Veterans are force multipliers for any organization. With discipline, adaptability, and a proven ability to lead under pressure, they bring mission-critical skills to the civilian workforce.
Whether executing operations in high-stakes environments or managing boots-on-the-ground teams, veterans embody qualities that industries like construction thrive on. But their value extends beyond the frontlines — veterans are natural candidates for leadership pipelines. With the right strategies, businesses can develop them into long-term assets capable of tackling any mission.
Leadership is second nature to veterans. They’ve been trained to make decisions under pressure, lead diverse teams, and maintain accountability in the toughest situations.
However, transitioning these skills to a civilian context requires deliberate support. Mentorship is a critical piece of the puzzle. Pairing veterans with seasoned leaders — especially those who have walked the same path — creates a direct line for translating military leadership into corporate strategy. These programs not only provide guidance but also foster camaraderie and confidence.
The JCB Veterans Club exemplifies how businesses can create structured environments to support veterans during this transition. By offering a network of peers and access to training resources, the Veterans Club ensures that veterans aren’t just finding jobs — they’re building careers.
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As this program continues to grow, both in our Savannah, Georgia, headquarters and our new facility in San Antonio, Texas, we continue to look for meaningful opportunities to support veteran transitions to the workplace. Currently, we are working to adapt JCB’s existing mentorship program to connect veterans within our organization. Programs like this one create spaces where veterans can connect, share experiences, and grow within their roles.
Upskilling is another key strategy to prepare veterans for leadership roles. Training in areas like business management, communication, and advanced technologies helps veterans adapt their military-honed skills to civilian leadership needs. These initiatives, combined with opportunities for rotational assignments or stretch projects, position veterans for long-term success.
Formal leadership pipelines round out a surefire approach to retaining veteran employees. Companies should identify high-performing veterans early and provide clear pathways for development. This can include cross-departmental training, leadership workshops, or exposure to executive-level decision-making. Veterans thrive in structured environments with defined goals, and these programs allow them to transition into civilian leadership with confidence.
Supporting veterans doesn’t stop with onboarding or early promotions — it’s an ongoing mission.
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Flexible scheduling for continued education, tuition reimbursement, and partnerships with academic institutions are key to keeping veterans on a growth trajectory. These initiatives allow veterans to stay sharp while continuing to contribute to their teams.
Succession planning is another critical area. Veterans bring unique strengths to leadership, including team-building expertise and an unmatched ability to problem-solve in dynamic environments. Prioritizing these attributes in promotion decisions ensures veterans rise through the ranks, driving innovation and operational excellence across the organization.
Veterans don’t just bring leadership — they bring diversity of thought and experience. Many served overseas or worked in multinational units, giving them a global perspective that enhances team dynamics and decision-making. Their ability to adapt quickly, think strategically, and execute under pressure makes them indispensable in industries like construction where agility is key.
When veterans step into leadership roles, they build trust and inspire loyalty. Their ability to foster a mission-first mindset across teams drives collaboration and performance. By prioritizing veterans in leadership pipelines, businesses create a culture of accountability and innovation, paving the way for long-term success.
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Investing in veterans isn’t just the right thing to do — it’s a tactical advantage. Veterans are trained to lead, adapt, and deliver results under the toughest conditions. With the right mentorship, training, and career development opportunities, they can transition seamlessly into civilian leadership roles, bringing discipline and ingenuity to the table.
At JCB, we see this every day. At our North American headquarters in Savannah, 10 percent of our workforce consists of veterans from U.S. and international armed forces. Their leadership and global perspectives strengthen our operations and fuel our success. Programs like the JCB Veterans Club provide the support they need to thrive, from peer networks to development resources.
Businesses that integrate veterans into their leadership pipelines aren’t just hiring employees — they’re building a command team. Veterans bring the skills, mindset, and resilience needed to drive innovation and tackle challenges head-on. By investing in their growth, companies ensure they’re ready to meet today’s demands and lead into the future. Veterans are the vanguard of leadership, and their potential is limitless.
To further support veterans, JCB partnered with VetsAid, a nonprofit organization founded by musician Joe Walsh of the Eagles.
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In January 2025, JCB unveiled an army-green, limited-edition 3TS-8T Teleskid at the Monster Jam event in Anaheim, California. The debut marked the launch of a campaign to raise $1 million for U.S. military veterans through the partnership with VetsAid.
As part of that campaign, for each 3TS-8T Teleskid sold in the U.S., JCB will donate a percentage of the proceeds to VetsAid.
Founded in 2017 by Walsh and his family, VetsAid is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit and benefit music festival, held in a different U.S. city each year. The organization raises funds and awareness for the significant needs of servicemen and women returning to their families and civilian life. To date, VetsAid has disbursed more than $3.3 million directly to service groups across the U.S. that provide care for veterans and their families.
Photos courtesy of JCB North America.
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Myles Leiker is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and founder of the JCB Veterans Club. He is also the Industry Marketing Manager for JCB.
