The Different Types of Military Veterans and Their Unique Experiences

There are many different types of military veterans, each with their own unique experiences. These experiences make them valuable assets to any company.

For example, a veteran who has served in the current wars is more likely than others to have had a difficult time readjusting to civilian life after they return home.

Teamwork

Teamwork is a critical skill for military veterans to bring into the workplace. They are accustomed to working with people from all backgrounds and have excellent communication skills that can be used for leadership roles.

As leaders, they are also very good at motivating their teams to achieve a common goal. This ability to lead others is a huge advantage for veterans when they enter the workforce, according to Laura Handrick, senior HR specialist at Fit Small Business.

They’re conditioned to follow through on a mission until it is completed and are less likely to crack under stress. They’re also very able to pivot when a battle plan isn’t working, according to Paul Dillon, CEO of Dillon Consulting Services and expert in veteran employment.

Loyalty to the Team

Loyalty is a key component of military personnel’s character, which they build through tough physical and mental challenges. These warrior virtues – honor, courage, commitment and loyalty – become part of their DNA, and travel with them wherever they go.

Service members learn to work as a team at an early age. They take pride in their accountability, a trait essential to accomplishing any mission – a valuable leadership skill that will elevate your organization’s performance.

The teamwork skills and loyalty veterans bring to your company can benefit your business in many ways, from increased productivity and retention to greater flexibility when dealing with challenging situations.

They also have reliable work ethic, as they have learned to adhere to a process and schedule and consistently perform well. They have also been trained to ask for guidance when needed and exercise self-discipline in professional settings.

Integrity

Integrity is a strong moral principle that aligns your actions and conduct with your values. People with integrity are honest and trustworthy.

They don’t lie about what they do or how they do it, and they always strive to do the right thing even when it’s tough. This is why being trustworthy and having integrity at work is so important to both employers and employees.

Veterans are often able to understand the value of integrity in the workplace. They’re aware of the importance of accountability and can see how their conduct can affect others at higher levels of an organization.

As a result, they’re also able to make a positive impact on their teams and organizations. They can model and promote integrity by coming to work prepared, meeting their commitments, completing tasks on time, and keeping their promises.

Stress Management

Stress can help motivate you to change behavior and improve performance, but too much stress can lead to health problems. It can also affect your relationships and quality of life.

The military and other agencies offer programs to help service members manage their stress so they can better perform their jobs and enjoy a more fulfilling personal and social life. Some programs teach strategies to deal with money or physical health issues, others emphasize relaxation and meditation.

Often, veterans with PTSD struggle to open up about their experiences. The best way to support them is to listen and understand.

Studies show that exercise can help relieve stress. Try a calming form of exercise, such as yoga, tai chi or meditation. Focus on your breathing, sensations and rhythms.