When it comes to hiring within municipal management, there's a phrase that is often bandied about: "We love hiring veterans." It's a statement that carries a significant amount of weight and implies a recognition of the unique skills and experiences that veterans bring to the table. However, all too often, this well-intentioned sentiment doesn't translate into action. Veteran resumes are routinely skimmed over, discarded because the titles they carry—like "Fire Team Leader" or "Security Forces Desk Sergeant"—don't immediately correlate with civilian positions such as "project manager" or "team supervisor." Yet, these titles represent the very essence of these roles.
Translating military experience into civilian job qualifications can be a challenging task. A veteran with 20 years of experience leading teams, managing crises, and delivering mission-critical results may struggle to condense these accomplishments into a one-page resume. Essential qualities such as grit and adaptability, which aren't easily quantifiable or reducible to bullet-point form, are often left out. Yet, these are the very traits that can make a significant impact in a municipal management setting.
Veterans are not simply a diversity quota to be met or a public relations campaign to be deployed. Rather, they represent a unique pool of talent—problem solvers, decision-makers, and team builders who have been tested in high-pressure environments. In roles such as Security Manager, veterans can work alongside civilian professionals, consistently raising the bar with their solution-oriented approach. When faced with challenges, veterans don't seek to assign responsibility—they take it on themselves.
When a veteran's resume lands on a hiring manager's desk, it deserves more than a cursory glance for relevant keywords. It deserves a deeper look—a look for resilience, results, and a proven track record of delivering under high-pressure circumstances. Hiring a veteran isn't about filling a position—it's about gaining a force multiplier, someone who can enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of an entire team. The unique experiences and capabilities that veterans bring to the table can enrich any municipal management team, driving success and fostering a dynamic, solution-oriented work environment.
As municipal managers, we must do more than pay lip service to the idea of hiring veterans. We must actively seek to understand the unique value they bring, and work to translate their skills and experiences into our professional context. By doing so, we not only honor the service of our veterans, but we also enrich our teams with their unique perspectives and skills. The next time a veteran's resume lands on your desk, remember: you're not just filling a slot—you're gaining a force multiplier.
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