Each year, as our nation pauses to recognize the brave men and women who have worn the uniform of the United States military, we are reminded that their service extends far beyond the battlefield. Veterans don’t just defend our freedom; they embody values and skills that strengthen our communities, workplaces, and industries long after they hang up their uniforms.
Service That Translates
At the heart of every veteran’s journey is service; service to others, to a mission larger than self, and to the team beside them. Those same mindsets and behaviors are the foundation of world-class maintenance and reliability programs. Veterans understand what it means to protect and sustain critical assets because they’ve lived it. Whether maintaining aircraft, armored vehicles, ships, or communication systems, their focus has always been on uptime, precision, and mission readiness. Most of the time, their lives depend on reliability!
Dedication, Discipline, and Grit
Reliability engineering isn’t just about tools and technology; it’s about people who can be counted on to do the right thing every time. Veterans bring discipline forged under pressure and a kind of grit that keeps them steady through adversity. They are accustomed to following standards, documenting performance, and executing under tight deadlines.
Reliability isn’t just a metric, it’s a mindset. Veterans live it every day, turning pressure into precision and accountability into action.
When a piece of military equipment goes down, it’s not just downtime; it can mean risk to life or mission. That sense of urgency and accountability translates seamlessly into industrial environments, where reliability isn’t just measured in mean time between failures, but in trust and teamwork.
Experience in Action: A Personal Observation
Over the past two decades in my previous career, I have had the privilege of hiring numerous veterans across maintenance, operations, and reliability roles. Without exception, they’ve been some of the most capable and dependable professionals I’ve ever worked with.
They get up to speed quickly, adapt to new systems with confidence, and display leadership that far exceeds what we typically see from new college graduates. Their ability to stay calm and problem-solve under pressure sets them apart, as they don’t get easily discouraged when things get tough. They work the problem until it’s solved, and they pull others along with them.
Whether they came from the enlisted ranks as non-commissioned officers (NCOs) or from officer backgrounds, both groups brought tremendous value. The NCOs often arrived with strong technical skills and an instinct for training others, while the officers brought a systems-level view and strategic leadership experience. Both are essential in building strong, high-performing maintenance and reliability teams.
Technical Excellence Through Real-World Experience
Military maintenance professionals often manage fleets of complex systems and equipment in environments far harsher than any plant floor. They troubleshoot with limited resources, maintain readiness across varying conditions, and innovate to keep equipment running when supply chains and tools are scarce. Their hands-on experience with structured preventive and predictive maintenance practices, rooted in military technical orders and standard operating procedures, aligns directly with the principles of asset management and reliability-centered maintenance (RCM).
Leadership and Teamwork
From the newest enlistee to seasoned officers, veterans are shaped by a culture of leadership and followership. They know how to work as part of a team, how to communicate clearly, and how to train others. They’ve learned to care deeply about those they serve, which is a quality that translates beautifully into coaching, mentoring, and building cohesive maintenance teams in industry.
Bridging the Gap: How Industry Can Connect with Veterans
Companies across every sector can help veterans transition successfully into maintenance and reliability careers. Here are a few impactful ways to get involved:
Partner with Veteran-Focused Employment Programs
Organizations like Hiring Our Heroes, SkillBridge, and the Department of Defense Transition Assistance Program (TAP) connect service members nearing the end of their enlistment with civilian employers. SkillBridge, in particular, allows companies to host active-duty members for internships during their final 180 days of service, which is an incredible way to preview talent before they officially transition.
Engage with Trade and Technical Training Initiatives
Programs such as Heroes MAKE America (National Association of Manufacturers) and Workshops for Warriors train transitioning service members in high-demand technical skills like maintenance, machining, and mechatronics, precisely the competencies that align with reliability and asset management careers.
Collaborate with Veterans’ Networks and Nonprofits
Groups like The Mission Continues, Hire Heroes USA, and Veterati help veterans find meaningful work and mentorship. Companies can offer leaders as mentors or sponsor local veteran-focused events to build lasting relationships.
Build Internal Pathways for Veterans
Many leading organizations now have veteran resource groups or hiring initiatives that pair new veteran hires with others already in the company. These programs accelerate onboarding, strengthen culture, and ensure veterans feel seen and valued.
Recognize Military Experience in Hiring Criteria
Translate military occupational specialties (MOS) into civilian job requirements. A Navy Aviation Machinist Mate or Army Equipment Repairer likely has similar mechanical, electrical, and troubleshooting expertise you’re already seeking, just under a different title.
A Call to Action
As industries face a growing shortage of skilled maintenance and reliability professionals, it’s time to look to one of our nation’s greatest talent pools—our veterans. They return home with unmatched experience, integrity, and the mindset to protect and sustain assets that matter.
Hiring a veteran isn’t just a patriotic choice; it’s a business-smart one.
To all who have served, we thank you! And to every hiring manager, maintenance leader, and reliability professional reading this: the next great technician, planner, or reliability engineer may have just stepped off a military base and is ready to serve again, this time, in your plant.
Author’s Note: Reliable and I extend our deepest gratitude to all veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice. The maintenance and reliability community stands stronger because of you.
