Vets/Military Resources
The unemployment news and headlines stand as daily reminders of one of the economy’s greatest challenge. And yet one group of Americans are unemployed today at a rate three times that of the national average. Who are they? Ex-cons? High School Dropouts? Heroin Addicts? Guess again – they are men and women, honorably discharged, from The US Armed Forces.

The statistics are clear and the results are potentially devastating, not only to the soldiers in question, but to every American who relies upon the protection of a volunteer Armed Force. Not only are the unemployment rates for RSS (Recently Separated Servicemen) at or over 20%, perhaps more shocking is the higher percentage of RSS who wind up with a job whose wages are under the poverty line. We’re breaking a fundamental promise to the men and women who serve this country, and if we don’t fix it, we’re going to have more than a big problem.

A shortage of tradesmen is bad. A shortage of soldiers is worse.

Returning soldiers who are used to hard work and a structured environment are a good fit with many railroad jobs.

Railroads hire many veterans returning from war

By Josh Funk
Associated Press

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Mark Major once led a team of soldiers in combat in Iraq. Now he leads a team of railroad employees. The difference, he says, is obvious: “I’m not getting shot at anymore.” Read More...

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the availability of up to $5 million to fund 16 or more Homeless Female Veterans and Veterans with Families grants. Approximately 1,900 veterans will receive job training and related services to help them succeed in civilian careers.

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Many returning soldiers are struggling to find employment but the program Troops to Teachers offers a chance for a rewarding career that utilities leadership skills and perseverance.

New program gives vets jobs, makes schools safer

New Department of Defense initiative Troops to Teachers is quickly becoming a win-win program for veterans and schools, as qualified service members get trained as teachers and create a safer environment for public schools. NBC’s Craig Melvin reports. Read More...