[Lemmy]

Could be, but, as I said above, it won't be tough on the vets. It'll be tough on the non-vets in competition with the returning troops.

[andyt]

Lemmy Lemmy:

Yeah, really. That's why I typed it. But what do I know about labour markets?

Yes, but are you saying the stats given in the article are wrong? It's entirely possible that you are both right. As the article says, once employers hire GI's, they want more, because the GI's are willing to give it a good go. But there is also some discrimination against vets, and of course they may not have the exact skills employers expect. Many employers sells themselves short by expecting new hires to slot right in without any training, when if they took the time to train people they would probably wind up with more motivated workers. So some vets will find an easy go of it, some a very difficult one. But either way, in an economy that just isn't hiring, it's going to be tough, Not like WWII when they could just fire all the women.

[Lemmy]

No, I'm not refuting the stats in the article. I'm suggesting that what has happened and what will happen, over the next 10 to 20 years, may be something very different. The work-under-pressure experience and problem solving skills these troops possess will serve them very well over non-military candidates in the labour market. Maybe I'll be wrong, and if I am I'll eat a bug.

[Zipperfish]

martin14 martin14:

I hope the Iraqis are really ready for this.

No, I don't think you do.

[Zipperfish]

Lemmy Lemmy:

CommanderSock CommanderSock:

What will they do when they return? Jobs are scarce. Especially for the unskilled (non techie) troops.

This is 90,000+ people to add to the jobs roster.

These men and women are coming home having performed difficult, stressful jobs under the worst possible conditions. The returning troops have skills that are unmatched among their peer-group and I think will be not only in very high demand among private employers, but will also be the entrepreneurs and managers that will lead the American economy for many years to come. I'd be much more worried for the Americans who will be competing for positions against this highly skilled group.

The American soldiers over here don't share your optimism. I'm with you on their credentials--American soldiers are an impressive lot. However, their skill set will not be a scarce commodity as the military dials down. Many of the ones I work with have other trades. For instance, I worked with an architect who recently ended his deployment. He's concerned that, while surviving in a tent and shitting into a bag while acheiving his mission in Helmand province was a character-building experience, it will have limited utility for him, say, managing professoinal consultants. And he will be competing with many others with similar experience. There is a lot of trepidation here among the Americans regarding the military drawdown.

On the plus side, demographics is on thier side. There's a lot of soldiers ready to hang up their uniforms and retire, so that should help.

[Lemmy]

Zipperfish Zipperfish:

The American soldiers over here don't share your optimism. I'm with you on their credentials--American soldiers are an impressive lot. However, their skill set will not be a scarce commodity as the military dials down. Many of the ones I work with have other trades. For instance, I worked with an architect who recently ended his deployment. He's concerned that, while surviving in a tent and shitting into a bag while acheiving his mission in Helmand province was a character-building experience, it will have limited utility for him, say, managing professoinal consultants. And he will be competing with many others with similar experience. There is a lot of trepidation here among the Americans regarding the military drawdown.

It's natural for them to be leery of what awaits them on their return. They'll be especially concerned for what's in their immediate future, like over their first year home. But I'm talking long-term, over 20+ years. I believe this will be a special generation of Americans as they live out their adult lives outside the military.

[leila13]

The nine-year war between the United States and Iraq formally came to an end on Thursday. There was a quiet ceremony held in Baghdad. Most soldiers have already shipped home. Meanwhile, both countries remain divided from within. The conflict has not really come to an end. (See: http://www.newsytype.com/14000-iraq-war-ends/)

[Hyack]

It looks as he made good on his promise with time to spare.....

Last U.S. troops leave Iraq

[Thanos]

Great news for the soldiers and their families, all of whom had to endure far too much for such a worthless and manufactured cause. Too bad that the negative legacy of this misbegotten adventure will last for at least the next generation.

[Tricks]

Lemmy Lemmy:

CommanderSock CommanderSock:

What will they do when they return? Jobs are scarce. Especially for the unskilled (non techie) troops.

This is 90,000+ people to add to the jobs roster.

These men and women are coming home having performed difficult, stressful jobs under the worst possible conditions. The returning troops have skills that are unmatched among their peer-group and I think will be not only in very high demand among private employers, but will also be the entrepreneurs and managers that will lead the American economy for many years to come. I'd be much more worried for the Americans who will be competing for positions against this highly skilled group.

My thoughts exactly. Rep ya if I could.