Executive Summary
Veteran Defense Industry Transition Program: 500+ placements annually through systematic pipeline. Components: skill translation and mapping (military skills to civilian equivalents), certification programs (industry-recognized credentials), employer partnerships (50+ defense companies), transition support (counseling, mentoring, financial bridge), and combat experience integration (product development input). Focus: veterans bring operational knowledge that transforms defense products.
In short: 500+ veteran placements annually; 85% one-year retention rate; 50+ employer partnerships
The Problem
Ukrainian veteran value: combat veterans returning from front bring irreplaceable operational knowledge. Ukrainian defense company CEO: 'A veteran who operated a drone in combat teaches us more in one week than engineers learn in a year. They know what works and what kills.' Lithuanian veterans have valuable skills but struggle with civilian transition. Defense industry needs experienced personnel who understand military requirements. Current disconnect: veterans take unrelated jobs, defense companies hire without operational experience. Without veteran pipeline, defense industry loses operational insight and veterans lose careers.