An analysis of post-service career earnings of female veterans.

Abstract

This thesis analyzes the post-service earnings of female veterans. A review of the literature on veterans' post-service earnings was conducted to gain some insight on the topic. The hterature on womens' labor force participation was also reviewed. An empirical analysis was conducted based on a dataset constructed from the Reserve Components Survey of 1986. A log-earnings model was specified based on human capital theory. The intent of the model was to measure the effects of mihtary training and veteran status on the post-service earnings of female veterans. These results were compared to a similar model of male veterans to analyze gender differences in veteran-nonveteran wage differentials. Overall, no measurable loss of income was incurred by female veterans who transferred their military skills to the civilian sector. Nonwhite females realized the greatest return to earnings from military experience. Also, those female veterans who transfer their military-acquired skills may be closing the wage gap between themselves and male nonveterans. The relative gains in wages from military experience may last up to an average of nine years for female veterans.