A study by Navy Federal Credit Union and Sperling's BestPlaces reveals that San Antonio and Austin are both in the top ten of American cities which are the best places for military members to start civilian careers after leaving the service, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.
Brian Parker of Navy Federal and a veteran of the U.S. Army conducted the survey, and he says being considered to be attractive to veterans is a huge boost for a community's work force.
"Individuals leaving the military also have good work skills, leadership skills, the technical skills needed to be successful in their job," he said.
Parker referred to a large community of military veterans living in a community a 'pocket of prosperity' for any city.
The study cited factors ranging from the income veterans make in civilian life, veteran unemployment rates, assess to Veterans Adminisitration health care, and the proximity of miiltary bases and military communities.
He says also taken into consideration were factors like affordability, the local economy, and the proximity of colleges and universities which welcome veterans and have special programs for transitioning service members.
"High income for veterans, low incomes for veterans, and building up that military community."
Parker says about 250,000 active duty military men and women will be transitioning out of service and into civilian life each year, and cities which can boast of large and active military communities have a huge edge at a time when a highly trained, skilled work force is a key factor in determining where new employers will locate.
Other veteran friendly cities as cited by Navy Federal include Charlottesville Va, Oklahoma City, Omaha, and Colorado Springs.
GRAPHIC COURTESY: NAVY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION