Dr. Benishek Supports Bill to Recognize Military Training as Job Training

WASHINGTON, DC: Dr. Dan Benishek (MI-01) is honored to announce his support of H.R. 4155, the "Veteran Skills to Jobs Act."

"The men and women who serve in our military are a brave group," said Dr. Benishek, the father of an Afghanistan War veteran. "Too often, these heroes are returning home after courageously serving our country and are unable to find a job that pays a decent wage. It’s not right."

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the unemployment rate in December 2011, among military veterans aged 18-24 was 31 percent. With a high number of young veterans returning home, this bill will dramatically assist veterans by directing the head of each federal agency to consider relevant military training for credit to satisfy training or certification requirements for federal licenses. This initiative would help speed up the process of getting our veterans back to work.

All levels of government – local, state and federal – grant licenses for specific occupations. Most federal licenses are in the aerospace, communications and maritime industries. Specifically, these occupations include but are not limited to: air traffic controllers, aviation inspectors, nursing and physician assistants, radio operators, sailors and marine oilers and ship engineers.

"Our veterans should have the right to anticipate the future with enthusiasm. They should be chasing the American Dream, but instead they are often standing in unemployment lines. It’s unacceptable," added Dr. Benishek, a doctor who worked at a VA hospital for 20 years.

While not all government agencies recognize valid military training, Dr. Benishek believes such training provides the necessary skills for a variety of civilian and governmental workforce jobs.

The American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars join Dr. Benishek in supporting this bill.

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