New Survey: Hiring Veterans Has Advantages & Risks

Many employers are eager to hire today’s veterans, citing attributes like leadership skills, character and good discipline, according to a recent study.

But businesses are also reluctant to hire veterans for several reasons, including a fear of mental health problems or the risk that the veteran could be called up for future deployments, according to an extensive survey of businesses conducted by the Center for a New American Security.

The study highlights the complex challenges that young veterans face when making the transition into the civilian workplace.

Government data shows that young veterans ages 22 to 24 have, on average, an unemployment rate 3 percentage points higher than their civilian counterparts; in 2009, the rate for that group soared above 20 percent, the study said.

The article about the survey results explains why hiring veterans has advantages and risks.