Construction has always been a high-risk industry. Between tight deadlines, shifting conditions, and labor shortages, it’s easy for safety to take a backseat. But on jobsites across the country, a new wave of leaders is reshaping that culture. 

Military veterans bring more than experience in the trades or safety expertise. Their backgrounds in mission-first thinking, leading under pressure, and systems-based problem solving from military service are reshaping how construction teams operate.

From Combat Zones to Construction Zones

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 12.8% of all employed veterans work in construction and maintenance fields—compared to just 8.8% of nonveterans. 

That higher rate makes sense. Jobsites, like military environments, demand clear communication, teamwork, adaptability, and the ability to manage risk under pressure.

Veterans bring a powerful combination of discipline, adaptability, and accountability. 

At S&B Engineers and Constructors, for example, leaders like John Bolt, Jared Martignoni, and Geoff McLean draw directly from their military experience to run safe, high-performance teams. 

“In the service, you learn to adapt quickly, solve problems and stay accountable,” Martignoni said. “That translates directly to construction safety.”

These qualities show up in how veterans lead field teams, manage logistics, and respond to emergencies. More importantly, they build trust, which is a cornerstone of any effective safety culture.

Human-Centered Safety: A Military Mindset Shift

At S&B, the safety team applies a framework called Human and Organizational Performance (HOP). Its core belief: people are fallible, and the systems they work in should expect and accommodate human error. That idea is straight out of high-stakes military operations, where a single mistake can cost lives.

Rather than blame individuals, HOP asks what allowed the failure to occur. The goal is to strengthen the system so that future errors don’t escalate into incidents. 

That shift in mindset empowers crews to speak up when something feels off, knowing they won’t be punished for it. It turns safety from a checklist into a shared responsibility.

Veterans are often the ones driving that shift. When a peer company lost a worker due to a compromised fall-protection line, S&B’s team (led by former service members) pulled the same equipment from use immediately and replaced it. 

No red tape. No delay. Just decisive, people-first leadership.

Leading Under Pressure, Not Just Giving Orders

One of the biggest misconceptions about military leadership is that it’s all about barking orders. But ask any veteran who’s led under fire, and they’ll tell you: success hinges on clarity, trust, and calm execution under pressure.

That’s what veterans bring to construction sites. 

In an interview with Harvard Business School about modernizing commercial contracting, Alok Chanani, a former Army combat engineer and founder of BuildOps, said military leadership is often misunderstood. 

“One misconception I think a lot of people have is that they feel that the military is about barking orders…Nothing is really further from the truth. It’s really about making sure that your team understands the objective, that they have what they need to be successful, and they know that they’ll be supported when things get really difficult.”

That mindset is transformative in construction. Jobsites are full of unknowns. When things go sideways, people look to the leader. Veterans are trained to be that steady hand. And because they’ve lived through high-stakes scenarios, they respond with calm, not chaos.

Why Veterans Rise Fast in Construction

Veterans rarely stay entry-level for long. Their work ethic, leadership training, and natural team-first mindset make them standout candidates for roles like site supervisor, safety officer, or project manager.

Veterans bring a deep sense of accountability to every job they take on, grounded in their commitment to their team, the mission, and the people around them. That sense of duty resonates in construction, where the stakes are high and the work is hands-on.

More than that, veterans elevate the culture around them by leading by example. As McLean put it, “Veterans know how to be part of something bigger than themselves. They may not check every box on a resume, but they’ll outwork everyone else and lift the team around them. That’s who you want on your jobsite.”

How to Recruit, Retain, and Support Veteran Talent

If contractors want safer, stronger teams, hiring veterans is a strategic move, but it requires intention. That starts with partnerships. Organizations like VFW and Operation: Job Ready Veterans help connect employers with skilled, motivated veterans looking for purpose-driven careers.

From there, offer apprenticeships and leadership development opportunities. Veterans are quick learners and natural leaders, but many need support translating military skills into civilian language. Build that bridge with mentorship, targeted training, and clear career pathways.

Most importantly, create a culture that values character as much as credentials. Technical skills can be taught. But judgment, grit, and calm under pressure are earned through years of experience.

The Mission Continues

Veterans are bringing meaningful change to construction. With a focus on clarity, resilient systems, and people-first leadership, they’re helping create jobsites that are safer, stronger, and better prepared for what’s ahead.

In the military, mission success depends on the people around you. In construction, it’s no different. And when veterans are leading the way, everyone is safer for it.