Wal-Mart Pledges To Hire Recently Discharged Veterans

Wal-Mart is making a promise to recently discharged veterans: You served our country, so you'll get a job.

The retail giant announced today that it is guaranteeing a job to any honorably discharged veteran less than a year out from the military, starting Memorial Day, Stars and Stripes reports.

The move comes as good news to soldiers and their families, many of whom are leaving the military and entering the civilian workforce. Bases such as Joint Base Lewis-McChord have large numbers of veterans who remain in the area after they've completed their service.

Overall, Wal-Mart aims to 100,000 veterans in the next five years.

According to Wal-Mart CEO Bill Simon:

“Hiring a veteran can be one of the best business decisions you make,” Simon said. “They’re quick learners and team players. They are leaders with discipline, training and a passion for service. There is a seriousness and sense of purpose that the military instills, and we need it today more than ever.”

Here's some more information about Wal-Mart's plan:

Under the Wal-Mart plan, all veterans in their first 12 months of post-military life who pass a basic background check (including a drug test) will be promised at least part-time work at a Wal-Mart store or distribution center.

All would-be employees must apply through the company’s career center web site -- careers.walmart.com -- and human resources officials will flag new-veteran applications with “priority status.”

Wal-Mart officials acknowledged that many of the jobs will be entry-level or short-term positions, but said the offer of steady employment might be what thousands of veterans need to make the transition back to civilian life.

So what do you think, Patch military users? Do you think this is a good thing for veterans? Is an entry-level Wal-Mart job suitable for a veteran to support his or her family? Tell us in the comments below.