There have always been challenges associated with the return from military to civilian life, but new statistics reveal that the transition for soldiers returning from service in Iraq and Afghanistan is tougher than ever. While most make a relatively successful transition from military service, research shows that a growing minority of America’s post-9/11 veterans will return home to a life of poverty.
According to a report issued earlier this month from the U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee (JEC), poverty rates among post-9/11 veterans is nearly double the rates following other wars, with over 12 percent of recent veterans now living in poverty. Hardest hit are the youngest vets. Poverty strikes 21 percent of service men and women between the ages of 18 and 24 (who are over 80 percent of post-9/11 vets).
The report titled “Broken Promise: The Need to Improve Economic Security for Veterans,” examines the challenges of millions of vets currently living in poverty and how Congress can help them regain and maintain their economic footing.
“It is extremely disheartening that we do not have better resources set in place for our veterans as they return home and transition to civilian life,” said senator and JEC Chairman Bob Casey (D-Pa.) in a statement. “Our veterans have learned extremely valuable skills that would make them a valuable asset to the workforce. As the lawmakers who have sent these men and women overseas to combat zones, we have a responsibility to ensure that they are given every opportunity to succeed in their post-deployment life.”
The report blames the steady rise in poverty on the dwindling labor market of the 2000s, and even more so on the aftermath of the Great Recession, which has been particularly harsh for young veterans. Given that many vets entered the military right after high school, following their service they face an already brutal civilian labor market with little or no experience searching, applying for, and interviewing for jobs.
While poverty rates have risen for almost all veterans, post-9/11 veterans have been hit particularly hard by the nation’s tough economic times, and the trend has led to serious consequences. A report last month by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development estimated that one out of every six men and women in our nation’s homeless shelters are veterans, and as many as 50 percent of vets are at risk of becoming homeless.
Not surprisingly, research suggests that education plays a key role for veterans’ employment prospects and economic security. Vets who have earned at least a bachelor’s degree fared far better than their less educated counterparts, with only over 3 percent of college graduate veterans facing poverty.
To address the issue, the JEC report pushed for the VOW to Hire Heroes Act, which President Obama signed into law on Nov. 21. The legislation provides a tax incentive for businesses to hire veterans, and gives former service members career training and assistance to help them make a better transition into the civilian workforce.
“It is unacceptable that our veterans face significant employment challenges after coming home,” said Casey. “It is clear that the current programs have not done enough to assist returning service members.”
