What is a veteran?

In Canada, individuals who have completed the Basic Military Qualification and have been honourably discharged from the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) are officially recognized as veterans. This designation applies to both Regular Force members, who served full-time, and Reserve Force members, who served part-time. Importantly, veterans need not have served in combat or during wartime, as their service qualifies regardless of deployment or engagement in active conflict.

What skills do veterans possess?

Veterans usually possess the following kinds of skills:

• Technical expertise: Veterans possess highly specialized skills based on the trade they were trained in during their service, ranging from cooking and vehicle repair to operating heavy machinery. The Canadian Armed Forces ensure that their members maintain a high level of operational readiness, meaning veterans are well-trained, highly competent, and able to deploy on short notice. If you hire veterans to perform tasks aligned with their military training, you can usually expect them to be highly proficient.
• Leadership and teamwork: Veterans bring extensive experience in both leading teams and working collaboratively under high-pressure situations. They are accustomed to giving and receiving orders while adhering to a defined chain of command. This background enables them to stay focused on their responsibilities while supporting team members in achieving their goals.
• Discipline and strong work ethic: The military instills a deep sense of discipline, accountability, and reliability. Veterans are trained to follow strict rules and procedures, always taking responsibility for their actions. This makes them dependable and committed workers, capable of meeting high standards in any role.
• Problem solving and adaptability: Veterans are skilled problem solvers, having been trained to think quickly and adapt to rapidly changing environments, often with limited resources. Their military experience may have exposed them to diverse cultures and populations, both within Canada and abroad, giving them valuable cultural awareness that enhances their adaptability, especially in public-facing roles.
• Project management and crisis leadership: Veterans excel in planning, executing, and overseeing projects under tight deadlines. Their ability to maintain calm and efficiency in stressful, high-stakes situations, combined with clear communication skills, can make them exceptional project managers, particularly in emergency or high-pressure contexts.
• Physical fitness and resilience: Physical fitness is a core requirement of military service, and veterans typically maintain high levels of strength, endurance, and resilience. The mental toughness needed to complete Basic Military Qualification, combined with physical stamina, can equip veterans to persevere in challenging workplace environments.

Benefits of hiring a veteran

Veterans may apply their skills to your organization and subsequently offer the following benefits:

• Leadership under pressure: Many veterans have held leadership positions, managing teams and guiding individuals in high-stakes, high-pressure environments. Few civilian roles require the level of pressure veterans have faced, making them well-equipped to handle the demands of most workplaces.
• Discipline, reliability, and efficiency: Veterans are highly disciplined and committed to completing tasks with efficiency and effectiveness. Their military training instills a strong work ethic and the ability to adapt quickly to changing environments and challenges, making them versatile employees in any field.
• Collaboration and teamwork: Veterans are skilled collaborators who understand the importance of working within diverse teams to achieve common objectives. Their experience in high-pressure environments has honed their ability to think critically and develop solutions under stress, making them invaluable in fast-paced work settings.
• Effective communication: Clear communication, both verbal and written, is a core competency of veterans. This skill is crucial for effective teamwork, leadership, and client interactions, ensuring smooth collaboration and execution in the workplace.
• Honed expertise: Many veterans possess specialized technical skills from their military service, which can translate directly into civilian roles, particularly in fields such as engineering, IT, and healthcare.
• Cultural competence and inclusivity: Veterans have often worked alongside individuals from diverse backgrounds, fostering a deep understanding of inclusivity and collaboration in multicultural environments. This experience makes them well-suited to thrive in diverse and inclusive workplaces.
• Resilience and stress management: Veterans are accustomed to working under extreme stress and challenging conditions, which cultivates resilience and the ability to remain calm under pressure. These qualities make them reliable and composed employees in demanding roles.
• Strong sense of duty: Veterans often have a deep-rooted sense of duty and commitment to their mission and team. This translates into a strong dedication to their employers and colleagues, making them exceptional candidates in various industries.

How to hire a veteran

Veterans Affairs Canada collaborates with the Canadian Armed Forces Transition Group to help veterans transition into civilian employment by connecting them with employers interested in hiring individuals with military experience. In addition to veteran hiring networks on social media, employers can directly engage with battalions to express interest in hiring soldiers upon their discharge. Hosting veteran-focused networking events, advertising job opportunities in publications such as The Canadian Military Journal, or reaching out through local Royal Canadian Legion branches are excellent ways to target veterans. Moreover, platforms like Indeed allow employers to tailor job postings specifically for candidates with military backgrounds, helping streamline the hiring process.

Hiring Canadian veterans offers employers a unique opportunity to integrate skilled, disciplined, and adaptable individuals into their workforce. Veterans bring leadership experience, problem-solving abilities, and a strong work ethic honed under high-pressure situations. By actively engaging with veterans through targeted recruitment efforts, your organization can benefit from their diverse expertise and unwavering commitment to excellence, contributing to both business success and societal support for those who have served.