247 organizations are recognized as leading employers move beyond the hire to support veterans, the Guard and Reserve, and military families for the long term.
ARLINGTON, VA., November 9, 2026 – Military Times today released its 2026 Best for Vets: Employers rankings, recognizing 247 organizations across 35 industries for their commitment to veterans, service members and military families.
For more than a decade, Military Times has run Best for Vets to help service members and veterans find employers that truly value their service. The rankings take the same thorough, unbiased approach behind Military Times’ journalism and apply it to the policies and programs that matter most to the military community.
“With federal jobs shrinking and the job market tightening, the private sector matters more to veterans right now than it has in years,” said Jon Simkins, editor-in-chief of Military Times. “What stands out about this year’s list is that the best employers aren’t stopping at the hire. They’re investing in keeping veterans, standing behind their Guard and Reserve employees, and supporting the families who serve alongside them. That’s the kind of commitment our readers deserve to know about.”
A moment that matters
This year’s rankings arrive at an important time for veteran employment. Federal workforce reductions and a cooling labor market have put more weight on private employers as a source of opportunity. Together, the organizations on this year’s list employ nearly 358,000 veterans and active-duty service members.
Retention is the new focus
Veteran recruiting has become standard practice among leading employers. What’s changing is what comes next. More companies are tracking how long their military-connected employees stay, building employee resource groups, and investing in long-term career growth through apprenticeships, training and credentialing support. Recruiting itself is becoming more relationship-driven, with employers leaning on veterans service organizations and military associations rather than job boards alone.
Stronger support for the Guard and Reserve
Support for citizen-soldiers improved notably this year. More employers have formally pledged their support for Guard and Reserve employees, and more are continuing benefits like medical and life insurance when those employees are called to active duty.
The whole military family
Employers are increasingly recognizing that hiring a veteran often means supporting a family. More companies are tracking and supporting military spouse employees, caregivers are entering the conversation, and flexible and remote work options are now widely available for employees facing deployments, relocations or caregiving demands.
Employers on the rise
Several organizations made significant gains this year. Salesforce climbed into the top tier of the rankings, while Amgen, Textron Aviation and Technergetics each moved up dramatically.
How the rankings work
Best for Vets: Employers is based on a detailed survey covering 10 categories: recruitment, retention, Guard and Reserve support, inclusivity, military spouses, military caregivers, recognition of service, professional development, retirement and partnerships.
The full 2026 Best for Vets: Employers rankings are available at https://bestforvets.militarytimes.com/
Questions? Contact: bestforvets@militarytimes.com
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