Former Military Personnel in Demand

Lucas Group reports the number of former military personnel placed into civilian positions increased more than 40 percent compared with military transition placements last year.

ìThe military represents an excellent pool of motivated talent,î said Bryan Zawikowski, former Air Force officer and division director of Lucas Groupís Military division. ìMen and women that have served in the military are mission-oriented, have proven leadership skills, great work ethic and possess a keen sense of urgency. They make great employees, and many of the most admired corporations in the United States are targeting this outstanding source of talent.î

Lucas Group reports that companies seek military veterans because they have the leadership and technical talent essential to becoming future leaders. The majority of former military hires have grown in leadership positions within manufacturing, distribution, engineering and field service operations. The demand for former military personnel in corporate America has risen because national unemployment is down. As a result, corporations are looking to non-traditional alternative sources like the U.S. military. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports tight employment with national unemployment below five percent.

Junior Military Officers have proven to be a great avenue of hiring leadership for Otis,î said Sondra Martinez, SPHR, staffing and recruiting manager for Otis Elevator Company, NSAA (a division of United Technologies). ìIndividuals who possess these talents along with understanding, flexibility and commitment are definitely a value-add for any company.î

ìThe military has been an untapped resource until recent years,î said Zawikowski. ìCorporations that react to this shift in the employment market and recognize the strong potential of military personnel will come out ahead. It is a matter of supply and demand. Demand is up. Supply is down. As the labor market tightens in the years to come, employers need to tap into every possible resource. They will benefit from maintaining employees that possess multiple qualities and skills, which is why former military personnel are valuable. They have the education, the training, the leadership experience and other skills that are important to most employers.î