INTERVIEW EDGE • OCT 1991

Impact of the Peace Dividend

The end of the cold war and easing of tensions between East and West means about 500,000 men and women currently in the U.S. Armed forces will be released into civilian jobs. This represents some 25% of current armed services personnel.

Recent initiatives to reduce tactical nuclear weapons could increase this number to an estimated 800,000 or 40 percent of current military service totals.

The impact of these numbers on the jobless rate is a negative by-product of the "peace dividend," However, a positive opportunity is also present.

The military prides itself on the integration, training, deployment and teamwork of minorities and women. Many of those now joining the civilian workforce will bring valuable new skills and attitudes about diversity to corporate America.