Advantages and Disadvanatages of Civilian Employers Hiring National Guardsmen and Reservists.

摘要

The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) prohibits employers from not hiring members of the uniformed services because of their affiliation in the armed forces. However, approximately 11 percent of National Guardsmen and Reservists are unemployed whereas the national unemployment rate is 6.7 percent (as of March 2014). The combined Selected Reserve and Coast Guard Reserve end strength is about 842,700 which means approximately 92,700 National Guardsmen and Reservists (or about 21 Infantry Brigade Combat Teams) are unemployed. This thesis analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of hiring National Guardsmen and Reservists from the civilian employer's perspective. The advantages discovered were: (1) they possess many positive qualities, (2) they are equal or better to their peers, and (3) they have a tendency to possess organizational skills, problem solving skills, critical thinking skills, and have a good attitude. The disadvantages discovered were: (1) they will be absent from the work place to fulfill their military duty, (2) their experiences may cause negative work performance, (3) they may volunteer for military duty, and (4) resentment from co-workers may develop. Having a shared understanding from the employer's and service member's points of view may ultimately bridge the unemployment gap.