Rebecca Burgess, a visiting fellow at Independent Women’s Center for American Safety and Security, recently testified before the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. Her testimony focused on the need for effective programs to aid veterans in transitioning from military to civilian life.
Burgess highlighted her objective during the hearing titled “Strengthening the Transition Assistance Program: Exploring Outcomes to Improve the Transition to Civilian Life.” She emphasized promoting programs that address modern veterans’ needs and lead to “long-term, sustained employment.”
In her statement, Burgess noted, “The Defense Department must understand that it has a vested interest in the successful transition or reintegration into civilian living and society of each veteran after their active or reserve duty is completed.”
She pointed out current deficiencies in outdated veteran services and outlined steps needed to help service members succeed as civilians. Burgess urged Congress to make structural changes in veteran programs to reflect 21st-century realities. These changes include improving coordination, data sharing, outcome measurement for existing initiatives, providing customized support for better employment outcomes, and enhancing support systems for junior enlisted personnel, women, and minority veterans.
Meaghan Mobbs, Director of Independent Women’s Center for American Safety and Security, stated: “The best recruitment tool for an all-volunteer force is a well-transitioned veteran. For too long, we assumed that narrowly meant job offers and employment assistance. We invest ample time understanding resources in transitioning civilians into soldiers but too little when soldiers must become civilians again. We must continue to call attention to this critical period and emphasize the necessity of providing effective programs to support those navigating it.”
Apart from her role at Independent Women’s Center for American Safety and Security (CASS), Burgess serves as a senior fellow at the Yorktown Institute and acting director of the Classics in Strategy in Diplomacy project. She is also part of George W. Bush Institute’s Veterans in Higher Education Task Force.
