Oshkosh Corporation Named 2026 Military Friendly® Employer for the 15th Consecutive Year
Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE: OSK), a global leader in purpose-built vehicles, equipment, and essential services, has once again been recognized for its dedication to supporting military veterans and their families. The company announced that it has earned the 2026 Military Friendly® Employer designation, marking the 15th consecutive year it has achieved this honor. The designation underscores Oshkosh’s ongoing commitment to providing meaningful employment opportunities, professional development, and long-term career growth for veterans and their spouses across its diverse business units.
A Legacy of Commitment to Veterans
For more than a century, Oshkosh Corporation has been known for designing and manufacturing some of the most trusted and mission-critical vehicles in the world—from defense and fire apparatus to access equipment and commercial solutions. But beyond its technological innovation, the company has built a reputation for people-first values and community stewardship. Its recognition as a Military Friendly® Employer for 15 years reflects that legacy of care, particularly toward those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
“At Oshkosh, putting people first is at the heart of everything we do, and that includes our deep commitment to those who have served in the military,” said John Pfeifer, president and chief executive officer of Oshkosh Corporation. “Earning the Military Friendly® Employer designation again this year is a reflection of how we care for our team members, empower our communities, and support the people who move the world forward. Veterans bring invaluable experience, leadership, and purpose to our organization, and we’re proud to create an environment where they can thrive, continue to serve others, and make a meaningful difference every day.”
Oshkosh Corporation has long recognized the unique qualities veterans bring to the civilian workforce. Their training, adaptability, leadership skills, and dedication to teamwork make them vital contributors to the company’s success. Through tailored recruitment efforts, mentorship programs, and ongoing professional development, Oshkosh ensures that veterans can continue applying their skills in meaningful ways that align with the company’s mission of innovation and service.
The Military Friendly® Employer Designation
The Military Friendly® Employer designation is one of the most respected recognitions in the field of veteran employment and corporate social responsibility. It is awarded by VIQTORY, the organization behind the Military Friendly® ratings, which evaluates companies based on their commitment to hiring and supporting members of the military community.
This designation is the result of a rigorous evaluation process that includes data analysis from public sources, corporate surveys, and feedback from veterans and military employees themselves. In 2026, more than 1,200 organizations participated in the assessment, which measured companies’ performance across critical areas such as:
- Recruitment and Hiring Practices: Evaluating how effectively organizations attract, hire, and onboard veterans and military spouses.
- Retention and Career Advancement: Assessing long-term support, including mentorship, leadership opportunities, and promotion rates for veterans.
- Workplace Culture and Inclusivity: Measuring how well companies foster a culture that honors military service and integrates veteran perspectives.
- Community Outreach and Support: Considering corporate engagement with military-focused charities, transition programs, and community initiatives.
Final ratings were determined by combining an organization’s survey performance with its ability to meet or exceed benchmarks in recruitment, retention, advancement, and turnover metrics for military personnel.
Building Pathways for Veterans and Military Families
Oshkosh Corporation’s continued recognition as a Military Friendly® Employer is a testament to its proactive approach in building bridges between military service and civilian careers. The company offers multiple programs and initiatives designed to help veterans transition smoothly into the workforce.
One cornerstone initiative is Oshkosh’s Veterans Employee Business Resource Group (EBRG), which fosters a strong sense of community among employees who have served. The group provides mentorship, organizes volunteer events, and advocates for policies that support military families. These internal networks play a crucial role in ensuring that veterans not only find employment but also experience belonging and professional growth.
In addition to supporting employees directly, Oshkosh also partners with organizations such as Hiring Our Heroes, Wounded Warrior Project, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation to strengthen veteran employment pipelines nationwide. These collaborations help identify talented candidates, provide skill-building workshops, and facilitate connections between transitioning service members and civilian employers.
Creating a Culture of Purpose and Inclusion
Oshkosh Corporation’s “people first” philosophy extends far beyond its veteran hiring programs—it is embedded in every aspect of the company’s culture. This includes comprehensive training and upskilling opportunities, competitive benefits packages, and an emphasis on work-life balance. For military families in particular, the company offers flexible scheduling, relocation assistance, and support for spouses seeking employment opportunities within the organization.
By integrating veterans into leadership roles across departments—from manufacturing and logistics to engineering and management—Oshkosh ensures that their perspectives continue to shape the company’s operations. These leaders often become mentors for new hires, creating a cycle of support that strengthens both individual careers and the organization as a whole.
“Our veterans exemplify the Oshkosh values of perseverance, integrity, and teamwork,” Pfeifer added. “They have already dedicated their lives to service, and we’re honored to provide a platform where they can continue making a difference—this time in helping us build a safer, more resilient world.”
Impact Beyond Employment
Oshkosh’s dedication to veterans is not limited to hiring and workplace inclusion. The company actively contributes to military-related community initiatives, sponsoring local veteran events, participating in fundraising efforts, and supporting charitable organizations that assist service members and their families.
The company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy also aligns with its veteran-focused initiatives. Through volunteerism and philanthropy, Oshkosh employees regularly engage in community projects that benefit military families, including home-building efforts, education programs, and health support services. This alignment between business purpose and social impact further enhances the company’s reputation as a trusted employer and corporate citizen.
A Benchmark for Excellence in Veteran Support
Oshkosh Corporation’s 15-year streak as a Military Friendly® Employer places it among a distinguished group of companies that have demonstrated consistent excellence in veteran engagement and retention. This long-term recognition also reflects the company’s adaptability—continuously refining its programs to meet evolving needs as the veteran community and job market change.
In an era when workforce diversity and inclusion are increasingly vital to business success, Oshkosh’s example offers valuable lessons for other organizations. Its commitment to integrating military experience into the fabric of its operations not only strengthens internal culture but also enhances performance, innovation, and resilience.
As Oshkosh Corporation moves toward the future, it remains steadfast in its mission to “move the world forward” through innovation, teamwork, and purpose-driven leadership. Earning the 2026 Military Friendly® Employer designation for the fifteenth consecutive year reinforces that this mission is not just about products—it’s about people.
By continuing to champion veterans and their families, Oshkosh is not only honoring service but also investing in the future of its workforce and communities. The company’s success serves as a reminder that when businesses put people first—especially those who have dedicated their lives to service—everyone benefits.
Source Link:https://www.businesswire.com/
