Why is it that whenever employers hear military, they look the other way when it comes to hiring?

I think it depends on the job being applied for. I have been involved in Corrections, Law Enforcement and Security all of which value a military background because most that have that experience are usually indoctrinated into rank structure, chain of command, personal accountability, attention to detail and a dedication to mission accomplishment. I have also worked in retail sales and higher learning both of which placed no value on my military experience but did not hold it against me. The only reason that I can see any employer holding military against anyone would be that they are looking for a person that is a total conformist without the desire to seek upward mobility and is inhibited in exercising self initiative. These type of people are perfect for the service industry and are best for a task oriented job performance.

A few thoughts/comments:
- I disagree with the general statement that employers look the other way when it comes to hiring and they hear military. In some cases this is absolutely wrong but in same cases it is true. In some cases it may have more to do with the individual than with their military present/past status and using the military is a ready excuse for the individual to cover some other weakness or reason for not being hired.
- In cases where this statement is wrong, the employer is actively seeking former military members for a variety of reasons (work ethic, discipline, veteran's preference, cheaper to employ (health care)).
- In cases where this statement is true, it can be because the person is in the National Guard/Reserve (employer does not want to deal with weekend drills, ATs, and activations), can not fire a NG/R employee because of their service so easier to just not hire in the first place.
- I recommend a critical self analysis or an objective macro analysis before coming to the conclusion that employers do not want former military personnel.

When I was a senior Fed attending Small Business fairs, Vets tended to have some hurdles. These small outfits with say 5-15 employees don't have time to deal with reprogramming culture, etc. Yes MILs have much to offer, but they didn't want the risk of bringing them aboard. Larger firms have the mass to absorb what the small firms fear. I also saw some ego fear in that MILs can be really good, hence a threat. Regardless, with the SBs, it appears to be more of a mixed bag.