THE SECOND MISSION, OUR VETS SERVING YOU Peter Schmidt, Psy. D., Director Veterans Training Support Center Seattle SHRM

OBJECTIVES/OUTCOMES What are the soft and hard skills learned by a Veteran during their active military service? What are the challenges associated with reintegration and readjustment civilian life? How would a veteran or family member know your place of employment is veteran suppportive? How would you evaluate your own level of Veteran Cultural Competence?

PFC SHANIA WILSON 1.Soft skills? 1.Hard skills?

1) SOFT SKILLS Appreciation for diversity Strong work ethic Time management Problem-solving Pressure and stress Accountability/Control Loyalty Respect/procedures/aut hority Ability to overcome adversity Leadership Teamwork Sociability Discipline and order Attention to detail Service for self Sense of humor Integrity

WHAT MILITARY VALUES AND SKILLS ARE VALUED BY EMPLOYERS? Leadership and teamwork. Character – trustworthy, dependable, drug free and strong work ethic. Structure and discipline. Job specific experiences and skills. Decision making under rapidly changing circumstances. Getting the job done. Share company values. Resiliency and working in difficult situations. Loyalty to the employer. Harrell & Berglass (2012). Employing America’s Veterans: Perspectives from Business

2) HARD SKILLS Operate weapons and equipment. Locate, construct, and camouflage infantry positions. Evaluate terrain & record topographical info. Field communications equipment. Assess need for and direct supporting fire. Basic reconnaissance. Read plans, instruct, direct. Coordinate activity between team members. First aid.

REINTEGRATION AND READJUSTMENT What does it mean to the service member? Military culture. First mission – service before self. Team – Battle Buddies 100% Taken care of. Discipline, order, chain of command, military jargon. Civilian culture – shock. Second mission – loss of purpose? Need a team. Health & retirement plans, no guaranteed income. Unmilitarize? Learn civilian? Stigma and bias

CAREER CATEGORIES IN MILITARY What types of occupations exist in the military? 1.Administrative (55,941) 2.Combat Specialty (192,499) 3.Construction (35,957) 4.Electronic and Equip Repair (137,953) 5.Engineering, Science and Technical (160,141) 6.Health Care (72,013) 7.Human Resource Development (44,021) 8.Machine Operator/Production (25,709) 9.Media and Public Affairs (21,414) 10.Non-occupation or unspecified (20,753) 11.Protective Service (86,448) 12.Support Service (25,961) 13.Transportation and Material Handling (166,168) 14.Vehicle and Machinery Mechanic (166,168) As of 2011 – 1,211,575

Vet Data National 22,676,149 Veteran Population (9/30/2011) 2,224,547 Women OIF/OEF Vets million have served 1,648,764 - Left military 934,264 – VA Health Care 274,319 – Post-Traumatic Stress 437,057 – Nervous System/Sense Organs 543,328 – Musculoskeletal System Connective Tissue WA State Vets 607,000 Veterans 60,000 Active Duty 19,000 National Guard Reserve 2,000,000 Family Members pidemiology/healthcare-utilization- report-fy2013-qtr2.pdf pidemiology/healthcare-utilization- report-fy2013-qtr2.pdf alReports/Profile_of_Veterans_2011.pd f alReports/Profile_of_Veterans_2011.pd f

Veteran Supportive Employer Best Practices? Your Organization? 1.Challenge Coin – Designed by USCG Vet, CEO provided funds. 2.Certificates – Accompany Coin – Vets, Civilian and to anyone who supports. 3.Veterans Committee – Champion initiatives. 4.Battle at Home Trainings – At headquarters and call centers. 5.Veterans Day – Now a paid holiday. 6.Deployed Reservists and Guard – 15 weeks of health care, 90 days of supplemental pay. 7.Veteran Specific Hiring Events.

It has been an honor to be with you today. Thank you.

TRANSITION OUT What’s the transition like for someone leaving the military? Loss of – brother/sisterhood – special status/recognition – Identity – rites/rituals – purpose? – income, hlth care, all services Guilt/performance Dishonorable discharge?

CORE VALUES TAUGHT IN THE MILITARY Army – Loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, personal courage. Navy and Marine – Honor, courage commitment. Air Force - Integrity, Service before self, Excellence in all we do. Coast Guard – Honor, respect, devotion to duty Hsu, J. (2010). Overview of Military Culture. military-culture.pdf‎