Veterans and the Job Market in 2025: Progress, Gaps, and the Power of the Heroes Network
The following article is brought to you by the Veterans In Every Workforce® initiative.
By James Colbert, Heroes Linked Executive Director, April 9, 2025
Each year, around 150,000 service members transition from active duty to civilian life, bringing invaluable skills, leadership experience, and a mission-driven mindset. However, many encounter significant challenges when entering the civilian workforce.
📉 Veteran Unemployment Remains Low—But Challenges Persist
The latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that in 2023, the unemployment rate for veterans was 2.8%, compared to 3.6% for non-veterans. While this is encouraging, a deeper analysis reveals disparities:
Post-9/11 (Gulf War-era II) veterans: 3.3% unemployment
Gulf War-era I veterans: 2.3%
Vietnam, Korean, and WWII-era veterans: 2.5%
These figures do not account for underemployment or the challenges that many veterans encounter when seeking roles that align with their skills and experience.
👩🚒 Gender and Disability Disparities
Not all veterans experience the job market equally:
Female veterans: 3.2% unemployment
Male veterans: 2.7%
Veterans with service-connected disabilities: 59.8% labor force participation, compared to 78.6% for those without disabilities
These disparities underscore the necessity for focused support to guarantee that all veterans possess equal opportunities in the workforce.
💰 Post-Service Earnings: A Decline for Many
A 2024 report from McKinsey & Company revealed that over 90,000 veterans earn less annually in their first civilian job than they did while serving in the military. Those lacking easily transferable skills or formal certifications are most at risk of underemployment.
In contrast, veterans with experience in cybersecurity, intelligence, or logistics often make a smoother transition into lucrative civilian roles.
🧩 Bridging the Civilian-Military Skill Gap
One of the most significant barriers veterans encounter is translating military experience into civilian job qualifications. Employers often find it difficult to interpret military résumés, which can result in underemployment.
Several organizations provide coaching on résumé building and interview preparation. However, the Heroes Network program is a standout initiative that addresses this challenge.
🌟 The Heroes Network Program
The Heroes Network is the flagship program of Heroes Linked, a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting service members, veterans, their spouses, and Gold Star families.
About Heroes Linked
Founded in 2009 as the Military and Veterans Appreciation Trust Foundation (MVAT), the organization rebranded itself as Heroes Linked in 2023 to better reflect its mission. Heroes Linked provides supplemental support to our Heroes—those serving, veterans, their spouses, and Gold Star families—closing gaps to ensure they have the resources needed to thrive post-service.
Heroes Network: Connecting Heroes with Opportunities
The Heroes Network connects service members, veterans, their spouses, and Gold Star families with mentors, employers, and resources to facilitate successful civilian careers. Volunteer Advisors can assist with a variety of needs, such as:
Skill Translation Tools: Helping veterans articulate their military experience in terms that resonate with civilian employers.
Mentorship and Peer Networking: Pairing veterans with professionals in their desired industries for guidance and support.
Access to Employers: Connecting veterans with companies committed to hiring those who have served.
Career Development Resources: Offering training programs, certifications, and upskilling opportunities.
As of 2025, the Heroes Network reports a 45% year-over-year user growth.
🔍 Why This Matters—for Everyone
Supporting veterans is not only a moral imperative; it is also a strategic advantage. Veterans contribute resilience, adaptability, and leadership to the workforce. By investing in programs such as the Heroes Network, we:
Empower veterans to find meaningful employment.
Provide employers with dedicated and skilled talent.
Strengthen the overall economy.
📢 Final Thoughts
While veteran unemployment rates are encouraging, challenges such as underemployment and skill translation continue to persist. Initiatives like the Heroes Network play a vital role in tackling these issues, ensuring that those who have served our country can continue to contribute meaningfully in their civilian lives.
Learn More and Get Involved:
Explore Veteran Resources at the U.S. Department of Labor
Note: This article was composed with assistance from ChatGPT and subsequently reviewed and edited by the author.
