Key Takeaways:
Facility managers face a workforce challenge that shows sluggish signs of getting better.
As experienced technicians retire and building systems become more sophisticated, many operations struggle to find qualified professionals to maintain HVAC equipment, electrical infrastructure, plumbing systems and other critical building assets. The result is a skills gap that threatens operational efficiency, reliability and long-term performance.
The military community is a talent pipeline ready to fill these gaps, according to John Decoteau, vice president of military admissions at Universal Technical Institute (UTI) and a Marine Corps veteran.
He shares that every year approximately 200,000 service members transition out of the military. Many leave with hands-on technical experience, strong safety training, leadership skills and the ability to perform under pressure; qualities that align closely with the demands of facilities management.
For facility managers looking to close labor gaps, he says veterans present a highly skilled and untapped source of talent.
Many military occupations involve maintaining and repairing complex equipment, vehicles and infrastructure. This hands-on, practical experience can transfer directly into facilities maintenance and operations.
“When you look at the military, every base is like a sealed ecosystem,” Decoteau says. “You have diesel mechanics, aviation mechanics, machinists and electricians. These are all transferable skills.”
Military personnel routinely work with sophisticated systems that require troubleshooting, preventive maintenance and strict adherence to procedures. While the equipment itself may differ from that used in commercial building systems, he says, the underlying technical mindset is the same.
Not every veteran leaves the military with a technical specialty. In fact, Decoteau reports that over half of military roles are not connected to maintenance or skilled trades at all. However, many military veterans are attracted to technical fields because they offer hands-on work and stable career paths.
“These are jobs that do not have to be outsourced,” Decoteau says. “Veterans want to find something they can do with their hands that allows them to take care of their families.”
Ask facility managers about their workforce challenges and many will mention the same issues: attendance, dependability and accountability. Those are areas where veterans stand out.
“In the military, everything you do is purposeful,” Decoteau says. “They teach you not to cut corners. Discipline is extremely important.”
He notes that military culture emphasizes responsibility from Day One. “It’s the only job in America where if you do not show up, it’s a felony,” he says.
While Decoteau delivers the observation with a laugh, his point stresses that military personnel operate in environments where accountability is non-negotiable. They learn to meet deadlines, follow procedures and understand the consequences of mistakes.
Unexpected problems are a normal part of facilities management. A technician may arrive expecting to perform preventive maintenance only to be redirected to an equipment failure, water leak, power outage or emergency repair. The ability to remain calm and adapt quickly is essential.
Veterans are well prepared to operate in an ever-changing environment. “The only thing certain in the military is uncertainty,” Decoteau says.
During his military career, Decoteau recalls receiving assignments that required immediate action and rapid problem-solving. This landscape teaches military veterans to adapt to changing priorities, limited resources and high-pressure situations.
“When things happen, that would rattle most people. These folks are pretty level set and pretty grounded,” Decoteau says.
Safety remains a top priority for facilities organizations, particularly when employees work around electrical systems, mechanical equipment and other potentially hazardous conditions.
Once again, military training shines. Military training stresses safety measures and operational discipline. Decoteau points to aviation maintenance as an example. “If one small socket is missing, they shut down the entire airfield,” he says.
That attention to detail creates habits that employers value. “When you talk about OSHA standards and things like that, veterans have learned to follow them to a ‘T’,” Decoteau says.
Many facility managers also seek future supervisors and managers as experienced employees retire. Future leaders are also found among military veterans.
“Veterans make natural leaders because they are put in positions that someone who has not been in the military is not put in,” Decoteau says.
He explains that military personnel often manage teams, equipment and resources early in their careers. Here, they learn to make decisions, communicate effectively and take responsibility for outcomes.
“Veterans also lead by example,” Decoteau says. “Most veterans will not ask somebody to do something that they themselves would not do.”
Their collaborative leadership style can strengthen maintenance teams and help organizations build internal leadership pipelines, he concludes.
While many veterans possess valuable technical experience, they may still need industry-recognized certifications before entering civilian careers.
Trade schools and technical training programs can help veterans translate military experience into credentials that employers recognize. UTI, for example, offers programs in HVAC and refrigeration, industrial maintenance, welding, aviation maintenance, wind energy and other skilled trades. Over 3,000 veterans attend UTI campuses nationwide.
Military experience paired with technical education can be a powerful combination. It reflects a willingness to learn, grow and invest in a long-term career path. “Those folks are more committed and end up being better employees,” Decoteau says.
It is crucial for facility managers to recognize that veterans have options. Proactive outreach to veteran communities and educational institutions is a key part of attracting them.
“Honestly, show up,” Decoteau says. He encourages employers to build relationships with veteran-focused programs, technical schools and transition organizations.
“You have got to have a ground game, and you have got to stay in front of these folks,” he says. “If you do not, you will be left behind.”
Because relationships play a significant role in military culture, personal engagement often matters more than recruiting advertisements. “If that relationship is built and they feel like working for you will take care of their family, they will join your team,” Decoteau says.
The real challenge begins after hiring. While veterans bring valuable skills to facilities organizations, keeping them engaged requires understanding what they value in a career and creating clear pathways for advancement, Decoteau says.
He explains that military service operates within a well-defined advancement structure, with clear expectations, measurable performance standards and established career paths. As a result, veterans often value employers that provide similar transparency about opportunities for growth and advancement.
Mentorship opportunities, certification programs and transparent promotion criteria can help veterans see a future within the organization. Facility managers can improve retention, strengthen employee engagement and support long-term career development by investing in continuous learning and providing a clear path for advancement.
While no single solution will solve the skilled labor shortage, veterans represent a powerful opportunity for skilled labor shortages. Their technical expertise, discipline, leadership and commitment to mission make them a natural fit for facilities management.
Hiring and developing veteran leadership is a win-win for all involved. Facility operations fill roles and make their teams more resilient for the tough demands of the modern built environment.
Ronnie Wendt is the owner of In Good Company Communications and a freelance writer specializing in articles for the facilities management, aviation, RV and automotive, meetings and events, security, logistics and business technology industries.
