Veterans’ skills transfer to workplace

Thank you, Don Tyne, for reaffirming the misconception that veterans are not hirable because they have no transferable skills to the civilian work force (“Veterans face tough job hunts,” Sept. 5).

It has been my experience as an underemployed veteran that most civilians don't have a real understanding of what most vets bring to the job - intangible skills that are vital to the workplace, such as a drive to finish the work at hand, a desire to seek out additional responsibilities, an inherent drive for mission accomplishment, what it's like to be part of a team and understanding what teamwork really is.

Not all veterans are only “trained to kill,” as you remarked in your interview. Yes, that is an aspect of military service that isn't something anyone wants to talk about, but despite the specific skills that are not transferable, how many skills really are in this economy? It seems that few employers are willing to hire anyone who might need some training to get up to speed regardless of their veteran status.

There are few veterans who want a handout - all we want is a fair chance. However, until the civilian workplace is truly accepting of vets, it is unlikely to occur.

Michael R. Woods

Master sergeant (retired)

Mount Vernon