Mission-Ready for Civilian Success: Veterans and Military Spouses in the Workforce

North Carolina’s Southeast is fortunate to be home to seven military installations including Fort Liberty (formerly Fort Bragg) and Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. The area has long been a hub for military activity. As service members transition to civilian life, their skills and experiences can create a wealth of opportunities for the region.

According to the 2022 Survey of North Carolina Transitioning Military Service Members released by Fayetteville State University and the North Carolina Military Affairs Commission, 42% of those transitioning from North Carolina’s military installations plan to stay in North Carolina. “Part of the state’s value proposition for employers is the presence of high numbers of veterans in North Carolina – particularly in the eastern segment of the state where housing values are likely to be attractive, a well-educated workforce is available, and cost of living is lower than in the major metropolitan areas,” the survey report stated.

Additionally, military spouses contribute their own talents, fostering economic growth and community vitality. Here is why this workforce is a boon for the area:

Unmatched Skills and Discipline

More than 132,000 men and women serve our country from our region’s Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps bases. Every year, more than 20,000 service members exit these installations with plans to enter the civilian workforce. Military veterans bring a wealth of expertise, from leadership and logistics to advanced technical training. More than half of these veterans have earned ranks of significant responsibility and are “likely to be particularly well-positioned to contribute occupational skills as well as leadership skills to the civilian workforce,” according to the survey report. Their ability to work under pressure, solve complex problems, and lead diverse teams is invaluable to employers. North Carolina's Southeast industries, such as defense contracting, manufacturing, and healthcare, align well with these capabilities.

Entrepreneurial Spirit

Many veterans channel their leadership experience into entrepreneurship. As reported in the survey, 12% of those separating from the service who plan to remain in North Carolina plan to start their own business. North Carolina’s Southeast offers a supportive ecosystem to entrepreneurs, including access to resources like Small Business Administration (SBA) programs and veteran-focused grants. These opportunities allow former service members to create businesses that drive local job creation and innovation.

Military Spouses: A Hidden Asset

The total number of military spouses in the state is approximately 59,000. According to the previously mentioned survey, “Military-affiliated families tend to be associated with spousal workforce participation, education requirements for children, increased demand for goods and services, and community ties across multiple domains – multiplying the economic and community impacts of the veterans choosing to reside in the state.” Along with the approximately 20,000 transitioning service members annually are more than 12,000 spouses. Military spouses often possess a blend of resilience, adaptability, and diverse professional backgrounds. Despite frequent relocations, they’ve gained experience in fields such as education, healthcare, and technology. With greater access to remote work opportunities and regional job support programs, they are ready to make a significant economic impact.

Retention Through Community Ties

Exiting military members and their families often choose to stay in North Carolina’s Southeast for its quality of life, affordability, and proximity to military roots. Indeed, for those planning to live in North Carolina, the specific cities in which they planned to live tend to be near military installations. Families tend to live in locations with which they are familiar and where they have developed community ties. By retaining this population, the region ensures a steady influx of skilled professionals who are invested in their communities.

Enhanced Workforce Development

The survey reported “At their time of separation from the military 41% of enlisted personnel had earned an associate’s degree or higher to complement their on-the-job training and experience. Another 36% earned some college credit but had not attained a degree.” But even without a degree, 65% of those separating from service have at least five years of military experience, bringing with them a wealth of knowledge and, typically, an attitude of disciplined innovation and resourcefulness.

Companies are drawn to regions with a highly skilled workforce, and North Carolina’s Southeast’s reputation as a military hub enhances its attractiveness. Employers benefit from tax incentives and diversity initiatives by hiring veterans and spouses, creating a win-win scenario.

As North Carolina’s Southeast continues to evolve, its exiting military workforce and their spouses represent a powerful resource for economic development and community enrichment. By leveraging their extensive talents and experiences, the region is poised for a future of growth, innovation, and resilience.

Source: Survey of North Carolina Transitioning Military Service Members: Final Report, 2022; Study Authors: Dr. Gregory DeLone and Gregory McElveen, Fayetteville State University