Military and Corporations Competing for Talent Must Utilize Education Incentives

 

It’s a fast-evolving workforce out there and the competition for talent has intensified, touching even the most traditional sectors such as the military. As companies, large and small, recognize the importance of investing in their employees through education benefits, a new landscape emerges where even the U.S. military must innovate to attract and retain personnel. This has set off a new type of war for talent.

This shift in talent acquisition and retention strategy is reminiscent of the post-World War II era when the GI Bill first introduced education as a key benefit for service members. The incentive would revolutionize the concept of educational investment by an employer.

What does this evolving dynamic mean for the future of workforce development? How are traditional institutions like the military adapting their recruitment strategies in response to the changing demands of the job market?

For the latest segment of “DisruptEd,” host Ron J. Stefanski, featured Major General Johnny Davis and Dr. Howard Liebman, both of whom are experts in the fields of military and adult education, respectively. Their discussion looked into how both the military and corporations are now seeing education as a crucial part of their value proposition to potential recruits.

Some main points of their conversation looked into:

  • How education benefits started with the military post-World War II and evolved into a widespread corporate strategy.
  • Major General Davis discussed the military’s current recruitment challenges and its strategies to compete with corporate education benefits.
  • Dr. Liebman outlined the impact of education benefits on retention rates in both the military and corporate sectors, highlighting successful outcomes and ongoing challenges.

Major General Johnny Davis has served in the Army for over 34 years and benefited from military-sponsored education himself. He is a vocal advocate for the military as a career path that offers substantial educational benefits. 

Dr. Howard Liebman is the Executive Director of the Alliance for Adult Education Foundation, with a background in adult education,  and has advised numerous corporations on educational strategies.

Article by Alexandra Simon.

Recent Episodes

As AI, automation, and immersive tech accelerate disruption, the future of work is being reshaped faster than most institutions can adapt. Entry-level roles for recent graduates are shrinking, traditional degrees are being questioned, and lifelong careers are being replaced by continuous reinvention. In this climate, the most valuable assets are no longer technical certifications…

Today’s workforce is facing profound disruption, driven by automation, AI, and shrinking entry-level job opportunities. According to SignalFire’s 2025 State of Talent report, entry-level hiring in tech has dropped by 50% from pre-pandemic levels. In this shifting landscape, younger workers aren’t just seeking jobs—they’re demanding agency, feedback, and purpose. Game-based learning models like the…

As traditional career paths break down, economic mobility is being redefined by adaptability, not academic credentials. Today, 52% of college graduates are underemployed a year after graduation, working in roles that don’t require a four-year degree. Meanwhile, networking strategies like informational interviews yield one job offer per 12 conversations—far more effective than the one-in-200…