Top Career Success Insights for Veterans

Several new advancements might impact the employment of military service members and their families and companies' compliance responsibilities in 2026. Modifications range from proposals to increase incentives for employing military partners to boosted work securities for service members while on responsibility. Military spouse employment opportunities and assistance remain a focus for pending legislation.

, introduced earlier in 2025.

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Frequent Movings Frequent relocations continue to strain military households and can make it more difficult for employers to work with and maintain military spouses. Broadening the WOTC might develop brand-new rewards for employers to work with military spouses and tap into this underutilized skill pool. In addition, the Supporting Tours Across Years (STAY) Act (H.R. 6146), presented in November 2025, looks for to limit relocations of active-duty servicemembers.

How to Access Grants for Veterans

The U.S. Congress has actually not yet used up the STAY Act this year, but if it is ultimately enacted, it could result in lowered PCS relocations that could affect recruiting, retention, and remote-work policies for military partners. Military Re-Employment Protections Federal law already supplies civilian work leave securities for veterans and service members who are involuntarily or voluntarily released for military service.

The Dole Act bolstered anti-retaliation securities and permitted complainants declaring USERRA violations to look for minimum liquidated damages of $50,000 and lawyers' fees. Agencies and courts might continue to analyze and apply the Dole Act's USERRA-related provisions.

New Company Resources In January 2025, the U.S. Department of Labor's Veterans' Work and Training Service (DOL/VETS) launched a program for employers to look for guidance for making sure compliance. The Assistance and Support for Leaders in USERRA Training and Work (SALUTE) program is an opportunity for companies to request technical guidance on USERRA-related questions or particular problems in their workforce before the start of a DOL/VETS grievance or lawsuit.

Top priority actions include examining USERRA compliance programs and training, updating military leave and reemployment policies, confirming health-benefit continuation treatments, and aligning hiring and tax-credit screening processes to quickly record new rewards for military spouses. Ogletree Deakins' brand-new Military Workforce Practice Group combines a team of attorneys, much of whom are veterans or currently serving in the Reserves or National Guard, who regularly encourage on USERRA compliance, policy advancement, multistate execution, and investigations and lawsuits.

Patton, Jr. cochair the group. In addition, the Ogletree Deakins Customer Website covers brand-new laws and developments in Military Leave. All client-users have access to Snapshots and Updates. Premium subscribers have access to details, upgraded design templates, and other resources. For additional information on the Client Website or a Customer Portal subscription, please reach out to .

The Modern Outlook on Military Debt

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For 10 years, Hiring Our Heroes has actually championed military partner employment, producing paths to opportunity and driving systemic change. As we commemorate this turning point, the 10th Yearly Military Partner Employment Summit will honor the legacy of progress while charting a vibrant course for the future. This year's top concentrates on Leadership & Tradition as we recognize the partners, employers, and advocates who have actually changed the employment landscape and prepared the next generation to grow in an evolving workforce.

Together, we will develop on a decade of service and success to create a future where military spouses lead with strength, vision, and purpose.

Military spouses face one of the most relentless employment spaces in the American workforce. According to data from the US Department of Labor, military partner unemployment has actually hovered around 20% or greater in current years. This far exceeds the national average, which usually falls listed below 5%. An interview with Sarah Roder, Director of Collaborations & Member Engagement at Army Mutual and a military spouse herself, highlights how those obstacles play out in practice and how spouses can browse them more effectively.