Military and Veterans Studies Commons^™

The Employment Situation Of Veterans: August 2026, Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

U.S. employment grew by 162,000 jobs in August 2026 while the national unemployment rate remained at 4.1%. Veteran unemployment improved significantly, falling from 4.2% in July to 3.4% in August, with Post-9/11 veterans declining from 4.7% to 3.5%. Female veterans (2.4%) and male veterans (3.6%) both had lower unemployment rates than their nonveteran counterparts. Unemployment among Black veterans dropped sharply from 10.4% to 4.4%, while Hispanic veterans improved to 4.9%. Younger veterans continued to experience the highest unemployment rates. Overall, veterans maintained lower unemployment rates than nonveterans across most demographic groups.

Octofoil Newsletter Index For Issues January 1947-, Richard B. Kann Jr.

The Octofoil

This pdf is an index to instances of the Ninth Division stories, veteran’s names, and pictures of the 39th, 47th, 60th , and associated units found in the Octofoil, the official newletter of the Ninth Division Association.

The Employment Situation Of Veterans: July 2026, Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

The July 2026 Employment Situation of Veterans report indicates that veteran unemployment increased slightly from 4.1% in June to 4.2% in July, while post-9/11 veteran unemployment improved marginally from 4.8% to 4.7%. Although overall veteran employment conditions remained relatively stable, notable differences emerged across demographic groups. Younger veterans (ages 18–24) experienced a significant decline in unemployment, while rates increased among veterans ages 45–54. Female veteran unemployment rose slightly but remained below that of nonveteran women. Sharp increases were reported among Black and Hispanic veterans, highlighting persistent disparities. Overall, the report reflects a generally resilient veteran labor market amid broader economic …

The Employment Situation Of Veterans: June 2026, Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

The June 2026 Employment Situation of Veterans report from Syracuse University’s Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF), based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data, highlights a softening labor market for veterans in June 2026. Veteran unemployment rose from 3.2% in May to 4.1% in June, matching the national unemployment rate but representing a notable monthly increase. Post-9/11 veterans experienced a rise from 4.1% to 4.8%. Younger veterans faced the greatest challenges, with unemployment among those ages 18–24 increasing sharply to 17.4%. Unemployment also increased among veterans ages 25–34 and 55–64. By gender, rates rose for both men and women, …

The Accidental Entrepreneur: How Military Spouses Take Their Careers Into Their Own Hands, Jennifer Barnhill, Rosalinda Maury, Jeanette Harvie

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

The Accidental Entrepreneur is the second narrative profile in the Reimagining Military Spouse Employment series, a companion to the initiative's data briefs. Through the story of a mid-career military spouse who builds a business after repeated career disruptions, it examines why many spouses turn to entrepreneurship and what stands in their way. The profile covers the barriers spouses face when starting a business, including access to funding, certifications, and grants, along with the reality that self-employment does not eliminate the military spouse earnings penalty. It offers guidance for military spouses considering entrepreneurship and for the community leaders positioned to support …

The Employment Situation Of Veterans: May 2026, Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

The May 2026 employment report highlights improving labor conditions for U.S. veterans, with unemployment declining from 3.6% in April to 3.2% in May..pdf) Despite this progress, Post-9/11 veterans experienced a slight increase to 4.1%. Younger veterans continue to face higher unemployment rates than their nonveteran peers, while older veterans maintain relatively low rates. Long-term unemployment remains a concern, with over half of unemployed veterans out of work for 15 weeks or more. Unemployment decreased across most demographic groups, including women and minority veterans, often falling below nonveteran rates, indicating gradual but uneven improvement in veterans’ employment outcomes nationwide.

Resource Navigator Passport: From "Resource Lists" To Trackable Next Steps For Veterans, Amanda Keeler, Seth M. Owens, Elizabeth Kubala, Ken Marfilius

Voices of Service Symposium

Veterans participating in the Veteran's Legal Clinic (VLC) in partnership with Altamont often face a familiar challenge at program exit: knowing exactly which supports to contact next, how to reach them, and how to follow through-especially when needs are specialized (e.g., financial planning/credit building, transportation, behavioral health supports) and enrollment pathways are complex. Altamont staff and the VA social worker identified a need for a practical, targeted resource list prior to discharge, while VLC law students requested a resource guide that is usable without overwhelming clients.

To address this gap, we developed the Resource Navigator Passport, a personalized, living document …

Co-Occurring Hallucinogen Use And Mental Health Symptoms, Emerson Hoagland, Grant H. Ripley, Joseph W. Ditre, Dessa Bergen-Cico

Voices of Service Symposium

Introduction: Mental health concerns, including depression and psychological distress, remain highly prevalent among U.S. military veterans and are associated with elevated functional impairment, suicide risk, and barriers to care. Public discourse increasingly suggests the potential therapeutic effects of psychedelic substances in treating mental illness. However, population-level data examining associations between psychedelic use and mental health burden among U.S. military veterans remain limited. The present study examined associations between past-year hallucinogen use and past-year major depressive episode (MDE) and serious psychological distress (SPD) among veterans. Method: Data were drawn from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (2021-2024). Analyses were …

Associations Between Psychological Distress And Benzodiazepine Use And Misuse Among U.S. Veterans, Joshua Soh, Victoria E. Carlin, Joon Kyung Nam, Joseph W. Ditre

Voices of Service Symposium

Introduction: Psychological distress, defined as a generalized state of emotional suffering characterized by depressive and anxiety symptoms, is common among U.S. military veterans. The use of benzodiazepines, which are central nervous system depressants often used to treat symptoms of anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and insomnia, is also prevalent in this population despite ongoing concerns regarding dependence, misuse, and potential adverse mental health outcomes. Although benzodiazepines may provide short-term symptom relief, both their use and misuse may contribute to increases in symptoms of psychological distress. As such, this study examines the relationship between psychological distress and BZD use and misuse among …

Examining Tobacco Use Among Student Servicemembers And Veterans: The Unique Role Of Hazardous Duty Exposure, Holly Schmidt, Victoria E. Carlin, Emily Rabinowitz, Joon Kyung Nam, Joseph W. Ditre

Voices of Service Symposium

Introduction: Student servicemembers and veterans (SS/V) use tobacco products at higher rates than the general college student population. These students face unique stressors during and after military service, which may influence their health behaviors, including tobacco product use. One such stressor is hazardous duty exposure, as previous research indicates that veterans with riskier deployments and greater deployment stress are more likely to engage in tobacco use. However, no prior research has examined the relationship between hazardous duty exposure and tobacco use among SS/V. Method: Participants included 4,626 SS/V who completed the 2023-2025 National College Health Assessment (NCHA) III. Participants were …

"Out Of Step": How Executive Department Must March Together In Recognizing "Honorable" Service, Brent Filbert, Elizabeth Kubala, Seth M. Owens

Voices of Service Symposium

This article examines how veterans with less-than-honorable discharges must navigate two separate systems--the VA's Character of Discharge (COD) process and the Department of War's discharge upgrade system--despite both addressing similar underlying issues. These systems apply different legal standards and priorities, leading to inconsistent outcomes, delays, and duplicative proceedings. The lack of coordination between the agencies creates an administrative burden that can prevent eligible veterans from accessing benefits and health care. The article argues that recent expansions in VA COD regulations have made the systems functionally similar, but without shared legal effect between their decisions. To address this, it proposes a …

Designed For Those Who Served: Universal Design Principles In The National Veterans Resource Center, Emily Jalbert, Elizabeth Kubala, Ken Marfilius

Voices of Service Symposium

The National Veterans Resource Center (NVRC) at the Daniel and Gayle D'Aniello Building exemplifies a holistic approach towards accessibility tailored to the specific needs of veterans on Syracuse University's campus with an emphasis on universal design. The purpose of the building is to further the social, economic, and wellness concerns of veterans while providing resources through the military focused offices in the building. The accommodations at the NVRC go above and beyond standard requirements and are a part of the universal design of the NVRC, making the building a hub of accessibility for veterans.

Federal Funding Opportunities For Veterans Research, Chetna Chianese, Katherine Mcdonald, Tessa Livingston, Mcallister & Quinn

Voices of Service Symposium

Veterans and military-connected populations face distinct health challenges-including traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress, chronic pain, military environmental exposures, and substance use disorders-that require dedicated research attention. Multiple federal agencies fund research on these topics through a range of mechanisms. This poster provides a landscape overview of current and anticipated funding opportunities to help university-based researchers identify sponsored funding pathways for Veterans' health research.

Predicting Request Resolution In Coordinated Care Networks For Military-Affiliated Populations, Zachary Bridgewater, Joshua-Paul Miles, Catherine Annis, Julia Carboni, Gilly Cantor, Michelle Shumate

Voices of Service Symposium

Coordinated care is an interorganizational network approach to care that connects individuals to diverse services (e.g., housing, income assistance, job support, social and spiritual support, etc.) via human navigators and shared referral platforms. This approach has become prevalent in the military-connected sphere to help service members, veterans, and their families (SMVF) access care. Yet, prior research suggests variation in the resolution of coordinated care referrals"”25% for one United Way 211 (Boyum et al., 2016), and 66% and 88% for two Unite Us networks (Drake et al., 2024; White et al., 2025). This research explores why some referrals resolve while others …

Syracuse Veterans Field Guide: The Homefront Edition, Amanda Keeler, Seth M. Owens, Elizabeth Kubala, Ken Marfilius

Voices of Service Symposium

Social services are available to veterans in the Syracuse area, yet locating and accessing help can remain challenging-particularly when needs span multiple systems and eligibility requirements are unclear. The goal of this project was to create a brief, pocket-sized resource guide that can be distributed to area veterans and used quickly "in the moment": to identify actionable supports.

The guide organizes services into 12 categories: accessing veterans' benefits; mental and physical healthcare; education benefits; financial services; housing; nutritional support; legal services; documentation resources; technology access; and peer support. Within each category, the guide provides a curated, limited set of local …

Va Medical Center Collaboration With Coordinated Care Networks: Barriers And Benefits, Gilly Cantor, Zachary Bridgewater, Kimberly A. Hochstedler Webb, Kritee Gujral, Todd H. Wagner, Leslie R.M. Hausmann

Voices of Service Symposium

AmericaServes is a network approach for coordinating care among health and human service organizations to address the needs of the military-connected population. The IVMF and researchers with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) partnered on two studies to explore the extent to which Veteran Affairs Medical Centers (VAMCs) participate in AmericaServes and the benefits of collaboration for veterans.

First, we conducted a convergent parallel mixed-methods pilot study. We interviewed staff from 7 AmericaServes coordination centers and VAMCs in those locations. We then categorized VAMC participation into levels of intensity and complexity, and identified barriers and facilitators to participation. We found that …

The Impact Of Traumatic Event Exposure On Ptsd, Depression, And Anxiety Among Veterans, Casie Daum, Emily Rabinowitz, Ken Marfilius, Joseph W. Ditre

Voices of Service Symposium

Background: Psychiatric disorders including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety are highly common and debilitating conditions among veterans. Exposure to potentially traumatic events (PTEs) such as active combat, blast exposure, close calls, and witnessing injury or death during military service may be a significant risk factor for the development and maintenance of psychiatric conditions. This analysis sought to examine the extent to which individuals with PTE exposure related to military service had different levels of psychiatric symptoms. Method: A sample of 266 veterans were recruited using Prolific, an online research panel service. Participants completed the Primary Care PTSD Screen …

Substance Use Disorder Severity And Suicide Risk Among U.S. Veterans: Evidence For A Severity-Based Risk Gradient, Hunter J. Pyke, Grant H. Ripley, Emily Rabinowitz, Victoria E. Carlin, Dezarie Moskal, Joseph W. Ditre, Ken Marfilius

Voices of Service Symposium

Background: U.S. Military veterans are at disproportionate risk for suicide. Substance use disorders (SUDs) are prevalent and are strongly associated with suicide risk among veterans, yet less is known about whether increasing SUD severity is associated with greater risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors among veterans. Methods: Data were drawn from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) 2021-2024 and included (n = 9,172) veterans. Analyses utilized survey weights to produce nationally representative estimates. Logistic regression tested associations between SUD severity (classified consistent with DSM-5 criteria for substances endorsed during the previous year; 0=no SUD (< 2 criteria), 1=mild (2-3 criteria), 2=moderate (2-5 criteria), 3=severe (≥ 6 criteria)) and odds of (1) past-year suicide ideation (SI), (2) suicide planning (SP), and (3) suicide attempt (SA), adjusted for age and sex. Results: Findings indicated that 3.7% of veterans endorsed SI, 1% SP, and 0.5% SA. Additionally, 10% endorsed symptoms consistent with mild SUD, 4% moderate SUD, and 3% severe SUD. The prevalence of SI increased from 2.4% among veterans without SUD to 16.7% among those with severe SUD. In adjusted models, compared to veterans without SUD, severe SUD was associated with higher odds of SI (AOR=6.00, 95% CI: 3.82–9.43, p < .001), SP (AOR=10.40, 95% CI: 5.06–21.37, p < .001), and SA (AOR=15.26, 95% CI: 6.22–37.42, p < .001). Discussion: SUD severity was associated with progressively greater odds of suicidal ideation, planning, and attempts among U.S. veterans. Suicidal thoughts and behaviors increased in a graded pattern across SUD severity levels. Future work should elucidate the temporality of such relations to identify whether SUD severity precedes suicidal thoughts and behaviors, or alternatively, if suicidal thoughts and behaviors may precede increases in SUD severity. Results support integrated screening and intervention efforts targeting substance use and suicidality among veterans.

Psychological Distress, Hazardous Duty, And Alcohol Risk Among Student Veterans, Anna Lupardo, Emily Rabinowitz, Victoria E. Carlin, Dezarie Moskal, Stephen A. Maisto, Joseph W. Ditre

Voices of Service Symposium

Introduction: Military service and college environments are each associated with higher alcohol risk. Psychological distress is consistently linked to alcohol risk, and hazardous duty exposure is associated with both greater distress and problematic alcohol use. However, it remains unclear whether hazardous duty influences the relationship between psychological distress and alcohol risk among student service members. Clarifying this relationship is critical to informing targeted prevention and support efforts for veterans in higher education. Method: Participants included 3,258 current and former service members who responded to the American College Health Association 2023-2025 National College Health Assessment IIIb. Participants completed measures on alcohol …

Conducting A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis To Examine The Prevalence Of Ptsd, Depression, Anxiety, And Aud Among Student Veterans And Military-Connected Students, Matthew Soukup, Emily Rabinowitz, Hunter J. Pyke, Holly Schmidt, Treston Pulley, Ken Marfilius, Joseph W. Ditre

Voices of Service Symposium

Introduction: Student veterans may be at increased risk for PTSD, depression, anxiety, and alcohol use disorder due to the combined demands of military reintegration and academic transition. However, reported prevalence rates vary substantially across studies, and existing reviews do not provide pooled quantitative estimates. Meta-analytic prevalence estimates are needed to generate precise, disorder-specific benchmarks that can guide screening, prevention, and intervention efforts in higher education settings. Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to estimate the pooled prevalence of probable posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and alcohol use disorder (AUD) within this population. Utilizing the CoCoPop framework (Condition–Context), a …

Development Of The Veteran & Military Learning Scholars Program (Su-Vmlsp): An Immersive, Experiential Learning Community For Veteran & Military-Connected Students, Emily Rabinowitz, Dezarie Moskal, Ken Marfilius, Dessa Bergen-Cico, Stephen A. Maisto, Joseph W. Ditre

Voices of Service Symposium

Introduction: The Syracuse University Veteran & Military Learning Scholars Program (SU-VMLSP) is an immersive, cohort-based initiative designed to expand access to veteran and military studies through experiential learning, structured mentorship, and community engagement. A collaborative effort of the Center for Health Behavior Research & Innovation and the IVMF Veteran & Military Behavioral Health Collaborative, SU-VMLSP supports and engages student veterans, military-connected students, and students with academic or professional interests in veteran and military populations. Methods: The program is structured around three core pillars: interactive seminars, immersive research engagement, and community-centered cohort development. Scholars participate in discussion-based seminars focused on veteran …

The Employment Situation Of Veterans: March 2026, Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

Employment rose by 178,000 in March, while the overall unemployment rate held steady at 4.3 percent, with notable job gains in health care, construction, and transportation and warehousing. Veteran unemployment declined slightly to 3.9 percent, though younger veterans continued to experience higher unemployment rates than older veterans and their nonveteran peers. Male veteran unemployment fell, while female veteran unemployment rose and remained above that of nonveteran women. Unemployment trends varied across racial and ethnic groups, with some veteran subgroups showing higher rates than their nonveteran counterparts, though these monthly estimates can fluctuate significantly.

A Study Of Preferred Modality Of Education And Perceptions Of Academic Success Of Post 9/11 Student Veterans, Jason R. Wakefield

Theses and Dissertations

Veterans are pursuing higher education at increasing rates due to the benefits available upon separation or retirement from military service. Many choose online programs for flexibility, while others prefer traditional, in-person instruction. Regardless of modality, student veterans often face significant challenges completing their degrees. “When student veterans first enter college, they must transition to the overwhelming, independent, and fast-paced lifestyle of a college student” (Semer & Harmening, 2015). While online learning may contribute to these difficulties, other factors also hinder success.

Colleges and universities continue to explore why student veterans struggle to complete their programs, yet underlying issues may distort …

Research Review: "Experiences Of Women And Minoritized Us Military Veteran Business Owners: Descriptive Evidence On "Vetrepreneur" Survival And Growth, Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

This research examines the survival and growth of U.S. veteran-owned businesses, focusing on gender and race disparities. Using longitudinal microdata from 1976–2019, the study reveals that veteran-owned firms exhibit higher survival rates, greater revenues, and strong payroll performance compared to nonveteran businesses, though they experience lower employment growth. Women veterans show notable resilience, suggesting military experience helps mitigate gender gaps in entrepreneurship. Findings highlight the need for targeted policies, such as improved access to capital and workforce planning, to support scaling among women and minority veteran entrepreneurs. The study provides critical insights for policymakers and future research on vetrepreneurship.

The Employment Situation Of Veterans: September 2025, Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

The September 2025 employment report shows veteran unemployment falling from 3.1% to 2.6%, with Post‑9/11 veterans declining from 3.0% to 2.4%. Veteran unemployment remained lower than nonveterans across most age groups, especially among young veterans ages 18–24, whose rate dropped sharply to 1.1%. Male veteran unemployment decreased, while female veteran unemployment rose slightly to 4.6%. Trends varied by race and ethnicity, with Hispanic veterans experiencing a notable increase. Nationally, employment rose modestly, with gains in health care, food services, and social assistance, while transportation, warehousing, and federal government roles saw job losses.

The Ivmf Digital Library: Informational One-Pager, Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University, Syracuse University Libraries

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

This informational one-pager provides a brief explanation about the IVMF Digital Library, particularly for Syracuse University associated researchers, professors, students and other community members, especially focused on how they can use or contribute to the library.

Research Review: "Structure In Transition: The Role Of Structure In Facilitating Workplace Efficacy And Belonging For Military Veterans", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

Employment transitions necessitate a degree of uncertainty and lack of control, which may present a challenge to succeeding and belonging at a new organization. The present research tests ideas derived from compensatory control theory which posits that people may seek external structure to help exert control over their lives when they experience a lack of control in an important life domain – and that this can aid in their goal pursuit. Across three studies, we explore whether the perception of a higher degree of organizational structure can help employees compensate for uncertainty and lack of control and facilitate transitioning employees’ …

Veterans In Utah: Services, Gaps, And Opportunities, Troy Allan

All Current Publications

This fact sheet, the first in a series, provides an overview of veteran services in Utah, identifying existing resources, areas of unmet need, and opportunities for strategic investment. It is intended for veterans, policymakers, community leaders, and organizations committed to strengthening the health and well-being of Utah’s veteran community, with particular attention to those aging in rural and underserved areas.

Black Incarcerated Veterans And Va Service Access, Kimona S. Spencer

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

This study investigates racial disparities in access to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) services among incarcerated Veterans, with a specific focus on Black incarcerated Veterans. Drawing from critical race theory and the minority stress model, the study explores how race, discharge status, military experiences, and mental health conditions intersect to affect potential eligibility for and receipt of VA healthcare and benefits. Utilizing a secondary analysis of data from the Survey of Prison Inmates (SPI), the research employs quantitative methods to examine whether disparities exist in discharge characterizations, potential eligibility for VA care, and service utilization by race. Findings highlight …

Reimagining Military-To-Civilian Transition: Addressing Barriers And Building Solutions, Rosalinda V. Maury, Gilly Cantor, Jeanette Harvie

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

This brief highlights key findings from IVMF research, outlines IVMF policy priorities, showcases the impact of Onward to Opportunity (O2O), and emphasizes the importance of stronger collaboration across public, private, nonprofit, and education sectors. Our goal is to inform decision-making and drive actionable solutions that reduce barriers to successful transition, improve long-term stability, and create meaningful career pathways for those who have served.