The unemployment rate for post-9/11 veterans dropped by more than a point in August, government data show, but the 8.1 percent rate is still well above the dramatic lows charted a few months ago.
Meanwhile, the nationwide unemployment rate for August was 6.1 percent, similar to the July rate of 6.2 percent, and 142,000 jobs were added to payrolls, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The national unemployment rate has been similarly steady throughout 2014, generally charting a gradual decline from the 6.7 percent rate posted at the end of last year. By contrast, the post-9/11 veteran unemployment rate has been on a roller coaster.
After hitting 9.2 percent rate in February, unemployment for the youngest generation of veterans plummeted to just below 7 percent in March and April, fell further to 5.3 percent in May, went back up to 7 percent the following month and jumped again to 9.2 percent in July, before falling to its latest level of 8.1 percent.
This is characteristic of the statistic, which is based on a particularly small sample size and can fluctuate dramatically as a result. Instead, government statisticians suggest looking at longer-term trends.
However, through all of the ups and downs, the trend line does seem to be pointing toward lower unemployment rates.
This year’s lowest unemployment rates for post-9/11 vets have been historic lows, not seen for several years — or in one case, ever. And 2014’s highest rates of just over 9 percent were about average for last year.
For the veteran population as a whole, unemployment dipped to 5.6 percent in August, from the July rate of 6 percent.
