Veterans Enhance the Local Government Workforce – 7 Ways to Engage Them
Hiring veterans can significantly enhance the culture, diversity, and organizational capacity of local government teams. The U.S. Military's leadership programs are highly regarded for producing quality leaders, which has been evident through successful veteran county team member additions.
Leadership, Education, and Experience:
The Armed Services' promotion and support of higher education for its personnel are noteworthy. The military is known for its prestigious schools like WestPoint and Annapolis. Beyond these, there is a wide array of military education institutions and leadership programs, as well as support for personnel to pursue traditional university programs. Each military branch offers Professional Military Education (PME) that focuses on leadership, supervision, critical, and strategic thinking, tailored to the rank and service time of its members. This education system promotes continuous learning and development. Nevada County’s Human Resources Director Steve Rose, a retired Air Force senior officer with extensive executive experience, brought a new level of dynamism and awareness to the Nevada County organization, showcasing the value of military leadership in local government.
When interviewing service members and veterans, their high level of education and deep leadership training are impressive. Many possess Master's degrees, often multiple, with experiences in leadership roles that in many instances greatly exceeds the requirements of the positions they seek to fill. For example, Steve commanded an entire Pacific island with an Air Force base, akin to managing a small city where every resident is also your employee. This highlights the remarkable leadership experience military leaders can bring to local government roles.
Culture and Values:
Service members' values and culture align well with local government environments. Their dedication, ethical standards, core values, service over self, and strong work ethic seamlessly integrates into local government culture. Agencies in areas with proximity to military bases can foster strong connections between the military and their organizations.
Technical Skills:
Veterans often possess advanced technical skills relevant across many local government disciplines. For instance, command and control, communications, intelligence systems, and global information operations are among the high-tech capabilities that veterans bring to local government roles. These skills are beneficial in numerous positions including IT management, network analysis, facilities management, veteran services, emergency services, law enforcement, and airport management.
- Direct outreach and relationship building from your HR team with regional military organizations. Relationships are key and letting them know how to find your open positions and what the recruitment process is goes a long way. For example, Nevada County’s HR Director developed a 5 County (Placer, Yuba, Sutter, Butte and Nevada) career day at Beale AFB now in its 3rd year. The synergy of the 5 Counties increases the opportunities for job seekers and heightens the awareness of County careers.
- DOD Skillbridge Program. This program places soon-to-retire military personnel into organizations for up to six months. Designed to "bridge" people from military employment into their post-retirement careers. With no cost to the employer, the person retains their military salary for the internship period with the desire that it can lead into long-term employment. https://skillbridge.osd.mil/
- ICMA's Veterans Local Government Management Fellowship. Coordinated with Skillbridge, this is a 12-to-25-week program that provides transitioning service members with management training and hands-on experience in the local government environment to prepare them for smooth transitions into local government careers. https://icma.org/veterans-local-government-management-fellowship-vlgmf
- Department of Labor HIREVETS Mediation program. The HIRE Vets Medallion Award is the only federal-level veterans’ employment award that recognizes a company or organization’s commitment to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development. https://www.hirevets.gov
- Army PaYS: The Partnership for Your Success (PaYS) Program is a strategic partnership between the U.S. Army and a cross section of corporations, companies, and public sector agencies. The Program provides America's Soldiers with an opportunity to serve their country while they prepare for their future. https://www.armypays.com/
- Army P3: Private - Public Partnership. P3O ensures Army Reserve Soldiers are succeeding in their civilian careers which directly benefits the Army and the Nation by bringing substantial value and depth to the force. More than 87% of the force integrates military service with civilian careers, providing the Army with professional skills, education and expertise acquired in the private sector. Through collaboration with organizations offering job opportunities, and a nationwide network of corporate, profit/non-profit and academic partners, the Army Reserve's Private Public Partnership Office is increasing its efforts to connect Soldiers with internship, employment, and education opportunities. https://www.usar.army.mil/P3/
- Work closely with your County's Veteran Services Office (VSO). Your local VSO will know the pulse of the local veteran community and can direct recent retires to your job postings.
Veterans, having served the Country, deserve every opportunity to apply their skills and experience in local government positions. Unlike local government retirees, who typically retire in their 60s, many retiring service members are in their early to late 40s. These individuals, with over 20 years of service, are highly educated and experienced, and often seek to continue their careers for an additional 10-20 years. Their background makes them a strong cultural fit for local government organizations, enhancing leadership, management, and technical capabilities.
HEY, I’M STEVE…
Moutain Biking is a passion of mine, one might say obsession at times.
Professional passions include channeling my expertise into mentoring and advising roles, guiding organizations and leaders through the complexities of government technology, organizational health & performance and executive transitions.
I am very passionate about mentoring the next generation of leaders and contributing to initiatives that move organizations and their communities forward.
Mentorship programs I mentor in include: MS-ISAC®, ISACA, California County CIO's (informal), & CivStart
.
JOIN MY MAILING LIST
