Transportation careers that move Veterans forward
VA News ·
VA Deputy Secretary Paul Lawrence hosted the DOT Deputy Secretary to explore the wide range of transportation careers available to Veterans.
Across the country, Veterans are finding purpose and opportunity in America’s transportation sector. The discipline, technical skill and mission‑focused mindset strengthened through military service translates naturally into the demands of aviation, trucking, maritime operations and the interconnected systems that keep our nation moving. As America modernizes its transportation infrastructure, Veterans are stepping in as the next generation of leaders who help move people, goods and essential services.
In the latest episode of “At the Table,” VA Deputy Secretary Paul R. Lawrence, Ph.D., talks with U.S. Department of Transportation Deputy Secretary Steve Bradbury about why this moment represents an opportunity for Veterans.
Their conversation hones in on how transportation careers align with military experience, where the demand for skilled workers is growing and the federal resources available to help Veterans launch or advance careers in the field.
In this discussion, Bradbury explains that DOT is undergoing one of the largest modernization efforts in its history. Thousands of infrastructure projects are strengthening highways, ports, rail systems and the air traffic control network. This nationwide investment is creating a strong need for workers who can manage complex systems, work safely under pressure and keep critical networks running capabilities that Veterans already demonstrate every day.
For those curious about transportation careers, opportunities span technical, operational, engineering, safety and management roles across DOT agencies. Veterans don’t have to navigate these options alone; DOT provides dedicated resources to help them explore pathways aligned with their military experience.
In aviation, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is one of the largest employers of Veterans across the federal government. Nearly 40% of its workforce has military experience, including air traffic controllers, safety inspectors and aviation maintenance experts. The FAA provides pathways for former military pilots who are transitioning into civilian certifications, as well as for Veterans with backgrounds in aircraft maintenance, mechanical systems, communication networks or logistics.
Air traffic control requires precision, composure and quick problem-solving skills many Veterans developed in service. With growing demand for aviation professionals, Veterans can explore FAA opportunities by visiting the FAA Jobs website or by going to https://www.faa.gov/jobs.
In trucking, Bradbury highlights the growing Freedom Haulers initiative—DOT’s nationwide effort to bring more Veterans into commercial driving careers. Veterans who operated heavy vehicles in the military often qualify for streamlined commercial driver’s license (CDL) processes through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
Commercial trucking offers steady demand across the country, competitive pay and work that closely mirrors military logistics operations. Veterans also maintain some of the strongest safety records in the industry, making them highly sought after by employers. Veterans can learn more at the Freedom Haulers website or by going to https://freedomhaulers.dot.gov/.
The Maritime Administration (MARAD) supports the nation’s merchant marine fleet—a civilian force that plays a critical role in national security, global commerce and emergency response. Veterans with experience in the Navy, Coast Guard or Army often transition smoothly into deck roles, officer training programs, engineering positions or shoreside careers in shipbuilding, port operations, welding or logistics.
MARAD offers credential assistance, fee waivers and training programs specifically for transitioning military members who want to build careers on the water; find them online or by going to https://www.maritime.dot.gov/maritime-workforce. Veterans can also explore maritime career pathways at https://www.uscmi.org.
For Veterans interested in entrepreneurship, DOT also hosts small business matchmaking events that connect Veterans with employers, contractors and federal partners. An upcoming Veterans Small Business Summit at DOT headquarters in Washington, D.C., will offer networking sessions, direct hiring opportunities and support for Veterans exploring business partnerships. Details are available at the DOT VOSB Summit webpage , or you can visit https://www.transportation.gov/mission/administrations/office-small-and-disadvantaged-business-utilization/VOSB%20Summit.
Transportation careers allow Veterans to continue serving by strengthening the systems that power America’s economy and mobility. Whether you want to help manage air traffic, move essential freight, operate within the merchant marine, build safer infrastructure, or join federal teams working toward transportation innovation, your military experience has already prepared you.