THE SECOND MISSION, OUR VETS SERVING YOU WA Employment Law and HR Conference 2015 Peter Schmidt, Psy. D., LMHC, Executive Director Peter.schmidt@edcc.edu/425-640-1463 Center for Learning Connections Veterans Training Support Center
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/Cont rol 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. Harrell & Berglass (2012). Employing America s Veterans: Perspectives from Business Loyalty to the employer.
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 o o Members http://www.publichealth.va.gov/doc s/epidemiology/healthcareutilization-report-fy2013-qtr2.pdf http://www.va.gov/vetdata/docs/sp ecialreports/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.