Veterans Supplement to the CPS

Attachment A

DRAFT 2009 VETS Questionnaire/Supplement

1/14/09

	CPS DEMOGRAPHIC QUESTIONS FROM “BASIC” QUESTIONNAIRE
	If person is 17 years or older, ask AF1.
AF1_N	Did (you/veteran’s name) ever serve on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces?
	<1> Yes <2> No <D> Don’t know <R> Refused		(Skip to AF2_N) (Skip to EDUCA1_N) (Skip to AF3_N) (Skip to AF3_N)
AF2_N	IF NECESSARY: Previously I was told that (you/veteran’s name) served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces.
	When did (you/he/she) serve on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces? MARK ALL THAT APPLY.
	<1> Gulf War era 2 (Sept ’01--present) <2> Gulf War era 1 (Aug ’90--Aug ‘01) <3> May ‘75--July ‘90 <4> Vietnam Era (Aug. ’64 – Apr. ’75) <5> Feb ‘55--July ‘64 <6> Korean War (July ’50–Jan. ’55) <7> Jan. ’47--June ‘50 <8> World War II (Dec ‘41–Dec ‘46) <9> November ‘41 or earlier <D> Don’t know <R> Refused			(Skip to AF3_N) (Skip to AF3_N) (Skip to AF3_N) (Skip depends on age) (Skip depends on age) (Skip depends on age) (Skip depends on age) (Skip depends on age) (Skip depends on age)
AF3_N	[(Are you) (Is he/she)] (still/now) in the Armed Forces?
	<1> Yes <2> No <D> Don’t know <R> Refused	(Skip to EDUCA1_N) (Skip to EDUCA1_N) (Skip to EDUCA1_N) (Skip to EDUCA1_N)

	VETERANS SUPPLEMENT QUESTIONS
SCK1	If person is 17 years of age or older: Go to SCK2. All others: END QUESTIONS.
SCK2	Note: Logic being added for multiple periods of service.
	<1> Gulf War era 2 (Sept ’01--present) <2> Gulf War era 1 (Aug ’90--Aug ‘01) <3> May ‘75--July ‘90 <4> Vietnam Era (Aug ’64 – Apr ’75) <5> Feb ‘55--July ‘64 <6> Korean War (July ’50–Jan ’55) <7> Jan ’47--June ‘50 <8> World War II (Dec ‘41–Dec ‘46) <9> November ‘41 or earlier <D> Don’t know <R> Refused	(Skip to S1b) (Skip to S1b) (Skip to CK-S1a) (Skip to S1) (Skip to S1a) (Skip to S4) (Skip to S4) (Skip to S4) (Skip to S4)
Lead In	“This month we are asking some additional questions concerning service in the Armed Forces.”
S1	(Were you) (Was he/she) on active duty in Vietnam, Laos, or Cambodia; in the waters in or around these countries; or did you fly missions over these areas at any time between August 5, 1964 and May 7, 1975? <1> Yes (Skip to S4) <2> No (Skip to S4) <D> Don’t know (Skip to S4) <R> Refused (Skip to S4)
CK—S1a	If person is 60 62 years of age or older: Ask S1a.. All others: Go to S4.
S1a	(Were you) (Was he/she) on active duty in Vietnam, Cambodia, or Laos; in the waters in or around these countries; or did you fly missions over these areas at any time between February 28, 1961 and August 4, 1964? <1> Yes (Skip to S4) <2> No (Skip to S4) <D> Don’t know (Skip to S4) <R> Refused (Skip to S4)
S1b	Earlier it was reported that you served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces. Was any of your active service the result of a call-up from the Reserve or National Guard? <1> YES (Ask S1d) <2> NO (Ask S1c) <D> Don’t know <R> Refused

S1c	Have/has (you/name) ever been a member of the Reserve or National Guard?   <1> YES (Ask S1d) <2> NO (Ask S4) <D> Don’t know <R> Refused   <1> YES (Ask S1d) <2> NO (Ask S4) <D> Don’t know <R> Refused
S1d	Are you currently a member of the Reserve or National Guard? <1> YES <2> NO <D> Don’t know <R> Refused

CK—S2	[Deleted]
S2	[Deleted]

S3	[Deleted]

S4	Has the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or Department of Defense determined that [(you have) (veteran’s name has)] a service-connected disability; that is, a health condition or impairment caused or made worse by any of your military service?
	<1> YES <2> NO <D> Don’t know <R> Refused	(Skip to S5) (Skip to S10) (Skip to S10) (Skip to S10)

S5	What is (your/her/his) current service-connected disability rating?
	<0> 0 percent <1> 10 percent <2> 20 percent <3> 30 percent <4> 40 percent <5> 50 percent <6> 60 percent <7> 70 percent <8> 80 percent <9> 90 percent <10> 100 percent <D> Don’t know <R> Refused	(Skip to S6) (Skip to S6) (Skip to S6) (Skip to S6) (Skip to S6) (Skip to S6) (Skip to S6) (Skip to S6) (Skip to S6) (Skip to S6) (Skip to S6) (Skip to S6) (Skip to S6)

S6	Do you currently receive a monthly check for a service-connected disability from either the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or a branch of the military service?

	<1> YES <2> NO <D> Don’t know <R> Refused
S7	Did (your/his/her) service-connected disability ever prevent (you/him/her) from getting or holding a job in the past?
	<1> YES <2> NO <D> Don’t know <R> Refused	(Skip to CK—S8) (Skip to CK—S8) (Skip to CK—S8) (Skip to CK—S8)

CK—S8	If PUMLR = 1 or 2 (employed): Skip to S10. All others: Ask S8.
S8	Does this disability currently keep (you/him/her) from getting or holding a job?
	<1> YES <2> NO <D> Don’t know <R> Refused	(Skip to S9) (Skip to S10) (Skip to S9) (Skip to S9)

S9	What is the last year during which (you/he/she) worked at a job or business?
	ENTER YEAR  _ _ _ _ [ENTER ‘X’ for ‘NEVER WORKED’]
	<D> Don’t know <R> Refused
S10	In what year [(were you) (was he/she)] last LAST separated from active duty in the Armed Forces?
	(FILL: IF S1b or S1c is YES, add “DO NOT INCLUDE TIME SPENT TRAINING IN THE RESERVE OR NATIONAL GUARD.”
	ENTER YEAR  _ _ _ _
	<D> Don’t know <R> Refused

S10a	From which branch of the Armed Forces was/were (you/name) last released from active duty? {FILL: IF S1b or S1c is YES, add “DO NOT INCLUDE SERVICE IN THE RESERVE OR NATIONAL GUARD UNLESS YOU WERE ON ACTIVE DUTY.” <1> AIR FORCE <2> ARMY <3> COAST GUARD <4> MARINE <5> NAVY <6> OTHER (Specify) ____________ <D> Don’t know <R> Refused
CK-10	If S1b = 2 (NO): Skip to S11.
	All others: Ask S10b.
S10b	Was your LAST period on active duty a result of a call-up from the Reserve or National Guard? <1> YES <2> NO (Skip to S11) <D> Don’t know (Skip to S11) <R> Refused (Skip to S11)
	<1> YES (Continue to S10c) <2> NO (Skip to S11) <D> Don’t know (Skip to S11) <R> Refused (Skip to S11)
S10c	Was that the Reserve or National Guard? <1> Reserve <2> National Guard <D> Don’t know <R> Refused

S11	ALTOGETHER, how long did (you/he/she) serve on active duty in the Armed Forces? (FILL: IF S1b or S1c is YES, add “DO NOT INCLUDE TIME SPENT IN THE RESERVE OR NATIONAL GUARD UNLESS YOU WERE ON ACTIVE DUTY.”
	<1> 6 months or less <2> More than 6 months, less than 2 years <3> 2 to 3 years <4> 4 to 5 years <5> 6 to 9 years <6> 10 to 14 years <7> 15 to 19 years <8> 20 years and over <D> Don’t know <R> Refused	(All go to S11a)
I

S11a	Did (you/NAME) EVER serve in a combat or war zone? Persons serving in a combat or war zone often receive combat zone tax exclusion, Imminent Danger Pay, or Hostile Fire Pay. READ IF NECESSARY: Persons serving in a combat or war zone usually receive combat zone tax exclusion, Imminent Danger Pay, or Hostile Fire Pay. <1> YES <2> NO <D> Don’t know <R> Refused
CK-S12	If S10 is 1991 through current year: Read transition statement TR—S12 and then ask S12. All others: Skip to CK—S13-S17.
TR—S12	“The next questions ask about formal programs designed to help servicemen and women make the transition from military service back to civilian life.”
S12	Did (veteran’s name/you) attend any of the Transition Assistance Program workshops, known as TAP or A-CAP?
	[READ IF NECESSARY: These workshops provide information about finding civilian jobs, obtaining training, securing veterans benefits, and obtaining other services available to veterans.]
	<1> YES <2> NO <D> Don’t know <R> Refused	(Skip to S12a) (Skip to S12f) (Skip to CK—S13-S17) (Skip to CK—S13-S17)
S12a	Was information provided during this workshop useful to (you/veteran’s name) in finding a job or obtaining job-related training after (you/he/she) left the service?
	<1> YES <2> NO <3> Other [Specify: ___________.] <D> Don’t know <R> Refused		(Skip to S12b) (Skip to S12b) (Skip to S12b) (Skip to S12b) (Skip to CK—S13-S17)

S12b	Did (you/veteran’s name) find the transition program useful in providing information on topics OTHER THAN employment and job-training, topics such as VA educational, medical or housing benefits?
	<1> YES <2> NO <3> Other [Specify: ________________.] <D> Don’t know <R> Refused	(Skip to S12c) (Skip to S12c) (Skip to S12c) (Skip to S12c) (Skip to CK—S13-S17)

S12c	Thinking back, what advice or information provided during the transition workshop proved to be most useful to (you/him/her) after leaving military service? [CHECK ALL THAT APPLY]
	DO NOT READ LIST OF RESPONSE OPTIONS
	<1> advice on JOB-SEARCH behavior and strategies—for example, NETWORKING
	<2> advice on ways to improve JOB interviewing skills
	<3> advice on RESUME WRITING
	<4> information on VETERANS BENEFITS (e.g., medical, education, housing)
	<5> information on availability of UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
	<6> importance of copying SERVICE and MEDICAL RECORDS
	<7> importance of developing a civilian mind-set
	<8> Nothing: did not find any advice or information to be useful
	<9> Other [Specify: ___________________________.]
	<D> Don’t know <R> Refused
	Note: All entries skip to S12d.

S12d	How might the transition workshop be improved to make it more useful to veterans? [CHECK ALL THAT APPLY]
	DO NOT READ LIST OF RESPONSE OPTIONS
	<1> Make workshop mandatory
	<2> Lengthen workshop by a day or two
	<3> Offer workshop SIX MONTHS (OR MORE) PRIOR to discharge
	<4> Provide participants with syllabus prior to attending TAP
	<5> Limit attendance at workshop (e.g., no more than fifty attendees)
	<6> Update/Improve the TAP manual periodically
	<7> Improve the INTERVIEW-SKILL or JOB-INTERVIEW SIMULATIONS
	<8> Improve quality of workshop instructors and/or workshop PRESENTATIONS
	<9> Include presentations by EMPLOYERS and HUMAN RESOURCE professionals
	<10> Include presentations by FORMER TAP ATTENDEES who are now working in the civilian labor force
	<11> Develop a TAP website and/or TAP VIDEOS/CDs for use after discharge
	<12> Increase Command support for TAP workshop
	<13> Involve/include SPOUSES at workshops
	<14> NO SUGGESTIONS to improve
	<15> Other [Specify:____________________________}
	<D> Don’t know <R> Refused
	Note: All entries skip to CK—S13-S17.
S12e	[ Deleted ]

S12f	Why didn’t (you/veteran’s name) attend one of these transition workshops? [CHECK ALL THAT APPLY]
	DO NOT READ LIST OF RESPONSE OPTIONS
	<1> Already had job waiting after discharge
	<2> Did not know DATE OR TIME of workshop or found out too late
	<3> Thought workshop would be a waste of time
	<4> Could not attend workshop when offered or conflict with mission
	<5> TAP workshop was NOT OFFERED at base
	<6> Had plans to attend college or job-training Program
	<7> Commanding officer would not authorize attendance or did not support transition workshop
	<8> NEVER HEARD OF transition workshops/DID NOT KNOW THEY EXISTED
	<9> Other [Specify: ___________________________.]
	<D> Don’t know <R> Refused
	Note: All entries skip to CK—S13-S17.

CK—S13-S17	If person is 65 years of age or older: END QUESTIONS All others: Go to TR—S13.
TR—S13	“The next questions request information about FORMAL job training. During such training, which is structured and planned in advance, individuals are taught job skills or given information that helps them learn how to do specific jobs better. Schooling or course work taken to improve job prospects or performance does count as formal job training.” [Go to CK—S13.]
CK—S13	If entry in S10 is 2004 2006 or later: Read fill information in first bracket in S13. If entry in S10 is 2003 2005 or earlier, or if entry is D or R: Read fill information in second bracket in S13.

S13	[Since leaving active duty in the armed forces] [At any time in the past four years,] (have you) (has veteran’s name) tried to obtain formal job training or job-related schooling?
	[Note to Interviewers: Any high-school, college- or graduate-level course work taken to improve job prospects, knowledge, or skills DOES COUNT as formal job training.]
	<1> YES <2> NO <D> Don’t know <R> Refused	(Skip to 13a) (Skip to TR—S14) (Skip to TR—S14) (Skip to TR—S14)
S13a	(Were you) (Was veteran’s name) able to obtain the training or schooling (you were) (she/he was) seeking?
	<1> YES <2> NO <3> Training or schooling in progress <4> Other [Specify: _________________.] <D> Don’t know <R> Refused		(Skip to TR—S14) (Skip to S13b) (Skip to TR—S14) (Skip to TR—S14) (Skip to TR—S14) (Skip to TR—S14)

S13b	For what reason (were you) (was veteran’s name) unable to obtain the training or schooling that (you were) (she/he was) seeking? [CHECK ALL THAT APPLY]
	DO NOT READ LIST OF RESPONSE OPTIONS
	<1> CONFLICT with job responsibilities
	<2> EMPLOYER would not support training/schooling (e.g., no funding; no time off)
	<3> FAMILY OBLIGATIONS
	<4> Veteran did not meet entry requirements for training/schooling
	<5> Veteran could NOT AFFORD cost of training/schooling
	<6> Location or timing of training/schooling inconvenient for veteran
	<7> Type of training/schooling NOT COVERED by VA benefit programs
	<8> Type of training/schooling desired by veteran was NOT AVAILABLE
	<9> Information on training/schooling provided by employment specialists was inaccurate
	<10> Other [Specify: _______________________________.]
	<D> Don’t know <R> Refused
	Note: All entries skip to S13c.

S13c	What specific type of training or schooling (were you) (was veteran’s name) unable to obtain and still need? [CHECK ALL THAT APPLY]
	DO NOT READ LIST OF RESPONSE OPTIONS
	<1> Computer procedures, programming or software training
	<2> Clerical or administrative SUPPORT skills training
	<3> Management training
	<4> Professional (law, medicine) or technical skills training
	<5> Production or construction related training
	<6> Sales or customer relations training
	<7> Service-industry-related training
	<8> Communications, employee development, or quality improvement training
	<9> Occupational safety training
	<10> BASIC SKILLS training (e.g., writing, reading, arithmetic, or language training)
	<11> Other [Specify: _______________________________.]
	<D> Don’t know <R> Refused
	Note: All entries skip to TR—14.

TR—S14	“The following questions request information on any assistance (you/veteran’s name) may have sought in finding a job or obtaining job-related training from specialists at a state WORKFORCE or employment service agency. In various states, these employment service agencies are also sometimes known as ‘job service,’ ‘unemployment offices,’ or ‘one-stop service centers.’” [Go to CK—S14.]
CK—S14	If entry in S10 is 2004 2006 or later: Read fill information in first bracket of S14. If entry in S10 is 2003 2005 or earlier, or if entry is D or R: Read fill information in second bracket of S14.
S14	[Since leaving active duty in the armed forces] [At any time in the past four years,] (have you) (has veteran’s name) made face-to-face or telephone contact with a state workforce or employment-service specialist for assistance in finding a job or obtaining job-related training?
	<1> YES <2> NO <3> Other [Specify: _____________.] <D> Don’t know <R> Refused	(Skip to 14a) (Skip to CK—S15) (Skip to CK—S15) (Skip to CK—S15) (Skip to CK—S15)

S14a	Was the personal assistance provided by the employment specialist helpful in identifying employment opportunities, applying for jobs, getting a job, or obtaining the job-related training (you were) (she/he was) seeking?
	<1> YES <2> NO <3> Other [Specify: ______________.] <D> Don’t know <R> Refused		(Skip to CK—S15) (Skip to CK—S15) (Skip to CK—S15) (Skip to CK—S15) (Skip to CK—S15)
CK—S15	If entry in S10 is 2004 2006 or later: Read fill information in first bracket. If entry in S10 is 2003 2005 or earlier, or if entry is D or R: Read fill information in second bracket.
S15	[Since leaving active duty in the armed forces] [At any time in the past four years,] (have you) (has veteran’s name) visited a state workforce or employment-service office or logged onto one of their internet websites to review reference materials on job openings, training opportunities, or higher-education options?
	<1> YES <2> NO <3> Other [Specify: _____________.] <D> Don’t know <R> Refused	(Skip to S15a ) (Skip to CK—S16) (Skip to CK—S16) (Skip to CK—S16) (Skip to CK—S16)

S15a	Was the information available at the employment service office or website useful in identifying employment or job training opportunities, in applying for jobs, or in getting the job or the training (you were) (she/he was) seeking?
	<1> YES <2> NO <3> Other [Specify: ______________.] <D> Don’t know <R> Refused	(Skip to CK—S16) (Skip to CK—S16) (Skip to CK—S16) (Skip to CK—S16) (Skip to CK—S16)

CK—S16	If entry in S10 is 2004 2006 or later: Read fill information in first bracket. If entry in S10 is 2003 2005 or earlier, or if entry is D or R: Read fill information in second bracket.
S16	[Since leaving active duty in the armed forces] [At any time in the past four years,] (have you) (has veteran’s name) used any other strategies for finding a job or obtaining job-related training, such as networking, checking the internet, responding to newspaper ads, contacting a private employment service, or seeking employment through a temporary-staffing agency?
	<1> YES <2> NO <3> Other [Specify: _____________.] <D> Don’t know <R> Refused	(Skip to S16a ) (Skip to CK1—S17) (Skip to CK1—S17) (Skip to CK1—S17) (Skip to CK1—S17)

S16a	Were any of these strategies useful in identifying employment opportunities, applying for jobs, getting a job, or obtaining the job-related training (you were) (she/he was) seeking?
	<1> YES <2> NO <3> Other [Specify: ______________.] <D> Don’t know <R> Refused	(Skip to CK1—S17) (Skip to CK1—S17) (Skip to CK1—S17) (Skip to CK1—S17) (Skip to CK1—S17)
CK1—S17	If PUMLR = 1 or 2 (employed): END QUESTIONS. All others: Go to CK2—S17.
CK2—S17	If S14 equals ‘yes’ <1>, ‘other’ <3>, <D> or <R>: END QUESTIONS. If S14 equals ‘no’ <2>: Go to CK3—S17 and then ask S17.
CK3—S17	If entry in S10 is 2004 2006 or later: Read fill information in first bracket in S17. If entry in S10 is 2003 2005 or earlier, or if entry is D or R: Read fill information in second bracket in S17.

S17	Earlier you mentioned that (you/veteran’s name) did not make face-to-face or telephone contact with a state-employment-service specialist for assistance in finding a job or obtaining job-related training [since leaving active duty in the armed forces.] [at any time in the past four years.] Why did (you/he/she) choose NOT to do so? [CHECK ALL THAT APPLY]
	DO NOT READ LIST OF RESPONSE OPTIONS
	<1> Already have JOB lined up	(End Questions)
	<2> Was not looking for JOB or WORK; did not want to work	(End Questions)
	<3> Have FAMILY OBLIGATIONS	(End Questions)
	<4> Disabled or unable to work	(End Questions)
	<5> Did not think specialist could help (no faith in system)	(End Questions)
	<6> Contacted VA or other government office for help	(End Questions)
	<7> Pride or STIGMA associated with going to “unemployment office”	(End Questions)
	<8> Could not find employment service office	(End Questions)
	<9> Specialists do not have information on GOOD JOBS	(End Questions)
	<10> Was unaware of services provided employment offices and their specialists
	<11> Too OLD to re-train, go back to school, or switch occupations	(End Questions)
	<12> Prefer or had access to internet or job websites	(End Questions)
	<13> Other [Specify: ____________________________.]	(End Questions)
	<D> Don’t know <R> Refused	(End Questions) (End Questions)