I spent 13 months in Iraq. Why cant I get a job now?

United States
March 9, 2007 4:41am CST
Everybody loves to talk about the war and give there opinion, but what about the few of us who have been there? I'm having a hard time holding work now that I'm out of the army. We have been through alot, more than the politicans will every know. More than the average american will every know. Please dont make us feel that are work and sacifice where for nothing. I use to have around 120 men and women under my command. Now I'm having a hard time getting any managemnet position period. I'm very capable of work and dont mind travel If the job calls for. It seems employers dont want to take a risk with us, they fear we could hurt there business I guess. I believe no business or industry should every not hire a vet, we are people who need to go on with our lives. If anybody has any advise I will like to hear it.
2 people like this
9 responses
• United States
9 Mar 07
First of all, I want to thank you for the sacrifice you made for our country and for us, and for me. I think that people like you are admirable and should have all doors opened to you when you come home. You deserve it. I agree with you. I wish there was something that could be done for vets and jobs when they come home. The sacrafice you guys make is so that you dont have to worry about your future for the rest of your life. It is despicable how we treat our vets. No wonder why you see homeless vets out on the streets. The system does that to them. I'll be honest, there was a time when parents were proud to send their kids off to the military, that is no longer the case. My husband and I used to talk about sending our kids to the military so that they can have doors opened to them. I no longer think that way. Have you tried govt jobs? If you can get a govt job you are set for life. I think. But you need to get in. Many times if you know somebody on the inside, they can help you get in and get you a job. Just need to do some networking. I wish you the best. Thank you again for your sacrifice.
2 people like this
• United States
9 Mar 07
Hey, thanks for the advice, I'm glad there are people like you out there. Thanks for giving me kind words.
1 person likes this
• United States
9 Mar 07
No problem...I wish you the best. Where do you live? We have some contacts with govt people. Let me know.
2 people like this
• United States
13 Mar 07
Hey, I live in St. Louis, Mo. But I'm willing to travel and relocate. Thanks for being a nice and caring person.
1 person likes this
@flpoolbum (2978)
• United States
9 Mar 07
I am really suprised and disappointed to hear that you are finding a hard time finding work. What does this say about America? I think that veteran's should get more of a chance or more consideration (extra credit, if you will) as a way of thanking you for the time that you have served our country. I just want to take a moment to personally thank you for your service for our country.
• United States
10 Mar 07
Thanks for your comments, I'm glad you replied. I hope things will work out, which I'm sure they will.
1 person likes this
• United States
18 May 07
As you can see people do respect the sacrifice you made to serve your country. Your experience will serve you well in civilian life. First of all what was your field in the military? Seek positions that will build on that experience. Did you go through any special tech. training.? You should look at completing an application for a government job in your field. The truth is many employers hire for mgmt. from within. You may have to start at a more entry level position and prove yourself. Try this website as a starting place. http://jobsearch.usajobs.opm.gov/veteranscenter. Keep positive in all dealings with potential employers. I know you are frustrated but it should not show.
1 person likes this
• United States
9 Mar 07
Thank you for your sacrifice. You deserve a job and a lot more. One thing you might want to do is to find out which places/employers sent/send aid to the soldiers. Look online. They would be the first to give you a job. They are Pro America, Pro soldiers, Pro YOU. The state dept also gives extra points to vets when it come to giving jobs. Check out the depots. If you were hurt in any way, or suffering from stress, check out Office of Vocation Rehabilitation. I wish you the best. You deserve it!
2 people like this
• United States
10 Mar 07
Thnaks for the advice, It means alot to me. I will diffently look up, thanks..
1 person likes this
@coolseeds (3919)
• United States
20 Apr 07
What kind of experience do you have? I mean outside of the military? I wouldn't hire you as a manager for my landscaping company if all you have is military management experience. No offense but I don't have a militant crew to run. I have a crew of civilians. I don't bark orders at them. It is the total opposite of the military. I encourage my employees to make decisions and be independent. It makes them feel better if nothing else.
1 person likes this
@coolseeds (3919)
• United States
20 Apr 07
I must add that I would hire you but not as a manager. If you wanted to be a manager you would show that you can learn and grow with the company. You have to earn management in my company. I don't want to hear you earned it working for your country. I didn't vote for Bush. It is his Army. I did say I would give you work just not as a manager. That is your management opportunity. You wanted to know so you asked. I am a business owner with employees. That is my opinion.
1 person likes this
@JC1969 (1224)
• United States
20 Apr 07
First off you are way out of line. Second, I didn't vote for Bush either. Third, you have no idea what kind of training members of the military endure and go through. They are more qualified to be in management positions based on the constant training they have received that has nothing to do with barking orders. Do you know that many of our service members have received college degrees, along with their job training? Of course you don't, cause you are too busy shooting off at the mouth to even consider that you have no idea what you are talking about. Ahh but then, this fine soldier enlisted so that you wouldn't have to--please remember that before you treat a military member and veteran the way you did with your words. Military management experience does not entail barking orders--it entails running a smooth operation and carrying out tasks at hand, whether in the field or on a base.
1 person likes this
@coolseeds (3919)
• United States
20 Apr 07
He asked a question. He wanted to know why he couldn't find a job. I am trying to help the guy. I would fight for my freedom. I was going to join the military. I was ranked E5 before I signed the papers.
1 person likes this
@EvanHunter (4026)
• United States
18 May 07
write your politicians and try to put an end to NAFTA or the trade deficit with china thats the best bet for getting our economy going again. But dont count on it ever happening I doubt we will ever see a strong middle class work force again unless china and mexico fall into their respective oceans.
1 person likes this
@JC1969 (1224)
• United States
20 Apr 07
I know many who tell your same story. I am so sorry that our country cannot respect and appreciate our service members the way they deserve, and remember that if it wasn't for your sacrifices, they might actually be forced into military service. They forget that. I am not sure if you've heard about this program--Troops to Teachers: http://www.ed.gov/programs/troops/index.html It could give you the opportunity to shape the minds of the youth of today and become a positive mentor for them. I've been living the life of a military dependent for almost 19 years, and I hate hearing about the hardships our troops face on so many different levels.
1 person likes this
@eaforeman6 (8979)
• United States
18 May 07
I would like to say thank you for all you have done for us. you are a heroe and so are all of you who have given service for our country. I would think that anyone would be proud to hire you and they would be lucky to have you. I think we should research more information on the companies hiring vets....online and also if anyone who has information about this, will please post it here... god bless you and know that many people appreciate what you have been through and hold you in the highest esteem....
@CLUBSUGAS (257)
• United States
20 Apr 07
This is such a tragic story to hear for you I understand though - The powers that be in this country should be idolizing you as a hero as well as all americans if you ask me - you were called upon to do your job and you did - i think companies should place you ahead of any other work canidate out there - you as well as many vets know the meaning of devotion and hard worker. I think it is disgusting the way vets are treated in this country. I makes me so sad. Its like I say - they are good enough to die in a war, but once home, they are worthless it seems. It makes me sick and BusH being all about his war and armies should be backing his troops up and hooking them up with money and breaks for when they return home. God Bless you
1 person likes this