Veterans Day 2023: Future Veterans Transforming Military Service

UPDATE: As Veterans Day 2023 unfolds, a significant shift in the understanding of military service is emerging. New insights from the Center for a New American Security emphasize that the next generation of veterans, who will serve between now and 2050, will look vastly different from those we honor today.

This transformation, driven by advancements in technology and changes in warfare, signals an urgent need for society to adapt its support systems for these new veterans. Today’s military personnel are often seen through the lens of traditional roles—combat boots, ground missions, and physical endurance. However, the veterans of the future may never set foot on a battlefield, instead taking on roles as cyber analysts, drone operators, and human-machine hybrid warfighters.

David W. Walker, president and CEO of the Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes, underscores the importance of evolving our perceptions and policies surrounding veteran support. “The veteran of 2050 is enlisting today,” he states, highlighting the pressing need for immediate change in healthcare and employment systems to accommodate a new reality.

Just last week, Walker attended a solemn Remembrance Day ceremony at Winfield House, where the disconnect between traditional ceremonies and the future of military service became painfully clear. “If Veterans Day is to endure, it must evolve,” he proclaimed, stressing that while the essence of service—sacrifice, duty, and commitment—remains unchanged, the tools of warfare are rapidly shifting from boots to bots.

The implications are profound. As warfare becomes increasingly automated, there is a growing cultural and ethical divide, leading to public detachment from military experiences. Future veterans will likely face challenges in explaining their roles in a world where conflict is often invisible. This detachment could hinder the connection and support that veterans desperately need.

As we reflect on Veterans Day, it is crucial to recognize that our systems—ranging from healthcare to hiring practices—are currently designed for yesterday’s warriors. Can we effectively treat trauma that emerges from digital engagements? Will employers comprehend the skills honed in fields like quantum computing and cyber operations?

The statistics are clear: today’s veterans are predominantly male, shaped by deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, but the future promises a more diverse cohort. Expect to see increased representation of women, people of color, and those with advanced technical qualifications.

As we honor the past on this Veterans Day, let us also commit to adapting for the future. The call to action is clear: we must modernize our programs, language, and expectations, ensuring that the gratitude we owe to every service member—whether they fought in trenches or defend digital frontlines—remains unwavering.

Let this Veterans Day not only be a moment of remembrance but a pivotal point of transformation. As we advance, the respect and support for veterans must evolve alongside them, ensuring that no matter how warfare changes, our commitment to those who serve will endure.

This Veterans Day, we are reminded: change is not the enemy; it is an opportunity to enhance our gratitude and connection to those who serve.