Let’s Get Vets Into the Industry 

Increasing military presence within our civilian ranks is a mission that takes a village. Everyone can play a role. 

I’m An Outdoor Industry Business Interested in Hiring Veterans. 

1. Explicitly include “military personnel” in your diversity mission statement and prioritize recruiting vets, especially for jobs that are suited to soldiers’ skill sets.

2. Offer career fairs, interest meetings, or training programs in places like Colorado that have a high population of military veterans.

3. Create veteran specific internships or entry level positions.

4. Understand that not all veterans are the same. Are you interested in hiring a younger person fresh out of a 4-year career with the military or a longer serving veteran interested in management or another leadership role?

5. Know who the veterans are in your company, if there are any, and invite them to be a mentor or advisor to new employees.

6. Consider partnering with existing organizations who support veterans transitioning to a civilian life.

7. See beyond the PTS stigma. About 80% of military personal don’t see combat, and those that do won’t necessarily come to your organization with mental health issues that will affect their work.

8. Reap the Tax Benefits (and use them to sell your company on increasing its military outreach strategies.)

9. Invest in industry initiatives such as the future of the SYFLA River Leaders program.

10. Consider mentoring a veteran who has interest in joining your organization or firm.

11.Host and attend a veteran specific network night at a trade show or event at your organization.

12. Host an event with proceeds going to a veteran focused non profit

13. Share job postings on the Veterans in the Outdoor Industry LinkedIn page, with the Sierra Club Military Outdoors Program, or an affiliate veterans group within the industry.

I’m A Military Vet Seeking Employment

1. Learn how to translate your military experience into civilian skills. Read David Petri’s advice on how to do this here.

2. The outdoor industry is as broad of a career field as the military. Decide what it is you want and learn what options are available to you in the outdoor industry. Are you drawn to guiding, manufacturing products, retail, marketing, nonprofit work, a desk job, and/or management roles? Narrowing it down at the get go will help you in the long run.

3. Reach out to other veterans employed by the industry. Don’t know where to start? The leaders and contact email included in this article are available for genuine inquiries.

4. You can also build your network by joining the Veterans in the Outdoor Industry LinkedIn, created by the inaugural class of River Leaders after this trip.

5. Stay tuned for more River Leaders meet ups, trips, and opportunities.

6. Tailor each resume submission and cover letter to each job application, and don’t be afraid to reach out to your network for an intro or proofread.

7. Know you might take a pay cut to land your dream career.

8. While the military is willing to train you for a job, the outdoor industry isn’t. It’s up to you to become the most qualified applicant.

9. Consider the GI Bill if you are eligible or continuing your education in other ways.

10. Follow up and send thank you’s to demonstrate your commitment and genuine interest in this industry.