Page 25 - Spring World of Welding - HIWT

Products for Warfighters

by Warfighters

Editor’s Note: The Stout joined the Marine Corps after graduating high school with
following story a strong desire to leave his small town and see the world. He
highlights a veteran attended boot camp at Parris Island, S.C. as well as several training
at BAE Systems Inc. schools before officially beginning his military career. He started
committed to including as a member of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 268 in Camp
talented members of Pendleton, Calif., before deploying to Camp Al Taqqadum in Iraq.
the military community
in its workplace. BAE “Of all the things I gained in the Corps,” he said. “Self-confidence
Systems is a client and a strong attitude continue to serve me well in my civilian life.”
of Hirepurpose, a BAE Systems is a global defense, aerospace and security company.
Task & Purpose sister They create and deliver products and services for air, land and
company. Learn More. maritime forces, as well as advanced electronics, security,
information technology, and support services. The company takes
great pride in supporting the military and veteran communities and
is recognized as a top employer for veterans, especially those in
transition. BAE Systems employs more than 5,000 military veterans
Craig Stout (Courtesy photo) and offers a career-oriented workplace that seamlessly translates
Craig Stout (Courtesy photo)
specific military job duties and occupational service into civilian
Craig Stout works on the combat vehicles’ production line in York, positions.
Penn. For him, this work is personal. Not only does he dedicate his
days to keeping our warfighters safe at BAE Systems, but he was “They really do care about their vets,” Stout said, “I’m proud to be
also one of those warfighters himself – he’s a Marine Corps veteran a veteran working for and with them to give today’s servicemen and
who served in Iraq in 2007. He attended Hobart Institute of Welding women the best products we can to bring them home safely.”
Technology after leaving the Corps and built on his experience as an The company also provides transitioning resources to ensure its
airframe mechanic while doing so, eventually becoming a certified military veteran employees have the resources and support to be
welder with BAE Systems. successful in civilian life. The hallmark of the company’s resources
Stout is among the many veterans who joined the company after for veterans is the Warrior Integration Program, a three-year
leaving military service. BAE Systems is dedicated to recruiting and rotational internship program focusing on post-9/11 combat-
employing veterans and transitioning them back to civilian life. The wounded and injured service members. It capitalizes on their
company also recognizes the perspective they bring to the job, with combat military occupational service codes – or specific job duties
many having served overseas or engaged in combat. and rank – and provides skills and training to prepare them for
civilian life and ultimately a full career with BAE Systems.
Stout’s experience allows him to bring a different perspective to
his job on the production line. “I’ve been deployed overseas, using “I like to think my military service has come full circle,” Stout said.
equipment made by someone else,” Stout said. “We know what “I served my time in the military and now I’m doing my part to
it’s like to be in that vehicle and how it is relied on when we get support the men and women on the front lines today. BAE Systems
into hostile environments. We put in the time now to make sure provides me the daily support I need to be successful, and I could
they come home safely.” This care pervades BAE Systems, and is a not be more grateful.”
cornerstone of the work done by – and for – our nations’ veterans. This post was sponsored by BAE Systems.
Transitioning service members and veterans often find themselves Reprinted with approval of Hirepurpose: Editor’s Note: The story
seeking something more than just a job. BAE Systems fills that void highlights a veteran at BAE Systems Inc. committed to including
because veterans working at BAE Systems have the opportunity to talented members of the military community in its workplace. BAE
support the military and work somewhere that celebrates military Systems Inc. is a client of Hirepurpose, a Task & Purpose sister
service. company.

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