Why does the United States do this to our returning proud Veterans?

Question

Young veterans returning from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are having the welcome mat ripped from under them as they try to re-enter the job force, according to federal labor statistics, advocates and the GIs themselves.
“It all came real fast. One day I’m wearing green and the next day I’m signing out and I don’t have a job,” said Sgt. Dan Magoon, 25, of South Boston, who ended his active duty with the Army in May after completing three tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.



Last year, the average jobless rate for veterans nationwide who have served their country since September 2001 was 8 percent, nearly double the 4.6 percent national average for all workers ages 16 and older, according to the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics. It seems most of the jobs go to illegal people in the country.

Answer 1

This is a lamentable situation, but it really shouldn’t surprise you since it does have a well-known historical precedent. Our returning soldiers from Vietnam also had difficulty finding employment after their return from the battlefield.

We seduce kids to the military with the promise of a “positive” life changing experience, fringe benefits, money for college, good medical care, and the chance to acquire marketable skills, and our track record has proven that we lie on every count.

I wish the rednecks that wave their hands so exuberantly during Bruce Springsteen’s iconic song “Born in the USA” would take the time to read the lyrics a bit more closely. I understand that they are ignorant of history, but even the popular music they listen to screams loudly about the U.S.’s betrayal of our men after Vietnam, and how the men were marginalized in the job market.

Its time that pop culture, with like minded citizens such as ourselves, counteract all the military advertisements that exploit the ignorance of our kids, with vivid images, promises lacking substance, and inspirational heavy metal music coming from Godsmack. If we truly live in a free business market, we should be allowed to advertise against the military with TV campaigns that show that many military men, especially infantrymen, aren’t marketable in the outside world; that to obtain funds for college after military service has become increasingly attached to thicker stacks of bureaucratic red tape; and that men who sacrificed limbs for this country aren’t being adequately cared for by the military that advertises itself as this supposedly tight brotherhood.

I already have a slogan made up for the advertising campaign against the military. Here it is: “Army Of One Indeed – One Man Alone, One Man With One Lost Limb, One Man With One Welfare Check”.

Answer 2

The United States did not lose the Vietnam War. What happened is what we British call a tactical withdrawal. In any democracy, unless the people support their military forces, there comes a point when it is better to withdrawn and go home and regoup etc. Such was the case with the Vietnam war. Here in UK we were not involved in the Vietnam War in any way directly. However, it became obvious even to us die-hards, that enough is enough etc. Look at it from this historical stand point. When Lord Cornwallis surrendered his sword to General George Washington USA at Yorktown, there were still ten thousand [10,000] British Lobsters in the loyal city of New York. The British Army then in a head on with the rag-tag mob of the Continental Army would have simply ran through the lot of them and on to wherever without any problem what so ever. But that's not the way of it. Let's get out and keep at least a semblance of a decent image. My advice is for the Americans to wipe it from their minds and move on.

Answer 3

I definitely agree, and I hate it, i hate seeing all those damn support the troops stickers on peoples cars and they are not the ones hiring veterans.

Veterans do have preference for governtment jobs but its not enough. I remember getting out the service and it was hard as heck to get a job especially when one does a job in the service that doesnt translate to the civilian sector its even harder.

But you just have to be persistent, seek help translating skills in civilian terms, and move where the best job market is. Its hard im not gonna lie, but thats how these idiot population are. Please support the troops by hiring them.

But overall you just have to work hard in the job search and research everything, it took me close to a year, but i have a career and certification and im doing well. Also a tip- if you want focus on small businesses, where its more likely to get an interview with the owner for which you can talk your way in.

Answer 4

It happens with all the wars we engage in. Vietnam was especially brutal for us returning veterans, we were not even welcomed back, we were spit on so, the Iraq vets are not so bad off IMHO.

Jobs should be available to the returning GIs because the law says that any returning GI should be by law given his or her old job back at the current rate of pay or an equivalent job at equivalent pay. All employers are bound by law to honor a GIs request for his/her job upon their return from duty. And I believe he/she is also due any raises or promotions he/she may have been due during their time away. (That is merely conjecture, however). So no GI should be without a job, unless he/she chooses not to return to their old one.

Answer 5

Hey, go ask a Vietnam Vet, where most were treated like scum and criminals when they came back home. Just the way of the world, I guess. Look at all the hoopla Bush got when he first declared war on Iraq. Man, everyone was behind him, now see how it is?

Answer 6

As a green liberal I want to help and my heart goes out to our brave men and women as they depart military service. My own Son had trouble finding work upon his return. The illegal issue had nothing to do with his not finding work, he lived in a remote part of Washington state with virtually no industry (and no illegals).

I wish them all well and I am so happy they survived the horror of Iraq.

Answer 7

That is why a Non-Profit mentorship program for Veterans leaving the service should be started. Veterans being mentored by older civilians.

Answer 8

IF our vets didn't learn job skills in the army, they need to continue their education. My dad learned airplane mechanics and repair, but if some guys only know how to drive a jeep and shoot, they should have more support with scholarships. I thought the military paid for school after you serve your term.
Ultimately it takes money to pay for everything, and since people don't want to pay taxes or raise revenues, but instead just let the govt. borrow and spend, the (R) budget cutters get their way.

Answer 9

The returning "Proud" Vets are placed in a parade riding down Main Street in a golden chariot. Much the same as they were in Roman times as returning warriors were treated. Standing behind them is a postal worker who continously whispers in their ear... "You are just a man, you are just a man."



The "unproud" ones just return home to become postal workers.




g-day!

Answer 10

you know when i cam back from overseas and got discharged i couldnt find a job either... but the biggest problem is that the military doesnt teach you any skills for in the job market, unless your going into the medical field after being a combat medic or such like that.