Energy Industry Needs More Veterans as Demand for Skilled Workers Grows

Published Jun 4, 2026, 3:00 AM EDT

As occupations in energy continue to rise, a former nuclear-trained submarine officer thinks opportunities abound for ex-service members.

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Published Jun 4, 2026, 3:00 AM EDT

John Broschak has seen firsthand how technically savvy veterans can make a smooth transition into the booming energy field. After all, it happened to him. Broschak left the Navy after serving eight years (1984-1992) and was a bit perplexed as to how his skills as a nuclear-trained submarine officer would translate to the civilian sphere. Broschak found his lane in the nuclear power field, eventually becoming vice president of engineering at the Wolf Creek Nuclear Operation Corporation and VP of Generation Operations at Consumers Energy. Following retirement in 2022, Broschak became a veteran career coach for the Center for Energy Workforce Development (CEWD), helping other former service members find rewarding careers after the military. Through the center’s Troops to Energy Jobs initiative, Broschak directs veterans on how to land careers in a growing field.