Kathie’s Question: Do You Think Renewable Jobs Are Right for Veterans?

Jeff Danovich of policymic.com thinks so. He makes some valid points.

As the war in Iraq has ended and things in Afghanistan are drawing down, many veterans are and will be returning home. If they aren’t  busy burning their service metals, they’ll probably be looking for jobs.

Veteran unemployment is actually higher than the national average. However, with the number of veterans looking for jobs growing, so are positions in wind and solar. So, to Danovich, Veterans and renewable energy are a perfect fit. He argues that because of their military training, many vets possess the right skills for these jobs. For instance, they can adapt to various situations, learn while doing and be team players. And if that’s not enough, there are training centers available to teach vets.

Seems perfect right? One downside is that this plan will only work if Congress renews subsides for clean energy that promote job growth, such as the Production Tax Credit (PTC).  The House Armed Services Committee has also been less than supportive by barring the purchase of renewable energy sources by the military. The Committee ordered the Navy to stop purchasing biofuels, which is ironic because I’ve read numerous stories on how the Navy and the Marine Corps are leaders in adapting renewable energy. Danovich notes that moves like these put many jobs at risk, not just opportunities for vets.

To show some proof of vets finding success in renewables, Danovich quotes Jeff Duff, the chief operating officer of Airstreams Renewable. He’s also an Army Veteran.

Veterans seeking good, well-paying jobs can find great opportunities in the clean energy sector, jobs that enable them to continue to help safeguard America’s national security. Our veteran graduates are a great fit with our company, and the renewable energy industry in general, because they have seen the extent to which America’s oil habit is directly connected to our national security, and they understand that true security lies in developing alternative energy sources here at home.