War Veterans Recruited…By Starbucks

Starbucks, who currently employs around 134,000 people in the United States (less than I thought, really), is now looking to hire a few good men and women.

The company’s recruitment goal is 10,000 military veterans and military spouses over the next five years. This demographic, according to former U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates, who is now a Starbucks “director,” whatever that means (shareholder? lobbyist? is there a Starbucks lobby?), is “one of the most underutilized talent pools in our country.” Oof:

“This is not only about hiring baristas,” Chief Executive Howard Schultz told Reuters.

Starbucks is seeking individuals with experience in everything from leading teams to building and managing complex, global supply chains, Schultz said.

As the company expands globally and gets coffee and tea from around the globe, veterans offer international experience and foreign language skills, Gates added.

“They bring an understanding of other cultures and they’re accustomed to working with diverse and international partners,” Gates said.

I mean, sure.

Arguably this demographic’s most pressing need is timely access to mental health care, but a decent job and a pumpkin spiced latte might not be so bad, either.

Photo: jeffwilcox

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