Veterans bring a wealth of valuable traits to the civilian workforce, many of which are honed through years of military service. The disciplined, structured environment of the armed forces shapes individuals in ways that make them highly effective in a wide range of civilian roles.
17 Traits That Make Veterans Stand Out Employees
Here’s why veterans, armed with these key qualities, make excellent employees.
1. Punctuality and Discipline
Punctuality and discipline are cornerstone traits of military life. Veterans are trained to meet deadlines and show up on time, understanding the importance of consistency and reliability.
As a matter of fact, if we were not present for a meeting at least 15 minutes prior to the start, we would be considered late!
These traits carry over into the workplace, making veterans dependable employees who are always punctual and able to adhere to schedules without fail.
2. Physically Fit
The military emphasizes physical fitness and endurance. Veterans are accustomed to physical training as part of their daily routine, which means they understand the importance of maintaining physical health. This not only boosts their own stamina and focus but also sets a strong example for others in team-oriented work environments. This also translates to fewer days of absenteeism due to medical issues.
3. Sense of Duty
Veterans possess a deep sense of duty and responsibility. They understand the importance of fulfilling obligations and taking ownership of tasks. In the workplace, this translates into employees who are motivated to get the job done right, no matter the challenges they face.
4. Adaptability
In regard to the last sentence above, the military trains individuals to handle rapidly changing environments and unexpected challenges. Veterans develop a high level of adaptability, allowing them to pivot when necessary and remain calm in stressful situations. This flexibility is a key trait for tackling new roles and responsibilities in a dynamic and often challenging business environment.
5. Commitment to Public Service
Veterans have a strong sense of public service, having dedicated their time and energy to serving the nation. This commitment extends into civilian roles, where veterans are often highly motivated by roles that involve helping others, contributing to community service, or working for organizations with a meaningful purpose.
6. Respect for Authority
Military service instills a deep respect for authority and hierarchical structures. Veterans understand the importance of following leadership and working within established systems. This respect for authority translates well into corporate environments where employees are expected to collaborate with and follow directives from management.
7. Sense of Camaraderie
Veterans are accustomed to teamwork and building strong bonds with colleagues, as the military places high importance on unit cohesion. This sense of camaraderie drives veterans to be excellent team players who know how to collaborate effectively and support their coworkers, creating a positive and productive work environment.
8. Strategic Thinking
Military training often requires individuals to think several steps ahead, whether in tactical operations or mission planning. Veterans develop strong strategic thinking skills, which allow them to approach business challenges with a long-term perspective, anticipate problems, and devise innovative solutions. They always have a Plan B and C – in case Plan A fails. And failure? Well it is not an option!
9. Respect for the Flag
Veterans carry a deep respect for the flag and what it represents—sacrifice, freedom, and honor. This respect can translate into a strong sense of ethics and integrity in the workplace. Veterans tend to value honesty, transparency, and loyalty, all of which are essential for building trust and strong relationships with colleagues and clients.
10. Liking Structure and Order
Military life is highly structured, with set routines and clear expectations. Veterans are comfortable working within a defined structure and thrive in environments that prioritize organization and clarity. This preference for order makes them effective at managing tasks, following processes, and maintaining efficient workflows in the workplace.
11. Situational Awareness
Situational awareness is a skill ingrained in veterans through their military training, which emphasizes the importance of understanding and responding to their environment. This trait allows veterans to identify potential issues early, avoid risks, and make informed decisions quickly—skills that are highly beneficial in fast-paced work settings. And because of this key trait, as an employer, it means fewer on-the-job injuries and lost time.
12. Mastery of Non-Verbal Communication
In many military situations, effective communication relies not just on words, but also on non-verbal cues. Veterans often excel at reading body language, understanding subtle shifts in tone, and recognizing signs of distress or discomfort. This ability to communicate effectively, even without words, enhances their ability to collaborate with coworkers and navigate complex social dynamics in the workplace.
13. Pride in Service
Veterans take great pride in their service, and that pride extends to any job they take on. They are committed to performing at a high standard and always striving for excellence. This intrinsic motivation drives them to deliver results, take pride in their work, and contribute to the success of their team and organization.
14. Attention to Detail
Military service requires precise attention to detail, whether it’s in maintaining equipment, following orders, or carrying out complex operations. Veterans have developed strong observational skills and the ability to spot errors or inconsistencies – things that get military members hurt or killed. This attention to detail ensures high-quality work in all tasks they take on, making them valuable assets to any organization.
15. Humility
Humility is a trait deeply ingrained in military service. Veterans understand the importance of selflessness and the role they play in a larger team. This humility helps them to accept feedback, learn from mistakes, and work collaboratively with others. Their focus is always on the mission or goal, not personal recognition.
16. Leadership
Leadership is one of the most recognizable qualities that veterans bring to the civilian workforce. Whether they held formal leadership roles in the military or not, veterans are trained to take initiative, motivate teams, and make tough decisions under pressure. Their ability to inspire and guide others makes them effective leaders in any organization.
17. Interest in Learning New Things
Veterans are accustomed to continuous learning, often receiving specialized training throughout their military careers. They tend to be eager to acquire new skills, stay up-to-date on industry trends, and further their education. This passion for learning makes veterans adaptable to new technologies, processes, and innovations, which is vital in today’s fast-changing work environment.
In the end, veterans bring a wealth of diverse and highly developed skills that make them exceptional employees. Their punctuality, adaptability, leadership abilities, attention to detail, and commitment to service, to name a few, create a strong foundation for success in any professional environment. Organizations that tap into the unique skill set of veterans will benefit from the discipline, resilience, and strategic thinking they bring to the workplace.
