WASHINGTON, D.C. — Independent Women announced that Rebecca Burgess, a visiting fellow of Independent Women’s Center for American Safety and Security, testified before the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs last week on the need for effective veteran programs that result in the successful transition from military to civilian life.

Burgess’ goal, as stated in her testimony for the hearing “Strengthening the Transition Assistance Program: Exploring Outcomes to Improve the Transition to Civilian Life,” is to promote effective programs that address the needs of 21st century veterans and lead to “long-term, sustained employment.”

In her testimony, Burgess wrote, in part: “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.”

Burgess addressed the current shortcomings in outdated veteran services and programs, and she detailed the steps that can be taken to provide transitioning service members with the means and opportunity to succeed in their civilian lives.

During her testimony, Burgess called upon Congress to implement structural changes to veteran programs in alignment with 21st century realities, which would include:

  • Improving coordination, data sharing, and outcome measurement for existing programs and initiatives;
  • Allowing for customized and timely support geared toward improving employment and well-being outcomes;
  • And strengthening support systems and employment services for junior enlisted, women, and minority veterans.

 Meaghan Mobbs, Director of Independent Women’s Center for American Safety and Security, said: “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, and 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.”

In addition to her role as a visiting fellow at Independent Women, Burgess is a senior fellow at the Yorktown Institute and acting director of the Classics in Strategy in Diplomacy project. She is also a member of the George W. Bush Institute’s Veterans in Higher Education Task Force. More of Burgess’ work for Independent Women’s Center for American Safety and Security (CASS) can be viewed below:

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