THE SECOND MISSION, OUR VETS SERVING YOU

Peter Schmidt, Psy. D., LMHC, Executive Director

Peter.schmidt@edcc.edu/425-640-1463

Center for Learning Connections

Veterans Training Support Center

WA Employment Law

and HR Conference 2015

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 supportive? What does it mean to be a “Veteran friendly” or “Vetcentric Employer”?

How would you evaluate your own level of Veteran Cultural Competence?

SGT 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/authority

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.

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.www.apa.org/about/gr/issues/military/military-culture.pdf

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?

http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Military/Military-Careers.htm

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 21,341,026 Veteran

Population (2012)

1,610,603 Women

OIF/OEF Vets 2001-2013

2.8 million have served

1,866,128 - Left military

1,126,173 – VAHC

351,422 – PTS

560,506 – Nervous

System/Sense Organs

687,723 –

Musculoskeletal

WA State Vets 603,623 Veterans

60,000 Active Duty

19,000 National Guard Reserve

2,000,000 Family Members

o http://www.publichealth.va.gov/docs/epidemiology/healthcare-utilization-report-fy2013-qtr2.pdf

o http://www.va.gov/vetdata/docs/SpecialReports/Profile_of_Veterans_2011.pdf

Veteran Supportive Employer Best Practices? Your Organization?

Challenge Coin – Designed by USCG Vet, CEO provided funds.

Certificates – Accompany Coin – Vets, Civilian and to anyone who supports.

Veterans Committee – Champion initiatives.

Battle at Home Trainings – At headquarters and call centers.

Veterans Day – Now a paid holiday.

Deployed Reservists and Guard – 15 weeks of health care, 90 days of supplemental pay.

Veteran Specific Hiring Events.

It has been an honor to

be with you today.

Thank you.