The Veteran Advantage: Why Military Expertise Matters — Mike Smith
During the three years I lived in Sweden, I came across a word that has stayed with me: “tillit.” Although its literal translation is “trust,” it has a far deeper meaning. It’s a palindrome — spelled the same backward and forward — and it represents mutual reliance. It also symbolizes the faith and trust that people place in their leadership. This idea captures the spirit of what veterans have to offer the private sector. As a Navy veteran, I can attest to the traits that come with serving in the Armed Forces. My military experience taught me that trust is foundational to effective teamwork and mission success. Similarly, veterans’ dependability and integrity can greatly improve company performance, build team ethos, and create a positive culture.
According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate for all veterans in 2023 was 2.8%, while the rate for non-veterans was 3.6%. Veterans continue to be an invaluable yet frequently underutilized resource, especially in fields that demand a high degree of technical expertise and leadership. Veterans are well-suited to succeed in difficult situations such as the aerospace and defense sector because of their technical skills and ability to lead under pressure.
In the Navy, I discovered that successful leadership requires more than issuing commands on the bridge. I also learned to maintain composure under duress. I was frequently put in circumstances that called for fast thinking and flexibility, which encouraged creativity and innovation. I became dedicated to upholding high standards. Having worked directly with people from a variety of backgrounds, I can attest to the importance of open-mindedness, trust, and teamwork in accomplishing our goals.
Reflecting on my transition from the Navy to civilian roles, one experience stands out vividly. Early in my career, I was tasked with leading a project that involved integrating new security protocols across a complex network of systems. With my background in communications security, I approached the challenge with a disciplined focus on thoroughness and teamwork. I quickly realized that the same principles that guided my military training — meticulous planning, clear communication, and unwavering commitment — were equally effective in the civilian context. This experience reinforced my belief in the value of military training, demonstrating how the skills acquired in the service can seamlessly translate into solving intricate problems and driving innovation in any sector.
The abilities that veterans gain from their service are highly transferable to civilian jobs. For example, even though veterans might not have command of much of the business lingo at first, their adaptability, perseverance, and commitment to their objective can help them stand out. Another reason why many veterans outperform their civilian counterparts is due to an oft overlooked quality — judgement. The ability to make sound decisions based on limited information while being placed under pressure is an absolutely critical skill that becomes more valued as you climb the corporate ladder.
My military service ingrained in me the importance of trust in achieving mission success, and these lessons have been invaluable in my civilian career. The skills and values I developed in the Navy — careful planning, effective communication, and unwavering dedication — are highly beneficial in the private sector. By discovering and leveraging the veteran talent pool, companies can close critical skills shortages, enhance operational performance, and support broader economic success. In addition to being a smart business decision, employing veterans honors their service and the exceptional qualities they bring to the workforce.
About Mike Smith: As President & CEO of Hanwha Defense USA, Mike is a tested senior executive and U.S. Navy veteran with over 20 years of achieving organizational excellence in the Aerospace and Defense (A&D) industry. He is renowned for driving over $14 billion in new value creation. A mission-driven growth leader, Mike has specialized in introducing A&D companies to new markets, expanding profit margins, and enabling shared access to defense technology. Mike is dedicated to fostering collaborative success and propelling collective growth through purpose-driven leadership and ground-breaking strategic thinking.
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