As the war winds down and an estimated 1 million veterans return to the workplace, the U.S. Department of Labor and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission are preparing for veteran-related litigation. Employers can expect a renewed focus on

- the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act,

- the EEOC's recently issued guidance for veterans on the Americans with Disabilities Act, and

- the DOL's proposed regulations regarding "military-related" leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act.

According to the EEOC, 3 million veterans have returned from military service in the past 10 years and another 1 million veterans are expected to reenter the workplace in the next five years. With these laws, as well as veterans requirements for federal contractors, employers should begin preparing to facilitate successful transitions for veterans returning to the civilian workforce.