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In this study we use a well-known dataset, the 1997 National Longitudinal Survey of Youth to examine the labor market outcomes of 20-24 year old veterans 1, 13, 26 and 39 weeks after they exit the military. We begin by describing the dataset, and then document what proportion of veterans are employed, unemployed, out of the labor force and in military service at each point in time. This examination includes an analysis of how much veterans' experiences vary by their characteristics, such as race and ASVAB scores. We conclude by describing the labor market trajectories of unemployed veterans.

This report represents the first part of a two part study. The second part will expand on this snapshot analysis by providing a more detailed analysis of the factors contributing to unemployment, and the pathways taken to work. Since recent veterans may be productively using unemployment compensation to search for the best possible job, or to engage in additional study, the analysis of outcomes will be expanded to include a study of the educational attainment, and earnings of veterans, as well as a comparison of the outcomes of veterans to observationally similar non-veterans. The study will also examine, to the extent possible, veterans' use of training programs. In addition, since the unemployment surge coincided with a surge in Reserve/National Guard deployments, the second part will also examine, to the extent possible, the variation in outcomes for regular military versus Reserve/National Guard service members.