Why Veterans Make the Best Changemakers (Even If They Don’t See It Yet)
The overlooked leadership skills hiding in every veteran.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from years of working with veterans, it’s this:
You already know how to lead change—you just haven’t been taught to see it that way.
You’ve executed missions under pressure, adapted when the plan fell apart, built trust in high-stakes environments, and rallied people around a shared purpose. And yet, when it comes to making a difference in civilian life, too many veterans hesitate.
They assume changemaking is reserved for social entrepreneurs, nonprofit founders, or people with the right title or credentials.
But those leadership skills didn’t disappear when you took off the uniform.
They’ve just been waiting for a new mission.
Here are six powerful ways veterans are uniquely equipped to lead change—whether they realize it yet or not. And if you’re wondering how to get started, I’ve included a simple action step in each section. You can do any of them in five minutes or less.
1. You Already Know How to Work Toward a Mission
In the military, the mission was everything. You learned how to focus your energy, prioritize the essentials, and push through even when the outcome was uncertain.
That’s the exact mindset changemakers need—people who can rally around a cause, stay steady under pressure, and keep moving forward even when the road gets rough.
What it unlocks:
Focused, purpose-driven leadership in business, community organizing, advocacy, and beyond.
Real-life example:
Marine Corps veteran Jake Wood co-founded Team Rubicon after realizing that military skills like logistics, teamwork, and adaptability were exactly what disaster relief organizations needed. Today, Team Rubicon mobilizes thousands of veterans to respond to global crises.
Action Step:
Write down one problem in your community that frustrates you. Then ask yourself:
“What would I do if this were a mission assignment?”
That shift in perspective changes everything.
2. You’re Highly Adaptable—Even When the Plan Goes Sideways
Change rarely unfolds in a straight line. Veterans are trained to adjust on the fly, respond under pressure, and adapt without losing sight of the end goal.
That kind of flexible thinking is a superpower in a world full of disruption.
What it unlocks:
Innovation. Problem-solving. The ability to keep moving forward when others freeze or burn out.
Real-life example:
Army veteran Mary Tobin transitioned from military service to become a civic leader in urban policy. She now works on social justice and poverty initiatives, using her military-honed leadership to drive systemic change in her community.
Action Step:
Think of one time in your civilian life when you had to adapt quickly. What skills helped you?
Write those down. That’s part of your changemaker toolkit.
3. You Lead Without Needing the Spotlight
You’ve already practiced the kind of leadership that doesn’t need credit or applause. You’ve made decisions that served the mission—not your ego.
That’s the kind of leadership people trust.
What it unlocks:
High-integrity leadership. Quiet influence. Movements that grow stronger because they’re built on shared purpose, not personality cults.
Real-life example:
When I stepped into my role at the university’s veterans center, I didn’t have all the answers. But I knew how to build relationships, create a sense of belonging, and empower student veterans to lead alongside me. That’s what made the work successful—and sustainable.
Action Step:
Text or email one person you’ve mentored or supported in the past. Ask them:
“What’s one strength you see in me that I might not recognize in myself?”
Their answer might surprise you.
4. Your Story Has Power—Even If You’ve Never Shared It Out Loud
You may not think of yourself as a storyteller, but you are. You’ve lived through moments that shaped you, tested you, and changed the way you see the world.
And when you share those moments with purpose, you create connection, empathy, and momentum.
What it unlocks:
Influence. Visibility. A powerful platform to advocate for the people and causes you care about.
Real-life example:
Air Force veteran Mary Jennings Hegar didn’t just fight to change the military’s combat exclusion policy for women—she told her story. That story became a book, a movement, and a major shift in national policy.
Action Step:
Record a two-minute voice memo telling the story of a moment from your service or transition that shaped you.
You don’t have to share it yet. Just start telling it. You’ll be amazed at what emerges.
5. You See the Big Picture—And You Rally Others Toward It
One of the most powerful things veterans bring to the table is systems thinking. You understand how different parts connect, how change happens over time, and how to move people toward a common goal.
You’re a natural strategist—even if you don’t use that word yet.
What it unlocks:
Coalition-building. Movement leadership. The ability to build structures that last.
Real-life example:
When I worked to upgrade our student veterans lounge, I realized the real impact wasn’t just the furniture or space—it was the shift in how those veterans saw themselves. They went from passive recipients to active leaders, advocating for what they deserved.
Action Step:
Identify one change you’ve helped make—something you improved not just for yourself, but for others.
Name it. Own it. That’s leadership in action.
6. You Know How to Build (and Belong to) a Tribe
You’ve lived through the power of shared purpose. You know what it means to be part of something bigger than yourself—and you know how to build that kind of community again.
And you don’t need a uniform to do it.
What it unlocks:
Real connection. Shared accountability. Movements that grow stronger, faster, and deeper.
Real-life example:
My passion project,
Action Step:
Think of one person you’d like to reconnect with—someone who shares your values, your energy, or your mission.
Invite them to coffee this week. No pitch. No agenda. Just connection.
You Don’t Need Permission To Lead
If you take nothing else from this, take this:
You don’t need a title, a degree, or a polished five-year plan to be a changemaker. You just need to own what you’ve already lived.
Veterans don’t need to become leaders—you already are.
The challenge now is to start seeing your leadership for what it is, and begin applying it in places that need it most.
Because the mission has evolved—but your strength hasn’t gone anywhere.
Your next step doesn’t have to be perfect.
It just has to begin.
P.S.
If this resonated with you, I’d love to hear what part hit home. Leave a comment and let me know what action step you’re taking this week—or share it with another veteran who might need the reminder that their leadership still matters.
And if you want more tools, stories, and support for becoming a changemaker in this next chapter of life, make sure you’re subscribed.
Let’s keep building this tribe together.