Veteran Jobs; Few in Hampton Roads

Veteran Jobs; Few in Hampton Roads

There has been a lot in the Press in the past few weeks about the efforts to assist Veterans in obtaining jobs. There are initiatives being offered business’s to hire veterans. (The President signed legislation in November that created tax breaks for companies that hire jobless veterans) The problem is “There are No jobs”. The Pilot reported last week that in the Hampton Roads (HR) areas there were only 5,515 new jobs created this year. (Many business’s had turn over’s, but new created jobs are needed to support the Job requirement) College and high school graduates join the job market each year, but in the HR area 16,000 Navy personnel get out of the service locally ever year. (The Air Force and Army locally add thousands). Of the 16,000 that get out of the Navy 3,000 retire with over 20 years and receive benefits, which include, retired pay based on rate, time of service and TRICARE (Medical).  For those who get out with less the 20 years (The 13,000 local Navy sailors), NO benefits—pay or medical. Neither group receives unemployment. (I question if veterans numbers are included in any unemployment reports?) The New York Times reported that former Guard and Reserve vet’s unemployment is “running 20 to 40 percent in some cases--- and the numbers for vet’s ages 20 to 24 has averaged 30 percent, up from 20 % a year ago.

There are no easy answers, veteran unemployment is a reality, and I am sure when the new budget (FY 2012) is announced, even more Vets’ will join the unemployment group. Even before more cuts are announced all services are presently cutting their numbers. (Navy 3,000 and Marines 15,000) The services conducted an Enlisted Retention Board (results announced in November) which identified personnel that would be separated from the service prior to the end of their enlistment.  The Navy, locally, is working with this group to assist them in their transition to civilian life.

There is no simple fix, more veterans will be getting out and facing the very difficult job market.  Many have families; a big problem that will grow with the downsizing of the Military, maybe it’s time for direct support of those getting out to help them get through a transition period, prior to finding employment. Can anything be done to allow the Vet’s to be eligible for unemployment?

Headlines in NT Times, “A War Ends, Young Veterans Return to Scant Jobs”, need to find an answer.

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