18 GETTING UP TO SPEED Military Culture Veterans are unique because of the military's specific culture. This should not in any way be viewed as a negative. Approximately two hundred thousand service members transition to veteran status each year, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs. Of the many who continue to work, they will likely start new careers in the civilian workforce, whether in the private sector or government. On-boarding and engaging these employees provide some unique challenges and opportunities for organizations. Think about the concept of boot camp. Not only is it a familiar term among civilians, it is part of our lexicon that suggests intensive training and/or indoctrination. Every military service member--active or veteran--has gone through some form of rigorous training, most often boot camp.* Because the military's mission requires great per- sonal sacrifice, the culture must be regimented and unambiguous. There are established ways of doing things and standard operating