Per Scholas Director of Veteran Recruitment and Partnerships, George Darby III, Speaks at Military Influencers Conference

On October 2, Per Scholas Director of Veteran Recruitment and Partnerships, George Darby III, delivered an impactful session – “Building a Military Ready Culture vs. Military Friendly Culture” at the Military Influencers Conference. His session highlighted the critical difference between simply being Military Friendly and becoming truly Military Ready, urging organizations to go beyond initial outreach to create environments where veterans and their families can thrive long-term.

Darby emphasized that while being Military Friendly is a great first step—helping veterans and military spouses get a foot in the door—it is not enough to retain them. He called for a paradigm shift in organizational culture, advocating for employers to adopt Military Ready practices that take into account the unique challenges veterans and their families face during the transition to civilian life. He shared key strategies such as implementing veteran-specific onboarding programs, providing mental health support, and offering flexible employment options for military spouses.

Darby also spoke about the crucial role that organizations can play in building sustainable career pathways for military spouses, who often struggle with frequent relocations and gaps in employment. He shared how organizations can make a difference by offering remote work opportunities, flexible schedules, and professional development to ensure their success.

The session was a powerful call to action, urging companies to adopt a Military Ready mindset and truly commit to engaging the military community at all levels.