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Subscribe to RSSA think tank convened to gauge the financial well-being of “workplace warriors” says home-front job prospects remain “discouraging” for ex-service members, with many hiring managers seemingly scared off by the possibility that candidates have post-traumatic stress disorder.
For even casual watchers of the ex-military vocational plight, the larger conclusion is hardly striking: the “combat-to-corporate” path has long been paved with good intentions, but clogged by application dead ends. What’s more, the group’s downbeat assessment comes amid some rays of improvement. Last month, the unemployment rate for post-9/11 veterans finally nudged lower, to 9.7 percent, two full points below the jobless pace during than the same month in 2011, according to federal figures.
But, the experts contend, too many American companies have failed to boost their own internal ranks of former troops, ignoring the military-friendly examples set by Walmart, the Hartford, Citi and several other businesses under the "hire our heroes" mantra.
"Few employers are fully prepared to meet the needs of disabled veterans in the workplace, according to research from Cornell University and the Society for Human Resources Management," think tank members wrote. "... Nearly 20 percent of service members returning from Iraq and Afghanistan screened positive for PTSD." (That reported military-PTSD rate has decreased during the past five years, Cornell scientists have found, noting the drop is due largely to interventions by the U.S. military.)
The 2012 Workplace Warriors Think Tank, composed by business, military and health leaders, originally gathered in 2007 — before the Great Recession — to examine the same lag in ex-military hiring. Since then, the nation’s slow economic recovery has sidelined tens of thousands of veterans along with millions of other American workers. “But I’m sure, in the case of some employers, the economy is an excuse for them just to say ‘no’ to veterans,” said the report’s editor, Marcia Carruthers.
And while the think tank does see threads of tangible progress in the private sector, such as the 100,000 Jobs Mission, it added that: “The fruits of these efforts have yet to fully materialize. More needs to be done” to open opportunities for civilian soldiers and full-time military members.
In large part, that’s because just below the simple math of supply and demand, a dark group-psychology seems to be at play, Carruthers said. Battle-related mental illness — diagnosed in some returning veterans but apparently associated with all of them — is tainting many or most job-hunting veterans.
“The stigma of PTSD is at the top of the list,” said Carruthers, president and CEO of the Disability Management Employer Coalition, a nonprofit.
“These veterans are exactly the kinds of people you’d want to hire — they’re used to working as a team; they’re loyal; you give them an order and they follow through,” Carruthers said. “So some of this is related to the types of injuries we’re seeing — and, I would say, really, due to the fear of employers in terms of bringing back these people. If they were coming home with broken legs, it would be a different thing. There’s a fear factor.”
Among veteran-friendly companies with representatives on the think tank are insurance provider MetLife and technology consultant Booz Allen Hamilton. While some large U.S. companies are clearing space to bring veterans in house, it’s the “smaller organizations that often struggle,” Carruthers said.
“They don’t have many employees, and not many of their people have been deployed. They also may not have HR departments that are aggressively seeking diversity,” she added. “So it’s more the smaller organizations that are just not as aware of this issue — or that don’t feel they have the resources. But it’s small business that definitely make up our economy.”
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Phil
It is people like you, and of course himself, that will cost obama the election. Thanks.
What can vets expect? The media makes it sound like everybody that returns is damaged goods. We live in a world were everything is blown so far out of proportion, that true facts are lost. Facts: There are jobs out there.The economy is getting better. Most Americans are doing fine. And almost all vets coming home are better men and women than when they left.
absolutely bob! PTSD infliction was the antiwar rally cry for bring the troops home and multiple deployments. If you yourself are a combat vet than you know a small percentage of those in multiple deployments saw multiple incidents of combat. That majority are assist personnel who were in the rear with the gear. The DOD made up all kinds of medals so everyone felt like they were in combat (not just the war zone). They tried to make the multitude of ptsd cases somehow connected to unreasonable fears versus actual witness to or participation in a traumatic event. Nam Vets call it getting PTSD from hearing about something that happened on the other side of the hill. When you go to war everyone comes how stressed the "f" out. That does not mean you come home with PTSD. The public should put some more ribbons and bows on their cars "Proud Parent of a PTSD Vet" Hell the diagnosis and the standard by which it is diagnosed have been that cheapened.
I like your comment, but the DOW just took a dump. Earnings are down. The economy is not getting better.
I guess american employers are pro suicide. They think that leaving a person unemployed without an income is going to make the situation any better?
Such profound insight from an obviously ingnorant dolt.
try trolling somewhere else ^^
If intervention by DOD is the case, then I'd say they scared off many of the false claims that flood the DVA and it only serves to improve the whole process for those actually afflicted. I applaud that!
I am 100% Permanent, Total in Nature for PTSD and other %s for physical disability. Manifestation started in early 1970 and my service connection was granted in 1989. I have never left treatment since then.
PTSD is not an excuse for bad behavior. But some of the behaviors and core issues associated with PTSD are reasons. PTSD also carries with it many features related to other mental health issues. I don't care to expose too much here because I've seen how many of the phony tough take one's personal history and run with it. I was inpatient for PTSD when only three programs existed and before the National Center for PTSD evolved.
All you FNGs just walking into the system, get in line, and jump through the hoops like everyone else on your path to treatment. You are not special just because you went to the war zone. You are just a sucker for the folly of two presidents as I was a sucker for the folly of four. Don't obsess over when you are going to get a paycheck. Simply do what they ask with what choice they give you, forget about and wait until your service connection is granted. Seek out a Vet Advocate or a good Service Organization Rep to assist you. If your claim is good I have seen them come back granted in 60 days. In modern times, not the dinosaur days.
DON'T LET YOU PTSD BE AN EXCUSE FOR BAD BEHAVIOR.
so someone suddenly granted you permission to dictate to other people how they should run their lives?
do you know something about this topic Randumb423? I have lived in a world of PTSD and have been treated more likely than not longer than you have been alive. What I present is advice to other veterans. If it does not apply to you lay in the corner and STFU
you should really try trolling somewhere else.
Is this why they all end up becoming Cops?
Probably. Same sense of entitlement...
Get a life. Not all vets become Police. I make hand made furniture and I'm a vet, retired now. While I was in the service I was an aircraft mechanic. There are all types of skill sets in the military, everything from the medical field to computer annalists. You can gain almost any type of job experience in the military if you qualify. Before entering the service every one must take a test called the ASVAB. It is like a collage entrance exam. The higher your score the more oppertunities are availible. If you have a low score you can take classes to improve your score while you are in and retake the test. If your score is really bad you can not enter into the service unless you do what it take to improve your score on your own.
The people doing the hiring are not as afraid of the vets as they pretend they are. They just don't like being controiled. The Gov telling the companies to hire vets and setting up programs are great.
Media @!$%#e stirring no doubt. They have been easing into this for a few days. funny how it dawns on the report of vets to be hired for the high tech manufacturing jobs supposedly on the horizon. I guess media didn't read their own article. The private sector not the government is creating those jobs. It gets a little unnerving having to go through so many avenues of investigation when attempting to decipher internet news. I believe in free speech but jesus these internet news sites need to be put in check. That, and a whole poster of mentality that lacks comprehension and can't get past sensationalized misleading headlines. US news has been infiltrated by a new Al Queda terrorist activity decemination of misinformation
Same old story, employer has American flag hanging out front, but when someone who has been damaged defending said flag aplies for work, employer kicks him/her aside, hoping nobody will find out! At least now we know of their lack of patriotism!
Is it the same old story? Or is it a propaganda story by the media. If there are no jobs as they want us to believe than how about there are no jobs for returning veterans. And if the private sector is really ready to train veterans for some of the 600k high tech manufacturing jobs they cant fill (lack of training), then we can only wait to see if the politicians looking to take credit are lying. This article is nothing more than the media trying to once again sensationalism and cheapen PTSD.
I had a friend Mike who was a SEAL. Mike would get flash backs thinking he was back in combat. I was thrown to the ground more than once, while he was protecting me in experience. I came from another generation including Vietnam service so I could deal with him. I also went to the Naval Hospital with my aunt to sit with the guys that were "Sheel Shocked" before anyone knew about PTSD. I can see employers coming to grips with a prospective employee who might hae PTSD. PTSD can occur in all walks of life and in all age groups, but the vets are a little more obvious. My friend Mike died in his sleep from a massive heart attack probably influenced by his service experiences. Hiring managers should just take a chance.
PTSD....... At one time it was Only centered around war time inflections. Now a days everyone has "PTSD" from getting startled to slipping on the ice. I a a veteran from multiple conflicts. Some yu have hard of and those that you have and won't. You can't even say "wars" And yes I have not found a job for the last 15 years. PTSD, the real PTSD is a real problem. But just I have said there are those wo wants, wants, wants and will come up will bull "PTSD" causing more problems for those who REALLY has it.
PTSD & Complex PTSD, TRAUMA EXPERIENCES, not only War Related!!! Thousands of YEARS OLD...encodement in the BRAIN MEMORY of a Person or Animal (you can include the Entire Elements on Earth, Water & Air). Natural disasters u experience can cause the Encodement ...however, WAR & ABUSE are intentional WEAPONS created by a Human FORCE for intentional benefits$ to the CO of the Power to Use ABUSE (in whatever form they choose)!
Get right down to the nitty gritty...PSYCHOLOGICAL WARFARE upon All Creatures on EARTH & in the Sky! For the Benefit$ of those ordering the WARFARE and it starts where? The lies of programming peoples minds with UNTRUTHS > start with History of what I call the *STORYBOOKS of the Ruling Profit$). Government$, Religion$, Schools, Medical Profession$ & Corporations = the Mining of SOCIETY! Search any of them out here....how many lives have been altered and destroyed, by their $y$tem of Ruling Power$ of and for PROFIT$!
Look at the MAP of it all together ? what you see and where the ROOT of the Problem$ are.
Who do you go to when you experience TRAUMA in your life? The above all Work together for their Sole Benefit$ of Power$ & CONTROL. And which of them did your TRAUMA occur in? The CIRCLE of Form$ and $tudie$ oh yeah go the entire CIRCLE and You keep being told go here then go there... their MONOPOLY GAME Play....and ALL of them Together in the Profit$!
Psychological Warfare ? is this FAIR ?
Go talk to Psychologist and/psychiatrist WHO HAS NOT EXPERIENCED LIFE except from their desk and PEN & PAPER NOTES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
How many have you heard about having PTSD?????????????? We can include the LAWYER$ they refer you to as well!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The HIRING of an Employee regardless if they are Ex-Military or NOT... is Con-trolled by what I refer to as the CONs+TROLLS of the above Society Ruler$hip$....
Psychiatrists and Psychologists...created Names for Stigmas...A "CLASSIFICATION" to ID by "herds", their "CLIENTELE" that have had to go to them!!!!!!!!!!!
This is how the $y$tem is SET UP... for the Profit$ to control the $$$$$$$$$$$ and everything on EARTH.
I have COMPLEX PTSD, from dealing with the *RICH MANS' PROFIT$* of Employment and my personal life with being sent on Wild Chases by them all for any type of Help or UNDERSTANDING.
I also have worked in all the FIELDS of the so called REHABIILTATION of the ABUSES & ADDICTIONS, in upper Administration for 40 years... their MAPS go to the City; Township; State & NATIONAL AGENCIES...and when you Reach the NATIONAL LEVEL they have NO ANSWERS for you??????????? WHY???????? ha cause they don't WANNA FIX WHAT WORK$ for their PROFIT$!
I am also Mother of ArmyVetAfghanistan...with Medical discharge & PTSD.......NOW IMAGINE THAT??????????
The *$y$tem of PAPER PUSHERS*....it work$ for THEM... and we are all their GAME PEICES to move around and do what they want with us!
My heart and prayers to ALL SUFFERING UNDER THE ABUSE of the $y$TEM.
Millionaire Politician$ making Law$ for them$elve$ and their$... common life has no meaning to them.
>>>>>Perhaps: Referring them all to the Psychiatrists & Psychologists to be PSYCHOTROPICALLY Rx'd so they can't FUNCTION to sign any BILLS of LAWS anymore!
MotherSuperiorJumpTheGuns @
If you are trying to publish a Short Story on the vine, please try Readers Digest
or maybe use some sketches..
Honestly, I don't think the lack of military hiring by small businesses has anything to do with PTSD. Maybe it does for big corporations with greater liability issues, but probably not for small businesses. From personal experience, I have interviewed a large number of recent vets (not older vets, just to clarify) from 22-30 years old (approx.) for a number of open positions at my mid-sized company. I didn't hire any of them. It had nothing to do with PTSD or any sort of sense of entitlement. Honestly, they all seemed like really good guys. The problem is that they absolutely lacked most of the skills needed to compete in today's workforce. I can't afford the time and money it would take to get them up to speed on basic computer software, writing (spelling/grammar) and math. I don't mean this as an insult at all, and I am sure it doesn't represent vets as a group, but maybe we should focus more on the things we can control... like honest job training for combat vets, interview prep and basic writing skills. I'd love to hire more vets but in a slow job market there are a lot of resumes out there and I need people with experience and skills that actually correspond to the job opening.
I don't blame employer's to be apprehensive about hiring ex-military because they all claim to have PTSD and the Government is wanting to give tax breaks for employers who hire vets, just so the vets will be a healthcare provider and not the Government's responsibility any more once hired. Most vets are becoming cops and look how thats going they kill people instead of using the tools to take down some one they always pull their guns first,and they are above the law. How many cops are ever arrested for drunk driving-none and never ever put in jail. You joined the military for money and benefits so what just proves you can't make it on your own stay in the military.
Companies like Devon Energy are exclusive hiring recently returned veterans from the various theatres of war. It is just a matter of time before a major incident happens at the new 55 story headquarters in Oklahoma City. Devon is even passing up recent graduates of petroleum engineering at local universities in leiu of hiring veterans with no experience in energy. Devon sets the tone for future major incidents in workplace violence by their reckless hiring practices. Companies need to be very careful about hiring vets because look what happened in the Edmond post office incident. U.S. Army reservist Patrick Sherill went to the armory and checked out a fully automatic M-16 and 300 rounds of ammo. He drove straight to his workplace at Edmond US post office and before he was done, he and 20 workers were shot dead from mostly headshots from the M-16. So much for hiring veterans.
Are you trying to point out just because one is a veteran, there should be no affirmative action? Or are you leaving readers to assume your statement somehow relates to PTSD? I am for veteran preferance and would suggest if that is the issue you join some lobby group and try to get it defeated. Good Luck! If you are trying to paint the picture that this is typical PTSD behavior, do some research, it is not. The guy may have had other mental health issues. PTSD is a memory disorder, not a mental illness.
Once more "the unfounded public perception and stigma surrounding PTSD" rears it ugly head. Talk about foisting. Its the dawning of the age of read the caption and construct an informed opinion. I wonder how many employers read the caption of this article and did that. If they have then thanks Al Queda's NBCNews Cell for issuing this propaganda.
I guess they figure that anyone who really has some b*lls won't put up with the way they treat employees! Instead, why don't they just treat everyone like human beings!?
Tue 10/23/12 HIRE VETERANS 1ST.
Employers may recieve a $4,600.00 Tax Credit for HIRING IRAQ & AFGHANISTAN VETERANS
Employers may recieve a $9,600.00 Tax Credit for HIRING A WOUNDED WARRIOR
So there is Your Motiviation for HIRING OUR MILITARY VETERANS.
& to PHIL You are a A— — H— — — Shut Up already
SPW in Alaska "Airborne" Drafted July 1969
Well, as a combat-disabled Marine who actually experienced combat and was wounded, I've seen a lot of veterans who never went in harm's way, saw any combat, or even went off secure bases during a deployment, now claiming PTSD. Unless it's about getting compensation, I question the number of claims vs. the likely potential exposures. My ears tell me it's a lot about compensation, because the VA has made it an easy sell.
There's something wrong with the ratio of those who were actually exposed to the causes versus those who claim the effects. When the VA and the various veterans groups encourage everyone to file for PTSD whether vaild or not, those who have real and legitimate needs are fogged out of the system by the glut of wanna-be's. Believe me, I've listened to the schemes in the halls of the VA while there for treatment of my war wounds. I've also listened to guys who've spent several tours in combat, seen the worst, and decline to apply for PTSD because they're convinced they can handle it. It's all backwards....
Semper Fi Mac. They got it by reason of association. Someone in their unit got their azs waxed on the other side of the hill and they thought they heard some noise. Later when the patrol came back in they sat at the feet of the grunts in a hootch as they talked about it amongst themselves. Kind of like when the shrinks were telling wives, kids and pets they had secondary PTSD from being around us.
The media people spent the last few years painting every Soldier who came home filled with nightmares and pent up violence. No wonder no business will risk their company. In this world of litigation happy people, the media made the vets a walking disaster waiting to happen. now they are surprised the vets can not get hired? If the media would simply stick to facts and quit sensationalizing for ratings, then maybe the world would know the truth. While many vets have PSTD issues, most have gotten help or have the issue under control. They are no more a hazard to society then anyone else. The press, in their need to find fault in the Government made the VA system into the boogie man, never acknowledging the fine men and women who work hard every day to help returning Vets. Our men and women fought hard for you, and most are willing and ABLE to hold down a job while dealing with the horrors they saw every day. Why? Because they are strong and they have family and friends to support them. While there are many who are having a difficult time with their experiences, they are not all the vets. And even many of them are working hard to get help and hold down their jobs here at home. The media needs to quit making all PSTD sufferers into monsters and instead give them the support and help they want and deserve!
Hear ya on that too.
Unfortunately employers are right, BIG problem and it doesn't end as far as this soldier goes, I also get to watch it every day in my neighborhood. Sure wish I had the answers as the men and women coming home deserve peace and a chance in life.
I've watched 3 veterans come and go, all for the same reasons, an arrogant sense of superiority and entitlement. It had nothing to do with PTSD and everything to do with a basic personality flaw.
This is just a load of crap, Millions of men came home from war without issue. Millions have been coming home from wars ever since the civil war without issue. I am a VET, I hire Vets! why? most of them can work circles around the average worker. They are used to much longer hours with lots less pay, so giving them a chance is a win scenario for any company. what a load of tripe.
Agreed. The same media that tried to garner sympathy with the overinflated fiqures regarding ptsd and returning vets, now looks to portray them as employment risks.
Yo Media - PTSD is a memory disorder. IT is not a mental illness.
Is NBC's writers creating "stories" again that people will read or is this actually an issue?
First time I've ever heard of it myself.
PTSD is serious and can be a source of concern. However, most of these men and women learn to deal with it and conduct their lives like everyone else, working and caring for their families. The assumption that is incorrect is that PTSD automatically makes that person mentally ill and likely to snap. I am married to a disabled veteran who is a retired USAF aviator and veteran of both Viet Nam and Desert Storm. He does suffer from PTSD but most people really wouldn't notice it. He suffers from flashbacks and nightmares, is overly emotional at times, and is really not into crowds or close quarters. He never sits with his back to the door and prefers that nobody comes up behind him. I have never seen him even remotely dangerous and he presents an outward face of normalcy. I have been married to him for 44 years, through all of the thick and thin and I am never concerned that he will snap. I try to support him and keep his stress levels down and provide a home where he feels safe. He is the hero of our family and we will never let him feel unloved or unwanted.
Linda, more simply, "Postraumatic Stress Disorder is memory based!"
Not everyone who has some degree of PTSD falls into the extreme range. In the 80s 30% was the accepted degree of impairment. Only a handful across the country were rated 100% during that period. Now everyone believes they should be. Must be tough all around for VA evaluators and raters. Big Game!
Your description of the symptoms he exibits just launched a couple hundred more claims . . . Just Teasing!
My husband does have a 100% disability rating but the PTSD is only part of that. He has many other health issues that are related to various portions of his military service. In spite of that, after he retired, he had a second career as an educator until he retired completely a couple of years ago. You seem to display a rather cynical and cavalier attitude about the seriousness of PTSD. This is nothing new and he encounters it constantly at the VA. The care for that specifically is hit and miss and certainly not adequate. Whenever he does see a therapist, he is often ridiculed and told his memories must not be correct. So, he has used his own considerable will power and his desire to be engaged in life to overcome his symptoms. We, his family, go to great lengths to understand him and his particular quirks so that he can function well.
PSTD is not a war exclusive problem. There are millions more than any of our wars ever brought home who survived horrific childhoods, violence, and yes, employer abuses, to the breaking point. Most of us survived and moved on to live productive lives. Many of us help those who fall behind us. As for those who are stuck in the PSDT world, civilians and soldiers alike....we are all collectively able to do some small part to help them though it all. Most can be helped.
It was when originally written in the DSMIII & continuing into DSMIV for events related to combat and natural disaster. (the words beyond normal life experience as I recall) I think it still reads that way but will have to check. What will be written in DSMV has to wait until its release. As relates to your claim, this is what the Mental (Behavioral) Health community has morphed it into. And a lot of that morphing is done because those diagnosing had no understanding of beyond normal life experience meant because they themselves have never been subjected to that scenario. And a lot of those in the industry are making diagnosis solely for the purpose of collecting insurance payments. Your painting a picture that would leave some to believe all cases of PTSD are totally debiltating. They are not - see my remark about insurance payments.
Well well well, the shiny has finally worn off the war hero dime. Everyone has a Support Our Troops bumper decal but now they don't want to give them a JOB when they come back and return to civilian life. Well new vets, welcome to the world of us Vietnam Veterans! We feel your pain and disgust, it just took you a longer time to see what civilians that don't serve in the Armed Forces in time of war really think of you.
Welcome Home Brother & Sister!