RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Evaluating the Labor Market Performance of Veterans Using a Matched Comparison Group Design
JF Journal of Human Resources
JO J Hum Resour
FD University of Wisconsin Press
SP 673
OP 700
DO 10.3368/jhr.XXXVIII.3.673
VO XXXVIII
IS 3
A1 Hirsch, Barry T.
A1 Mehay, Stephen L.
YR 2003
UL http://jhr.uwpress.org/content/XXXVIII/3/673.abstract
AB The effect of active-duty service on civilian earnings is estimated using the Reserve Components Surveys, permitting a matched comparison between reservists who are veterans and reservists without active-duty service. Estimated treatment effects control for selection by the military and individuals, due in part to identical active-duty and reserve entrance requirements. The average impact of active-duty service on civilian earnings is 3 percent among the reservist population, reflecting effects of essentially zero for enlisted personnel and 10 percent for officers. Among white enlisted personnel veteran effects are negative but small, while averaging about 5 percent among African-Americans. Wage penalties resulting from Vietnam-era service are larger for white draftees than volunteers, while African-American draftees and volunteers realized gains.