By James Lint
Faculty Member, School of Business, American Military University
Senior Editor for InCyberDefense and Contributor, In Homeland Security
It was interesting to hear the President of the United States talking about veteran problems and fixing them. He knew the history of the American Legion avocation of solutions for problems from the times of Harry Colmery. It was an emotional moment for many veterans to see the signing of the Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act while the recently signed change in the Education Bill was also discussed.
There have been many problems with veteran programs. The former Vietnam Era GI Education Bill had a 10-year use cap on benefits.
After leaving military service, veterans have been more concerned with job hunting and career building than school. This is often a misplaced perception, and one that I had as well.
Sadly, many of us learn this fact later in life; military skills may not readily transfer to the civilian business world. As a result, service members grab the first job available and work hard.
[Related: President Trump Signs New Veterans Disability Bill at American Legion’s National Convention]
The new education bill allows some housing costs to be covered while service members attend school. Paying for this expense allows service members to get a degree before they re-enter the workforce. With more education, they will be better prepared for their jobs and careers.
We learn various skills and discipline in the military, which sets us apart from civilian workers. The skills and big picture learning that education provides to service members gives most well-disciplined veterans key advantages in the workforce. The ability to use the education benefits can be particularly beneficial when a hard-working veteran moves into the supervisory work level.
The Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act allows veterans to get improved service while they appeal a medical benefits application. The speed in the past has been below standards, with some veterans dying before the appeal process is complete.
None of these benefits came because veterans sat down and hoped for a solution. Problems are solved when people come together to create a solution. Our veteran associations provide the power to get Congressional assistance in problem solving.
The bottom line is that for veterans that have served, there are improvements being made on past problems. Solutions come from veteran organizations, get pushed through the Congressional legislative process, and are finally signed by the current president.
This is how we solve American problems. Successful veterans, help build America to higher levels of success.
About the Author
James R. Lint recently retired as the (GG-15) civilian director for intelligence and security, G2, U.S. Army Communications Electronics Command. He is an adjunct professor at AMU. James has been involved in cyberespionage events from just after the turn of the century in Korea supporting 1st Signal Brigade to the DHS Office of Intelligence and Analysis as the first government cyber intelligence analyst. He has 38 years of experience in military intelligence with the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Army, government contracting and civil service.
Additionally, James started the Lint Center for National Security Studies, a nonprofit charity that recently awarded its 45th scholarship for national security students and professionals. James was also elected as the 2015 national vice president for the Military Intelligence Corps Association. He has also served in the Department of Energy’s S&S Security Office after his active military career in the Marine Corps for seven years and 14 years in the Army. His military assignments include South Korea, Germany and Cuba, in addition to numerous CONUS locations. In 2017, he was appointed to the position of Adjutant for The American Legion, China Post 1. James has authored a book published in 2013, “Leadership and Management Lessons Learned,” in 2016 “8 Eyes on Korea, A Travel Perspective of Seoul, Korea,” and a new book in 2017 “Secrets to Getting a Federal Government Job.”
Image © Jim Lint.