The Labor Department delivers for vets!

By Adisa Hargett-Robinson

Feb 4, 2018

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The U.S. Department of Labor isn't there to help pregnant women through childbirth; its purpose is to aid people who need help landing a good job. And because you served in the military, the department will give you exclusive benefits that aren't available to everyone else. From job fairs to apprenticeships to protections for reservists, the Labor Department can help you with almost everything. But if your water breaks, please go to a hospital.(Andrew Mathews/PA Wire)

Be honest: Did you ever cut in line at school growing up? Well believe it or not, you can keep right on cutting in line as an adult, with the full support of the U.S. federal government! Veterans get priority service at more than 2,500 American Job Centers across the country. These job centers can hook you up with a local job or help you get the training you need to land it. They also can help with your resume, give you tips on networking and whip your job interview skills into shape. Disabled vets, as well as those facing economic difficulty or employment challenges, can get additional help as well. (SolStock/Getty Images)

You can learn how to do a job by being taught by someone with experience. Or you can learn on the job. Or you can do both at the same time, with an apprenticeship. Former President Obama called for the number of apprenticeships to be doubled, as these can be a great way to prepare for a new career. Registered Apprenticeships allows veterans to learn a trade and use their GI Bill benefits to receive a tax-free monthly stipend. The department has many resources to help you find high-skill, good paying job opportunities through such apprenticeships. (Molly Anne Greendeer/Navy)

The Bureau of Labor Statistics tracks which companies are hiring near you to help you find a job, the same way that Tinder can keep you posted on which hotties are single near you to help you hook up! Based on the labor data, the department tailors training and employment services for the needs of the area. Then, they conduct an annual employment report on veterans to figure out what's working and what needs some tweaking. If only Tinder dates were so well-vetted! (Martin Dimitrov/ Getty Images)

Before you can start looking for jobs, you'll have to have some idea of what industry you want to work in and what kind of career you want. If you're still thinking through that, the Labor Department's website, My Next Move for Veterans, could be a big help. The site has information on job duties, skill requirements, salary ranges - basically everything you need to know for over 900 different careers. You can find careers through keyword search, by browsing industries or by searching for civilian careers that are like your job in the military. Veterans can also take advantage of the O*NET Interest Profile, which allows you to create a personalized profile based on your interests and level of work experience. (Stephen Brashear/AP Images for U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation)

First the bad news: You can't use this card to buy a flat screen TV. But it can help you land a great job that'll fill up your bank account and let you buy that 65-incher with cash! The Labor Department's "Gold Card" services for unemployed post-9/11 veterans include assessments of your interview skills, the development of a custom plan to help you land a job, career guidance and counseling, access to job banks and portals, and a dedicated case manager who will follow up with you monthly. And best of all: you don't have to pay any interest rates or annual fees! (Getty Images)

If you're juggling a civilian career with continuing service in the National Guard or reserves, the Labor Department - backed by federal law - guarantees you job protections. Your civilian employer can't punish you for serving your country. The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act require that returning service-members must be quickly returned the same position that they would have attained had they not been absent for military service, with the same seniority, status and pay, as well as other rights and benefits. If you think your rights were violated, you can file a complaint with the Labor Department. (Nan Wylie / U.S. Air Force photo)

About Adisa Hargett-Robinson

Adisa is a multimedia journalist covering Military Life, transition to civilian life and veteran education

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