Empowering Veterans in Civilianhood: Reshaping the Narrative through the VET OPP Act. Statement before the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity on H.R. 2409; H.R. 5452; H.R. 5644; H.R. 5649; and a Draft Bill Titled, 'To Amend the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to Provide for the Termination by a Spouse of a Lessee of Certain Leases when the Lessee Dies while in Military Service'

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4

Veterans Education; Federal Legislation; Economic Opportunities; Empowerment; Federal Programs; Public Agencies; Self Concept; Employment; Transitional Programs; Education Work Relationship

Veterans are the unacknowledged permanent ambassadors of national service. How veterans are publicly portrayed directly relates to how society conceptualizes military service, including what happens to an individual during that service. In an all-volunteer force, reputation is key to the attractiveness of joining a profession that can end in death or permanent disability. To encourage young men and women to join its ranks, the Department of Defense relies heavily on programs and benefits provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Those who choose to wear the nation's uniform, as well as those who choose not to, are influenced by how well Congress and the VA care for veterans' post-service reputations and for their physical bodies. The types of legislation that Congress passes, and the programs and benefits the VA prioritizes, powerfully shape the veteran narrative. Crucially, it influences veterans' own perceptions of their identity and worth in the post-service context. In the 21st century information age, education "is" key to employment, and employment is the door to a successful transition to civilian life. Education and employment combined give veterans the crucial tools to reforge civilian identities stronger even than their military ones. The psychic rewards of work, productivity, and a career cannot be underestimated, which is corroborated by the "true" veteran narrative: Veterans, it turns out, are immensely successful. This is the veteran narrative that should predominate. The goal of the nation's veteran economic opportunity programs should be to enable soldiers to be fully functional members of society, animated by a strong civilian identity. The Veterans' Education, Transition, and Opportunity Prioritization Plan Act of 2018 (VET OPP Act) can trigger this shift, as Congress elevates and frees already existing VA economic opportunity and transition assistance programs through shifting them structurally into a fourth VA administration.

ERIC

2018

ED585978