Poll Shows Most People Trust Military Veterans and Their Leadership Capacity in Candidate Selection

The military continues to offer a pathway for personal and professional development that many institutions no longer consistently provide. It instills teamwork, unity, leadership, resilience, and self-confidence—qualities that are widely recognized and valued. While military service is not the only route to developing these traits, for many individuals it creates opportunities they might not have otherwise had, particularly among those who didn't have all the doors open.

Veterans have a meaningful influence on society, and public trust in them tends to be high. This trust is rooted in the perception that they are shaped by a strong set of values—duty, integrity, and service to others. Although these values are not universally practiced or emphasized across society, military culture reinforces them through both formal codes of conduct and lived experience, including a commitment to protecting and supporting others.

In this context, leadership is often defined less by status or financial success and more by a willingness to serve, take responsibility, and stand firm during difficult times. That emphasis on accountability and sacrifice is part of what distinguishes many veterans as leaders.

For organizations looking to hire, veterans can be a strong talent pool. Connecting with veterans’ organizations or networks can help identify candidates who bring discipline, adaptability, and mission-focused thinking—benefiting both the organization and the individuals transitioning into civilian roles. 

If you have an open position around Escanaba that you would like to select a veteran please send a message to the right or email escanabaamvets@gmail.com

You may want to look at this poll below, 

Military Experience Tops Candidate Credentials

• A majority of Americans (55%) say they are more likely to vote for a candidate with prior military experience, compared with only 7% who say it makes them less likely.
• Military service is viewed more favorably than other common credentials such as government or business experience, giving it the strongest net positive impact.
• Veterans are widely perceived as strong leaders, with about 83% of Americans agreeing they possess strong leadership qualities.
• Large majorities believe veterans put the country ahead of personal or partisan interests (78%), work well with diverse groups (77%), and understand global security challenges (75%).
• Americans express higher trust in veterans for roles such as disaster response, foreign policy advising, and community leadership.
• Overall, military experience signals integrity, leadership, and public service, giving veterans a measurable advantage in political candidacy and leadership roles.

Jones, J. M. (2025, October 2). Military experience tops candidate credentials. Gallup. https://news.gallup.com/poll/695648/military-experience-tops-candidate-credentials.aspx