National Hire a Veteran Day: Saluting a Strategic Business Advantage

Each year, nearly 200,000 U.S. service members transition to civilian life, bringing a unique blend of skills, discipline and leadership to the workforce. National Hire a Veteran Day, observed each July 25, highlights the immense value veterans offer businesses seeking to thrive in a competitive market. Established in 2017 by Marine Corps veteran Dan Caporale and Hire Our Heroes, this day encourages employers to recognize veterans’ contributions, from technical expertise to unparalleled adaptability, and to see how hiring veterans can be a powerful strategic decision that drives innovation and growth.

“Veterans bring unique benefits and strategic advantages to companies, going above and beyond to deliver measurable value.” says ECLARO VP of Talent Acquisition & Development Ray Pereira, a United States Marine Corps veteran. “The formula which defines a quality hire is 33.3% learned skill, 33.3% innate skill and 33.3% culture fit. Veterans offer a combination of all three–technical expertise, leadership, resilience and strong work ethic." 

• Proven Leadership and Teamwork: Veterans are shaped in high-pressure environments where leadership and collaboration are critical. "Veterans have a natural ability to lead and mentor, coupled with a deep understanding of the importance of working together as a team," Pereira says. 

  Trained to lead decisively and communicate effectively, they excel in roles requiring management, supervision or strategic oversight. Their ability to foster teamwork—honed through uniting diverse groups toward a common mission—creates cohesive, productive workplace cultures.

• Discipline and Work Ethic: Veterans embody a mission-driven mindset, characterized by punctuality, attention to detail and a commitment to excellence. This discipline translates to lower turnover and higher employee satisfaction—studies show veteran employees can have up to 7% lower attrition rates than non-veterans.

  "Veterans are renowned for their discipline, reliability and commitment to a mission," says Pereira, "which enables a veteran to help drive successful business outcomes." 

• Specialized Technical Expertise: Many veterans possess advanced skills in high-demand fields like cybersecurity, IT, logistics and engineering, gained through rigorous military training. These competencies align with today’s business needs, enabling veterans to contribute immediately with minimal additional training.

  With the growing importance of data security, veterans trained in malware analysis, firewall management and Security Operations Center (SOC) operations are critical assets. Their expertise can help ensure compliance and security, particularly in today’s quickly changing cyber-threat landscape.

• Cultural and Brand Enhancement: Veterans bring diverse, global perspectives that enrich workplace dynamics and foster inclusivity, as well as standards that resonate with clients and co-workers. "Veterans carry a strong moral compass, high ethical standards and contribute to a trustworthy work culture," Pereira adds.

  "It’s in a veteran's DNA to own their actions and hold themselves accountable, being more of a business partner, knowing the buck stops with them. Veterans spend their military career collaborating with diverse teams and are comfortable in a multi-cultural environment, which is a significant value add for global companies."

• Scalability for Growth: Veterans’ ability to handle complex, high-stakes projects makes them ideal for businesses scaling operations. Whether in IT, customer support or management, their versatility supports growth without compromising quality.

  "Veterans have all completed basic training, job training, advanced training and continuous combat readiness training in preparation for deployment," Pereira says. "The appetite of veterans to learn and grow brings significant value to forward-thinking growth-driven companies."

• Commitment to Excellence: Veterans’ training instills a relentless focus on quality and accountability, ensuring projects are completed with precision, enhancing operational efficiency and client satisfaction. "Veterans make a commitment and follow through on their commitment, making them a reliable business partner who invests in the company’s success," Pereira notes.  

• Unmatched Adaptability: Military service demands quick thinking and flexibility in unpredictable settings. Veterans bring this resilience to the corporate world, adeptly navigating market shifts, technological advancements and unexpected challenges. "Veterans have been trained to adapt rapidly, think quickly on their feet and are critical thinkers and problem solvers," Pereira says. Their ability to stay composed under pressure and pivot strategies makes them invaluable for businesses seeking innovative problem-solvers.

  "Veterans have proven they can be resilient and work well under pressure in a high stress environment, especially combat Veterans who have completed a tour of duty," Pereira continues. "I can attest as a Former United States Marine, the rigorous demands of Parris Island, MOS Training, Advanced Training and Combat Readiness Training are both physically and mentally challenging. Through these experiences we are conditioned to thrive in a stressful environment and develop the discipline needed to succeed. Semper Fi."

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