans in business leadership positions is higher.)

Why Include military Veterans in positions of leadership?

There are several reasons why Veterans can provide tremendous value while in a leadership position:

• Leadership skills. Military Veterans are trained to lead and motivate others in high-pressure situations. They have experience making decisions under pressure, delegating tasks and resolving conflicts. These skills are essential for success in business leadership.
• Problem-solving skills. Military Veterans are trained to think critically and solve problems creatively. They are used to working with limited resources and producing innovative solutions. This makes them valuable assets to any business team.
• Teamwork skills. Military Veterans are used to working as part of a team. They know how to communicate effectively, build trust and resolve conflict. These skills are essential for success in any business environment.
• Work ethic. Military Veterans are known for their strong work ethic. They are dedicated, disciplined and motivated to succeed. These qualities are essential for success in any leadership role.
• Diversity of thought. Military Veterans come from all walks of life and bring a diversity of perspectives to the table. This can be an asset for businesses that are looking to innovate and grow.

In addition to these skills and qualities, military Veterans also bring a strong sense of patriotism, duty and honor to the workplace. These values can be a positive force in any business culture.

What can businesses do to better attract military Veterans?

There are many ways that businesses can include military Veterans in recruitment for their leadership positions and teams. Here are a few suggestions:

• Create a military Veteran hiring program. This could involve setting aside a certain number of jobs for Veterans or offering special training or mentoring programs to help Veterans transition into the civilian workforce.
• Partner with a Veteran-owned business. This is a great way to get access to the skills and experience of military Veterans, while also supporting a Veteran-owned business.
• Create a military Veteran employee resource group (ERG). This is a great way to create a sense of community for military Veterans in your workplace. ERGs can provide networking opportunities, support and advocacy for military Veterans.
• Offer military-friendly benefits. This could include things like tuition reimbursement, paid time off for military service, or on-site childcare. These benefits can make your company more attractive to military Veterans and their families.

By taking these steps, businesses can help to ensure that military Veterans have the opportunity to succeed in leadership roles. This can benefit both the Veterans and the businesses themselves.

About Robert A. McDonald

Bob McDonald served Procter & Gamble for 33 years with the last four as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. During his tenure as CEO of P&G, Bob helped to expand the footprint of the company brands, such that one billion people became new customers of a company product.

Following his career at P&G, Bob was selected by President Obama in 2014 to head the Department of Veterans Affairs as the eighth VA Secretary. While at the helm of VA, Bob was able to help transform the agency into one that truly delivered better care for our Military Veterans.