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The military is known for discipline, training and education. People who have that background possess skills that can easily translate to the civilian workforce.

Veterans at Government Agencies

A recent Federal News Radio article explained that vets made up 32.5% of federal hiring in 2015. Government agencies hired more veterans in one year than they did in the previous five. This could be due to an executive order signed by President Barack Obama in 2009.

Most of the vets accepted administrative jobs, and a large percent were hired for technical and blue collar positions. Their employers are now enjoying the benefits of adding former military personnel to the workforce. Your business could also take advantage of perks that come from hiring veterans.

Benefits of Hiring Vets

Varied Skillset. Veterans undergo intense training and educational programs that teach them an array of useful skills. According to VetJobs.com, most vets have advanced training in technology, leadership and operations. These attributes are always in demand by the private sector.

Team Mentality. Military personnel are taught to work together and rely on each other. Veterans understand team objectives, and how to use their talents to benefit the group.

Responsibility. This is one of the most important things veterans learn. They are taught to take their responsibilities seriously, and follow through until every goal is accomplished.

Computer Training. The media kit from Vet Jobs states: "60% of the enlisted personnel can program in at least one computer language." Vets that don't have programming skills are still likely to be computer savvy. Another key statistic discloses: "92% of active duty military in the United States use computers at their places of duty."

Tax Breaks. Businesses that employ eligible vets between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2019 can receive Work Opportunity Tax Credits (WOTC). Employers may claim 40% of $14,000 wages for employing veterans for 27 consecutive weeks. Businesses that hire veterans for a minimum of 4 weeks may qualify for a credit of 40% for $6,000 wages. Learn more and see the WOTC calculator at military.com.

New Veterans Joining the Workforce

Currently, there are around 11 million veterans in the workforce and hat number is likely to skyrocket. Approximately 175,000 people will be discharged from active duty annually for the next few years.

Your business could have numerous opportunities to interview and hire qualified vets. Before you do, experts suggest acquiring a basic understanding of the military so you have a better perception of their background and how to help them succeed.

Multiple studies have shown that veterans tend to leave civilian jobs because they feel overqualified. As you develop a deeper understanding of the skills veterans possess, it will help you determine what types of tasks to assign to your employees, and therefore increase your retention rate.

Finding and Screening Veterans

When you have job openings, you probably post them on your own website and multiple job boards. You can also post on sites that cater to veterans like hireveterans.com and militaryhire.com. Announce a few openings on these sites, determine what works best, and develop plans for future postings based on your results.

Before you hire any veteran or civilian, it is important to run employment background checks to make sure the person is qualified and eligible for employment. These reports confirm the person's identity, show you important information about their personal and professional past, and inform you if they have criminal records of which you should be aware.

Every business needs skilled, reliable employees who can help them grow and prosper. The next time your company is searching for people, consider veterans who would be a good fit. Former members of any military branch can become a great asset to your business.