Veterans: Are Policy Shifts Leaving Them Behind?

The shifting policies landscape is impacting every sector, but few are feeling it as acutely as organizations serving veterans. From healthcare access to employment opportunities, the rules are changing fast. Are we truly prepared to support those who served our country?

Sergeant Major (Ret.) Sarah Johnson always envisioned a smooth transition to civilian life. After 22 years in the Army, multiple deployments, and a Purple Heart, she was ready to trade combat boots for business suits. Her plan was simple: use her GI Bill benefits to earn an MBA from Georgia Tech and then launch a consulting firm focused on leadership development.

But Sarah quickly discovered that the path wasn’t as straightforward as she’d hoped. The red tape was thicker, the competition fiercer, and the support systems, while present, weren’t always easy to access or navigate. I remember Sarah telling me, “It feels like I’m back in basic training, but this time, I don’t have a drill sergeant to tell me what to do.”

One of the biggest hurdles Sarah faced was understanding the changes to the GI Bill. Proposed legislation threatened to reduce her housing stipend because she was considering some online courses to accommodate her family responsibilities. According to the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA), this is a growing concern for many veterans pursuing higher education. The potential decrease in funding could force many to reconsider their educational plans.

The problem Sarah faced isn’t unique. Many veterans struggle to understand how evolving policies impact their benefits and opportunities. It’s not that resources aren’t available, but rather, accessing and understanding those resources can be a challenge.

What’s driving these shifts? Several factors are at play. Increased awareness of veterans’ needs, coupled with a growing emphasis on accountability and transparency in government spending, is leading to more frequent policy revisions. The 2025 National Veteran Strategy (NVS) aims to improve outcomes in areas like mental health and economic opportunity, but its implementation requires ongoing adjustments to existing programs.

Then there’s the impact of technological advancements. Online learning platforms, telehealth services, and digital marketplaces are creating new avenues for veterans to access education, healthcare, and employment. However, these advancements also require policies to adapt to ensure equitable access and prevent fraud.

For example, the rise of telehealth has been a boon for veterans in rural areas who previously had limited access to specialized medical care. But it also raises questions about data privacy and the quality of care delivered through virtual platforms. The VA’s Office of Connected Care (OCC) is actively working to address these challenges by developing new guidelines and standards for telehealth services.

But let’s get back to Sarah’s story. While navigating the GI Bill complexities, she also started exploring options for launching her consulting business. That’s when she discovered a new federal mandate that requires federal contractors to allocate at least 5% of their subcontracting budget to veteran-owned small businesses.

This policy, part of the Veteran Entrepreneurship Act of 2024, was designed to boost opportunities for veteran entrepreneurs. According to the Small Business Administration (SBA), this initiative could inject billions of dollars into the veteran-owned business community.

I advised Sarah to get certified as a Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) through the VA’s Center for Verification and Evaluation (CVE). This certification would give her a competitive edge when bidding on federal contracts. We also looked at resources offered by the Georgia Department of Economic Development to help small businesses, including counseling and access to capital.

However, there’s a catch. While the policy creates opportunities, it also introduces new challenges. Many veteran-owned businesses lack the resources and expertise to navigate the complex federal contracting process. They may struggle with proposal writing, compliance requirements, and financial management.

That’s where organizations like the Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) come in. These centers provide training, counseling, and mentoring services to help veteran entrepreneurs succeed in the federal marketplace. In Atlanta, the VBOC at Georgia State University offers workshops on topics ranging from business plan development to government contracting. I’ve personally seen the impact they can have.

Here’s what nobody tells you: even with all the resources available, success isn’t guaranteed. The competition for federal contracts is fierce, and veteran-owned businesses often face an uphill battle against larger, more established firms. It requires persistence, resilience, and a willingness to learn and adapt.

Sarah faced this reality head-on. She spent months researching potential contracts, writing proposals, and networking with government agencies. She attended workshops, sought advice from mentors, and refined her business plan. There were times when she felt discouraged and doubted whether she could succeed. But she refused to give up.

And then, finally, her hard work paid off. She landed a subcontract with a major defense contractor to provide leadership training to their employees. The contract was worth $250,000, enough to get her business off the ground and hire her first employee.

Sarah’s story illustrates the transformative power of policies designed to support veterans. But it also highlights the importance of access, education, and support. Policies alone aren’t enough. We need to ensure that veterans have the resources and guidance they need to navigate the system and seize the opportunities available to them.

Sarah’s consulting business is now thriving. She’s expanded her services to include executive coaching and organizational development. She’s hired three more veterans, creating jobs in the community. She’s also become a mentor to other veteran entrepreneurs, sharing her experiences and helping them navigate the challenges of starting a business. I recently saw her at a Fulton County Chamber of Commerce event, and she was beaming with pride.

Her success isn’t just a personal triumph; it’s a testament to the power of policies that prioritize the needs of veterans and create opportunities for them to thrive. It’s a reminder that investing in our veterans is not only the right thing to do, but it’s also a smart economic strategy. One key strategy is to build financial stability.

The key lesson? Don’t just rely on the existence of policies; actively seek out resources, translate your military skills, build a network of support, and never give up on your dreams. Veterans have the skills, experience, and determination to succeed in civilian life. We just need to give them the tools and opportunities to do so.

Sarah’s story proves that with the right policies and support, veterans can thrive. The next step? Advocate for continued investment in these crucial programs and ensure every veteran has the opportunity to succeed. Consider connecting with mentors who can help.