Embracing Military Talent in Recruiting: Lessons from the U.S. Navy Submarine School

In the recruiting world, the push for more inclusive hiring practices has been gaining momentum for years. We often focus on diversity across gender, race, and educational background, but an invaluable candidate group is sometimes overlooked: military veterans. Veterans bring a wealth of experience and discipline that can transform teams and businesses. But to truly unlock this talent pool, recruiters need to understand the depth of training and rigor military candidates bring, particularly those from elite programs like the U.S. Navy Submarine School.

The U.S. Navy Submarine School, located in Groton, Connecticut, is a premier training ground where only the most dedicated sailors prepare for one of the most challenging roles in the military. Here, sailors undergo extensive training in navigation, engineering, sonar systems, and emergency response, blending technical expertise with resilience, teamwork, and adaptability. The intensity of this training creates not just experts but disciplined leaders who can handle high-stakes, high-pressure environments. This rigor is precisely the type of preparation that equips veterans to excel in fast-paced industries.

Recognizing the Value of Military Education and Training

For recruiters, a lack of familiarity with military training often leads to underestimating or misunderstanding the skills veterans bring. By taking a closer look at programs like the U.S. Navy Submarine School, recruiters can begin to understand how comprehensive and valuable military training is. At Submarine School, candidates are trained in real-world skills:

• Technical Mastery: Sailors complete intensive courses covering sonar, propulsion, nuclear engineering, and advanced navigation—areas that translate directly to skills in tech, engineering, and operations fields.

• Problem Solving Under Pressure: Submarine missions require quick thinking and adaptability in confined, high-stress conditions. Veterans are primed to make fast, effective decisions—skills that can be an asset in dynamic or crisis-prone environments.

• Team Cohesion and Communication: Submariners are trained to operate as a cohesive unit, relying on clear communication and trust. These qualities are essential for high-performing teams in any business sector.

Bridging the Knowledge Gap as Recruiters

To tap into the talent of military candidates, recruiters need to actively research and familiarize themselves with the structure and intensity of military training programs. Here are some ways recruiters can better understand and leverage the unique skills of military veterans:

1. Study Military Training Programs: Take time to learn about military schools, such as the U.S. Navy Submarine School, and others like the U.S. Army’s Ranger School or the Air Force’s Special Warfare Training. Recognize that these programs teach skills comparable to, or often more advanced than, civilian technical programs.

2. Map Military Skills to Civilian Roles: Understand how military job titles and responsibilities translate to your industry. For example, a sonar technician’s data analysis and technical troubleshooting skills are highly applicable in IT, operations, and data analysis roles.

3. Engage with Military Organizations: Partner with veteran employment organizations or military transition programs. These groups can offer insights and support as you work to create inclusive recruiting strategies.

4. Value Soft Skills Equally: Veterans from rigorous training programs bring resilience, discipline, and a growth mindset that can enhance company culture. These attributes, often critical to the success of a role, may not be readily apparent on a resume but are invaluable in a workplace.

The Takeaway for Inclusive Recruiting

Military candidates have a unique blend of technical and interpersonal skills that are often overlooked simply due to a lack of understanding. Programs like the U.S. Navy Submarine School demonstrate the elite level of training and dedication veterans possess. By taking the time to research and understand these qualifications, recruiters can create a more inclusive hiring process that values the unique backgrounds of military candidates.

As recruiters, the goal is not just to fill roles but to find the right talent that will elevate teams and drive results. Understanding the rigor of military training programs helps us make informed, inclusive hiring decisions that recognize and celebrate the dedication, skill, and honor veterans bring to the civilian workforce.