WASHINGTON (CNN) -- More veterans of the current era of wars were unemployed in the last month than other Americans in the same age group, according to the latest numbers from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Veterans' groups say it's the result of significant disadvantages troops face once they leave the military.

The report showed that last month, 170,000 Americans who served in the U.S. military since September 11, 2001, were unemployed in February, a jobless rate of 11.2 percent. The unemployment rate for nonveterans older than 18 was 8.3 percent, the report said.

The February unemployment rate for post-9/11 veterans was 2.3 percentage points higher than just a month earlier, when 8.9 percent were out of work, the report said.

The unemployment rate among all U.S. military veterans was 8.1 percent, slightly better than the 8.3 percent rate for the general U.S. population.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics did not offer any analysis to explain why recent military veterans are unemployed at a disproportionate rate, although veterans' groups said there could be a number of reasons why more recent veterans are jobless than their nonmilitary peers.

One reason could be the problem military members have transferring skills learned in the service -- such as how to conduct a combat patrol -- to civilians jobs, according to Ryan Galluci at the veterans' group AMVETS.

Even though employers like veterans' sense of discipline, in difficult times, they may not have the patience to get the veteran up to speed, Galluci said.

While the veterans served overseas, nonveterans were developing skills and depth in a field that put them at an advantage in the job market, he said.

"They fall behind others of their age who haven't lost any years," Galluci said.

Veterans -- especially younger ones -- are at a "distinct disadvantage" of not having a career network developed when they get out of the military, said Justin Brown of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

"A lot joined when they were 18, left for four years and are coming back now without contacts or networks," Brown said.

"You are almost a foreigner, because you don't have a network, even if you have the capability," he said.

The lack of a network means many veterans must seek work through print ads and online job search sites -- a particularly hard way to land a job, Brown said.

Former military vets can be also face discrimination, he said.

Many vets suffer from physical injuries and psychological issues, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, he said. Employers may be wary of hiring veterans for fear of having to deal with the cost or behavioral impact of those problems, Brown said.

Brown and Galluci both said members of the National Guard and Reserves are often not hired because employers worry they will be called back to duty, leaving the company to bear the cost of replacing them temporarily while holding the job open.

Federal laws protect veterans from this type of discrimination, by law, but Brown and Galluci say it still happens.

CNN's Adam Levine contributed to this report.

If interested, I really try to encourage our returning OEF/OIF vets to enroll in the VA health care system once they are off active-duty status. There are some really fine programs that the Primary Care Social Workers can help link vets up with. Many times, the mental health issues need to be addressed before the educational/vocational goals can be focused on. Then, it's a great time to link up with a VA Vocational Counselor (all vets are eligible for career development help...see if your VA has a "Supported Employment" program). If the vet is service-connected, they may move on for consideration of Ch 31 Voc Rehab svcs (ex. help getting the vet to a point where they can find "sustainable employment"). Otherwise, if n/a for Ch 31, the Voc Rehab Counselors can help you to make a plan using your GI Bill. For many, they need a job now...education is a luxury they can't afford (time & money). The "Supported Employment" program in my area is excellent for helping to link up vets with employers ASAP (good jobs). The SE staff continue to follow the vet for support/assistance as long as needed to get the vet on a solid path (the PTSD symptoms are obviously big hurdles when interacting with an employer who may not understand.....the SE counselor helps to get everyone on the same page).

It seems that the only jobs veterans are qualifying for are the lower level positions even in the federal government. I hear of veterans getting janitorial and secretarial positions but not much in management. And the ones getting in to management are under alot of stress by being into a position where their values of honor, morals and ethics are questioned.

I have found that non-veterans discriminated against veterans on a constant basis and I hate it. Who made them god anyways.

I know for a FACT, because I have documents that prove it, that here in Indianapolis the Federal Aviation Administration was caught hiring an unqualified person over a Gulf War Veteran who WAS THE SUPERIOR APPLICANT. This veteran was also disabled BUT the SF Form 15 has NO PLACE to check for a "XP" claim (this veteran was disabled due to a non-service related injury BUT he WAS RECEIVING, and still is, retirement benefits (i.e. allowed to use any military facility, fly Space "A", etc.)). To add insult to injury, the Department of Transportation Office of the Inspector General recommended, in writing, that the hired person be "downgraded" because he committed an "ethics violation". What did the Indianapolis Flight Standards District Office due after being informed of the DOT-OIG's recommendation? They gave the guy not one, but two (2) pay raises!!! And what did the DOT-OIG after they were informed of the action taken by the FAA? NOT ONE THING! I will tell ANY Veteran who served with honor.....GOOD LUCK GETTING HIRED BY OUR OWN GOVERNMENT because this government has no honor!!!!!!

I'm not taking up for the federal government by no means, their hiring process is a joke. What I will say there are certain agencies within the federal government that are very good to veterans. One of them is the Department of The Army. In my division if you are not a veteran, you need not apply. Unless you have a specific advance degree that is in dire need such as Juris Doctor, MD, or Engineer, you have almost zero chance of getting on. They are very good about that. It has gotten even more so since there are more veterans out in the work force.

Now I'm not taking up for the federal government in general. I have applied for about 10 jobs in the 15 years since I left active duty. 6 of them I was very qualified for, and 4 you could argue either way. 5 of the 6 I was definitely qualified for I didn't even get a response, much less an interview. Now I wasn't that much upset that I didn't get those jobs, but I never received any type of response whatsoever.

My point EXACTLY with regard to not hearing back concerning the jobs you were "very qualified" for. Sounds like "The Good Old Boys Club" strikes again! The really sad point I want to point out is the Inspector General DID NOTHING and if THEY do nothing, then who watches that particular agency?

Also if you can just get your foot in the door to some of the DOD federal agencies where they can bypass all of the bureaucratic BS, you can easily get a better job from within.

One of the jobs was as an instructor. In the job they stated they wanted someone with either teaching experience, adult or school setting or some type of education in education.

I had a Masters in education M.ed.

I taught high school while getting my M.ed

I taught basic and advanced claases at two police academies

I was a veteran claiming a veterans preference.


I didn't even get a letter saying I wasn't considered, much less an interview.

Hello, I was layed off from the City of Pompano Beach on Oct. 26, 2009 after five years of employment with them and a application that showed my Veteran's Status, disability rating, and my DD-214. The RIF letter I received said it was based solely on seniority in the Dept. They never once afforded me my Veteran's preference rights under Florida State Statute 295, keep in mind, they also so proudly display this on their website, and applications. I guess they do it for more of a PR thing because in my case, even though I have filed a complaint with the FDVA and have retained an attorney they still act as if they are above the law. I guess we are all good enough to die for this country but not receive any of the benefits afterwards. Contact information deleted.

Although we may agree with you, this forum nor any other military.com forum is the venue to start a campaign against any person or agency.

We sincerely hope that you and all other vets receive their fair and just entitlements.

Thank you for your service.

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I do not know Florida law, but most preferences are to be hired and do not protect you based on RIF on seniority.

Thank You for your reply, and just to let you know, FL Statute 295 also protects and gives preference in hire, retention, and promotions to veterans that meet the qualifying requirements. I am not arguing your reply as I am thankful for any input and advice. FYI, and anyone else who might be viewing this you can read the full Statute by going to http://www.leg.state.fl.us/STATUTES/.

God Bless America

“A Man who is good enough to shed his blood
for the country is good enough to be given a
square deal afterwards.” Teddy Roosevelt

I would be my suggestion that you take this matter to of the Veterans' Service Organizations, such as the VFW, etc.

I totally agree with 99 percent of your posting--veterans preference is a joke, after serving 24 years in the military and serving 4 deployment overseas and has 70% disability your own government turn their back on you. I have applied for several jobs here in Florida which I was fully qualified for and not even a response--these people will not hire you--they are hiring family and friends--I could name some of these agencies here in South Florida--all I am saying they are a joke and they are enjoying these benefits from veterans like us. I have 2 associates degree and 1 bachelor's degree--we need to unite against these Federal, State, and local agencies--they are a disgrace to veterans.

I am a retired E-9 with more than 22 years service. Guess I was lucky. Got the first federal job I applied for.

Chief for the record IF, and I do mean IF, you are an ATC certified person then THAT particular job requires specific training AND certification. I myself have over 6 FAA licenses with both airline and military experience. Still the FAA did knowingly hire an individual with only 2 licenses and who admitted under oath during a deposition he falsified his application! Additionally the FAA mandated that this entry level job have a particular "Director" level of experience which no other already certified FAA Safety Inspector had. Please know that this means that out of a 9-state area and over 122 other government employees of the Great Lakes Region not one (1) had this qualification AND, his application was the ONLY one selected for consideration! As a Chief Master Sergeant I would assume you, like me, do know something about the federal hiring process due to working with Air Reserve Technicians (ARTs). As such you would then possess the knowledge to "get around" or "manipulate" the federal hiring process albeit for your own personal ethics and professionalism to prevent you. However, it seems the people who are doing the hiring or determining the hiring quals ARE NOT VETERANS and could care less about our service to this great country!!!

If the Department of the Inspector General has found an applicant guilty of falsifying their employment application and makes specifics recommendations to wit the agency in question ignores, then WHO watches and holds accountable our government's individual agencies!??? Even all of my elected federal representatives here in Indiana did nothing to assist this Gulf War Veteran when documented proof was sent to each of them.

Finally, State Constitutions usually, and if not always, mirror federal rights (i.e. disability discrimination) the sole problem is getting your rights enforced because as O.J. proved, our legal system takes money to fight and to win.....how sad for we the oppressed who are poor because we do not possess millions of dollars to fight. I guess I will just enjoy living off our government versus being a productive employee of it. Thank-You America for giving me that much!

quote:

Originally posted by FordhamMike:
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- More veterans of the current era of wars were unemployed in the last month than other Americans in the same age group, according to the latest numbers from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Veterans' groups say it's the result of significant disadvantages troops face once they leave the military.

The report showed that last month, 170,000 Americans who served in the U.S. military since September 11, 2001, were unemployed in February, a jobless rate of 11.2 percent. The unemployment rate for nonveterans older than 18 was 8.3 percent, the report said.

The February unemployment rate for post-9/11 veterans was 2.3 percentage points higher than just a month earlier, when 8.9 percent were out of work, the report said.

The unemployment rate ....

Federal laws protect veterans from this type of discrimination, by law, but Brown and Galluci say it still happens.

CNN's Adam Levine contributed to this report.

Good luck getting those rights enforced or getting any national news agencies or an elected official to actually do a TRUE indepth investigation on it versus ONLY scratching the surface to "report it" (Yes I am specifically addressing CNN's Adam Levine here!!!)!

quote:

Originally posted by CMsgtMac:
I am a retired E-9 with more than 22 years service. Guess I was lucky. Got the first federal job I applied for.

Not only that, an E-9 with 22 years experience has probably developed a good network of contacts through his time in the military, not to mention the fact that you may have a skill that directly relates to civilian federal employment.

I have applied for several Gvernment Jobs. I currently am on a list "Reffered to seledting official for consideration." There are three positons available for which Iam certified Professional and have over 20 years of experience. What am I supposed to do? I cannot get in touch with the agency that is recruiting in Jacksonville, FL.

Burgess-1

Luke I'm sorry but you are wrong.

I assure you that not only do I have more FAA (Federal) Licenses (6) than the Chief (???) (which is a DIRECT skill for the FAA), I have talked on the radios to ATC people like him for years! And my having 17.5 years of service, of which working with all kinds of FAA people who were former Active Duty persons who then voluntarily joined the Reserves like myself, I had a GREAT "contact list" that included the Chief Maintenance Inspector for United Airlines as well as the ATC Manager at Oakland Center to name just 2.

For those that don't know, and Luke you are probably one of them, President Reagan FIRED every ATC person who tried to go on strike LEGALLY over better pay and better benefits. This then created an immediate job shortage in that particular field. Oh and the fired employees could never again work for the government...EVER.

Imagine ALL of you having our President of the United States creating job vacancies for each and every one of you; vacancies that would allow you to be immediately hired because of your military experience alone! NOTHING MORE THAN THAT.

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For the Record, I do not begrudge the Chief his job, but I would hate to think such a person would imply that ONLY military people with over 20-years of service get hired. I bet the Chief received a very nice "government backed incentive sign-on bonus" to go along with his hi-paying job too. Like I said in earlier posts, I am VERY familiar with "HOW" the system is suppose to work versus how the present corrupt one does.

Sorry but I would hire a qualified Vet with 3 years of service versus hiring an equally qualified person with no military experience.....no wait THAT IS EXACTLY what is suppose to happen!!!!

So WHY isn't it?
Because from what I have discovered, the people doing the hiring ARE NOT VETERANS! And "...the government does not want to pay owed "back wages & seniority" to a discriminated Vet". This was a direct statement from an FAA Attorney who was also a Vet! Being a "good attorney" meant more to him than being a "good Vet".

WHERE pray tell ARE the so-called "Government Watch Dogs"?