Exchange targets veterans and their families for employment opportunities Published April 19, 2013 By Chris Ward Army & Air Force Exchange Service Public Affairs EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- While some advertise efforts to hire veterans, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service simply does what it has for more than 117 years - extend career opportunities to veterans and their families. In fact, 10 percent of the Exchange's workforce is comprised of veterans with military spouses and family members accounting for another 24 percent. With more than 40,000 jobs, the Exchange is doing its part not only to employ veterans and military spouses, but also provide opportunities. "The Exchange doesn't just hire current and former members of the military community in jobs - we offer careers in service and support," said the Exchange's Chief of Staff Col. Thomas Ockenfels. "It's just a natural fit. Veterans, spouses and dependents know our customers better than anyone." Uniting with the Military Spouse Employment Partnership, Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve and the Wounded Warrior Project, there are currently 4,196 veteran associates working for the Exchange. In 2013, the goal is to increase veteran management hires by 33 percent from 2012. Additionally, partnerships with the Operation Warfighter Program and Feds Hire Vets initiative give the Exchange increased visibility. Veterans can also apply for the Exchange's "Detail to Retail" management trainee programs, which are designed to train various levels of retail management. Upon successful completion, participants are assigned to Exchange facilities across the world in a variety of different roles, including Store Manager, Branch Store Manager, Sales Area Manager and Stockroom Manager. Complete details on how veterans and their families can apply for a career with the Exchange are available at www.shopmyexchange.com/AboutExchange/Careers/militaryfamilies.htm.