An Examination of Occupational Attainment for American Veterans of World War II

Abstract

This study analyzes U.S. Census data from 1960-80 to examine the relative post-war occupational attainment of World War II veterans. Our empirical analysis indicates that veterans achieved marginally higher post-war occupational outcomes than non-veterans, after controlling for education and other demographic characteristics. However, this modest occupational advantage has no discernable effect on the veteran wage premium. Our results are consistent with other studies that find that the perceived labor market advantages of World War II veterans are not as apparent when potential selection biases for military enlistment are considered.