Overseas Jobs for Veterans

After back-to-back tours in Iraq and/or Afghanistan, many Gulf War Vets would never think of returning overseas as a contractor. Yet, thousands of men and women who have served in Operations Iraqi Freedom and/or Enduring Freedom are actively seeking overseas jobs. If you're a veteran and are weighing the advantages of returning overseas as a defense contractor, continue reading.

Jobs Outlook for Returning Gulf War II Vets (Iraq & Afghanistan)
While the U.S. jobs market is showing gradual signs improvement, the unemployment rate for Gulf War II-era veterans remains significantly higher than the national average. The rates will eventually improve, but it will take time. Working overseas offers veterans the chance to (1) "ride out" the worst of the recession, (2) earn an excellent salary and (3) ease their transition to civilian life.

Employment Data for Returning Gulf War II Veterans

The employment data for returning Gulf War II-era veterans is sobering. Not only do veterans have the misfortune to re-enter the civilian workforce in the midst of a protracted recession, their jobs outlook is challenging. In December, 2011, over 248,000 Gulf War II veterans were out of work .To make things worse, they earn an average of $10,000 less per year than non-veterans. Consider the following data reported in U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics January, 2012 monthly economic report:

In December, 2011, 13.1% of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans were unemployed, compared to a national civilian unemployment rate of 8.5%. The unemployment rate for female Gulf War II veterans was 16.8%, almost double the national rate. One in three Gulf War II veterans between the ages of 18-24 were unemployed.

Vet's Job Trends...

The enclosed graph illustrates the year-to-year increase in unemployment rates for Gulf War II-era veterans between December, 2010 & 2011. No one can say for sure when things will improve, but a sluggish economy, combined with the increased numbers of troops separating from the military will likely slow the process.

The Potential Advantages Overseas Contract Jobs Offer Veterans

U.S. employers often find it difficult to translate military experience into civilian job skills. That's not the case with Defense contractors. They speak the veteran's language. They value veterans' ability to develop and execute a plan. They know that veterans exercise good judgment under challenging conditions and are committed to their assignments. As for veterans, they already know what to expect; they've "been there, done that." Chances are, they worked around contractors during their tour(s) and already know they can handle the hardships.

Contractor-provided Services within the LOGCAP IV Program

The governments LOGCAP Statement-of-Work (SOW) identifies a wide array of services to be provided by Contractors. As military and political conditions evolve, new requirements are added to meet changing needs. Below is a recap of the services within the LOGCAP IV program. Supply Functions
Class I - Subsistence Class II Clothing & Equipment Class III - Petroleum Class IV Construction Material Class V - Ammunition Class VI Personal Demand Items

Field Services
Billeting Sanitation Food Services Operations and Maintenance Information Operations Personnel and Administration Laundry Services Morale, Welfare and Recreation Mortuary Affairs Airfield

Other Services
Retrograde Engineering & Construction Power Generation Information Technology Transportation Maintenance and Motor Pool Medical Services Physical Security

Class VII Major End Items Class VIII Medical Supplies Class IX Repair Parts

For Some Veterans Overseas Jobs Offer an Attractive Option

Happy to finally be home, many Gulf War II veterans have no desire to return overseas. That's certainly understandable, and we owe them a collective debt of gratitude for their service. Yet, for 1000's of transitioning veterans, the prospect of working overseas is appealing on a variety of levels. They won't find themselves alone. Overseas defense contractors rely heavily on veterans to fill their ranks. For many Gull War II veterans, accepting a job with an overseas contractor represents a viable alternative.

About the Author

Stephen Jones is the developer and editor-in-chief of Overseasjobsource.com. As a senior human resources/recruitment professional, he has directed the start-up of six major U.S. overseas programs and managed the deployment of over 6,500 U.S. civilian contractors. Overseasjobsource's exclusive Overseas Jobs Database connects members to over 550 U.S. companies who routinely offer overseas contract jobs. Overseasjobsource provides the tools, techniques and professional advice needed to conduct an effective overseas job search.