The levels of permanent service personnel in the armed forces of major nations has generally fallen over recent years. Reservists and part-time troops are used to supplement the ranks when required. But it takes a special commitment from both the reservist and the employer to maintain a part-time military career.
To that end, businesses in the US have been rewarded with recognition for their employment of reservists, National Guard service personnel and military veterans. One such firm is Southern Company, named a top employer of both active and veteran military personnel.
The energy company employs around 26,000 people of whom 11% are veterans, National Guard or Reserve personnel. Veterans make up around 12% of Southern Company’s newly-hired employees in the last year.
The company’s work has been recognised in two recent surveys of US employers. Southern was named as the leading energy company and in 19th position overall in Military Times EDGE Best for Vets 2013: Employers Survey. It also claimed the title of Most Valuable Employers for Military for the fourth year in a row from CivilianJobs.com.
The Military Times EDGE survey involved more than 1,000 companies and government contractors. Participants were quizzed on recruiting and hiring policies for veterans and on their pay and benefits for reservists, many of whom can be called up at short notice to serve overseas.
All US-based companies were included in CivilianJobs.com survey when the online recruiters looked for its 2013 Most Valuable Employers for Military. Its survey looked for recruitment, training and retention around veterans and serving military personnel.
Southern Company has made its commitment to military veterans and reservists clear for some time, having been a founding partner in the Troops to Energy Jobs program. This recruiting service brings together veterans with the right experience with vacancies in the energy industry. Southern also actively recruits from the Navy and takes part in more than 30 military recruitment events every year.
Kim Greene, president and CEO of Southern Company Services, said: “Veterans and reservists add incredible value to Southern Company.”
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