Hiring Military Members and Veterans: Why It Strengthens Businesses in Pennsylvania, New York, and Across the Country

Businesses in Pennsylvania, New York, and nationally are increasingly recognizing the value of hiring military service members and veterans. Their training, leadership experience, reliability, and commitment to mission readiness translate directly into the private sector. As a business attorney licensed in Pennsylvania and New York, Todd Nurick of Nurick Law Group works with employers to create hiring practices and internal policies that support veterans and enhance operational strength.

The Value Veterans Bring to the Workplace

Service members and veterans offer a range of traits that improve organizational performance. These include discipline, accountability, adaptability, and the ability to operate under pressure. Many have experience with leadership, logistics management, technology, and team coordination. Employers consistently report higher retention rates among veterans because of their strong sense of duty and commitment.

Businesses benefit not only from these skills but also from the professionalism and ethical standards emphasized throughout military service.

Legal Considerations When Hiring Veterans

Federal law protects veterans during hiring and employment. The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, known as USERRA, ensures that service members are not disadvantaged because of their military obligations. Employers cannot discriminate based on past, present, or future military service.

Pennsylvania and New York both enforce their own sets of employment protections. Pennsylvania employers must follow specific requirements that support returning service members. New York has strong protections for employees who perform military duty, and requires certain accommodations depending on the nature of their service.

Businesses should ensure their employment policies, job postings, and hiring procedures comply with these requirements. Nurick Law Group assists employers with structuring compliant hiring practices that welcome veterans and support legal obligations.

Practical Benefits of Hiring Veterans

Veterans often accelerate training and onboarding because they bring experience in structured environments. They understand clear chains of command, documentation, process discipline, and safety protocols. Many veterans have specialized technical training that benefits industries such as construction, engineering, transportation, and information technology.

Employers also gain team members who are accustomed to working collaboratively and taking initiative when challenges arise.

Financial Incentives for Hiring Veterans

The federal government offers incentives for hiring veterans through programs such as the Work Opportunity Tax Credit. Some veterans qualify for enhanced credits depending on service-connected disabilities, length of unemployment, or other criteria.

Pennsylvania and New York may offer additional incentives, including grant opportunities, training reimbursements, and workforce development support. Businesses should evaluate whether they qualify for these programs and incorporate them into their hiring strategy.

Creating a Veteran Friendly Workplace

A veteran friendly workplace involves more than simply hiring veterans. Employers should ensure their policies and culture support veterans transitioning to civilian roles. Effective strategies include:

(1) Clear job descriptions with defined responsibilities(2) Managers trained to understand military experience(3) Structured onboarding and mentorship options(4) Recognition of transferable skills(5) Policies consistent with USERRA and state requirements

Companies benefit from improved morale, diversity of experience, and a deeper talent pool when they prioritize veteran support.

Conclusion

Hiring service members and veterans strengthens workforce capability and reinforces a business culture built on dependability, professionalism, and leadership. Companies across Pennsylvania, New York, and the country increasingly recognize the positive impact veterans bring to their organizations. Todd Nurick and Nurick Law Group provide guidance to employers who want to build compliant, effective, and veteran friendly hiring practices that support long term business growth.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney–client relationship. Todd Nurick and Nurick Law Group are not your attorneys unless and until there is a fully executed written fee agreement with Todd Nurick or Nurick Law Group.