Overall unemployment percentages dropped. Overall civilian, non-veteran unemployment rate is 7.6%, Down from 8.2% last month. Overall veteran dropped from 7.5% to 7.1%, as did GWOT veterans from 10.3% to 9.2% and Gulf War era from 5.6% to 5.2%.
Note the difference between non-veterans and GWOT veterans. GWOT vets have a 17% higher unemployment rate that non-vets.
These are comparison average unemployment rates from January 2011 through April 2012: I am using a seventeen month time frame to allow for months when the rate goes way up or way down so we have a more accurate picture.
The average veteran is 11.1% LESS likely to be unemployed than the average non-vet.
The average GWOT veteran is 31.3% MORE likely to be unemployed than the average non-vet.
The average Gulf War veteran is 22.7% LESS likely to be unemployed than the average non-vet.
MEN
The average male veteran is 12.5% LESS likely.
The average male GWOT vet is 23.4% MORE likely.
The average male Gulf War vet is 26.7% LESS likely.
WOMEN (this should grab your attention)
The average female veteran is 5.1% MORE likely.
The average female GWOT veteran is 53% MORE likely.
The average female Gulf War veteran is 22.7% LESS likely to be unemployed than the average female non-vet.
If you like charts, this is the data visually:
Overall veterans
Male veterans
Female veterans
This does not account for those veterans who are part-time or under-employed. I suspect the under-employed is of equal or greater importance than the unemployment numbers.
Veterans of conflicts prior to 9/11 enjoy a much lower unemployment rate than those who stepped up post 9/11. This data tells us we have to do more to help our newest veterans, those who are carrying the burden of keeping us secure - those who are at war. This country is not at war - but our military is. Remember our culture now is one that ignores the best while celebrating the least. This is but another indicator.
Reach out and help a young veteran land a great job. Our communities will be much better in the long run.
RLTW Karl
www.gallantfew.org
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