Military guys tend to have a broader experience of flying even if the quantity of their hours aren’t nearly as much. The flying they do tends to be more dynamic and skill intensive as well compared to point A to B Airways flying in an ATC controlled environment. They also are used to contributing to the success of the organization outside of just flying (leadership rolls etc.).

Military pilots also have experience going through and successfully completing standardized flight training syllabus. Overall It is not impossible or overly difficult for a military pilot to make the transition to flying 121.

Also, one of my previous employers also recieved tax breaks for hiring recently seperate s vets (within 3 years) who were unemployed for 30 or more days- it wouldn’t be surprising if airlines carried statistics on veteran hiring (I know they do for other minority demographics) to use to bid for government Travel contracts (every government Travel arrangement is paid at full fare so worth 4 ticket sales at the non refundable rate).

Overall, Airlines see the military as a pathway to produce pilots that are successful both and training and flying the line.