Veterans Return To Bleak Job Market

"Protective services," such as security and police work, and facilities and maintenance repair were the most popular occupations held by former enlisted personnel, the report says.

The survey respondents said they used the Internet, personal and professional contacts, newspaper ads and federal job listings to seek employment.

Compared to their peers, veterans are more likely to work for the government and less likely to work for a private-sector business or to be self-employed, according to Census data used in the study.

But many employers are not aware of the skills, especially in technology, held by former military personnel, the study says.

It recommended that the government look at new ways, including marketing campaigns, to help veterans find jobs in the private sector. "Education and training programs, such as the GI Bill, may need to be redesigned to maximize the transfer value of military experiences and enable internships and contract work that connects service members to career opportunities," the study says.

The VA has stepped up its efforts, offering employment services such as Coming Home to Work. The program provides job opportunities and work experience for personnel leaving the armed forces because of medical reasons.

But Vanessa Williamson, policy director for Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, said she was concerned by the survey's finding of an 18 percent unemployment rate for military personnel discharged in the last three years.

"Any American would agree that we need to support our troops and our veterans, but what level of support are we talking about when people coming back from war have low-income jobs and are struggling to make ends meet," Williamson said. "That doesn't sound like support to me."

Stephen Barr's e-mail address is barrs@washpost.com.