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NRO Involvement
The NRO is an active supporter of the DoD Operation Warfighter Program and has identified more than 70 government internship positions for OWF wounded warriors to fill. Assignments offer unique job opportunities, professional training, career growth, and personal development. At the NRO, interns have the opportunity to work in an integrated Intelligence environment on highly classified national security programs.
The NRO headquarters in Chantilly, Virginia provides employees with a premier environment that includes a library, professional training, a medical center, a career development center, an employee assistance program, and a fitness center.
The NRO benefits greatly from the experience and the perspective that wounded warriors bring. The Director National Reconnaissance Office (DNRO), Scott Large has stated, "OWF provides us the considerable talent and dedication of recuperating service members and allows us the opportunity to provide a supportive work environment for our nation's heroes." This mutual benefit is also understood and appreciated by OWF internship participants. When asked about the best aspects of his NRO internship, former intern and now retired Army Captain Eivind Forseth said, "I was exposed to many opportunities that I would not normally be exposed to without the internship. I was able to use certain skills here that are different from skills that I would use on the battlefield. Participating in the internship has opened up a whole new opportunity for me and my future. Most importantly this internship helped me utilize some of my skills to support the warfighter at a different level. I come from an operational background, not intelligence. Working at the NRO gave me the knowledge base to work in an intelligence career; it is a great introduction to the Intelligence Community."
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Inquire about Internship Opportunities at the NRO
The NRO sponsors bi-annual career fairs to showcase internship opportunities for service members who are convalescing at military treatment facilities in the National Capital Region. During the career fair, participants have the opportunity to meet NRO senior leaders, learn about the missions of the various offices, and inquire about available internship opportunities. The next career fair is scheduled for 14 November 2008.
If intersted in OWF internship opportunties at the National Reconnaissance Office, please contact Torland Wingfield at 703-808-5450 or Melissa Hawkes at 703-808-5437.
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About the Program
Paving the Road to the Future for America's Wounded Warriors.
The Department of Defense is sponsoring Operation Warfighter (OWF), a temporary assignment/internship program for Service members that are rehabilitating at military treatment facilities in the National Capital Region.
OWF is designed to provide recuperating Service members with meaningful activity outside of the hospital environment that assists in their wellness and offers a formal means of transition back to the military or civilian workforce.
OWF represents a great opportunity for Service members on medical hold to build their resumes, explore employment interests, develop job skills, and gain valuable federal government work experience that will help prepare them for the future. The program simultaneously enables participating federal agencies to avail themselves to the considerable talent and dedication of these recuperating Service members.
OWF will also assist those Service members interested in the Continue On Active Duty (COAD) process of the MEB. This process keeps Service members in uniform and allows them rank progression and professional development that can lead to a successful and continued career in the Services.
Open to Active Duty, National Guard, and Reserve components, the program's goal is to match Service members with opportunities that consider their interests and utilize both their military and non-military skills, resulting in creation of productive assignments that are beneficial to both the Service member and the employer.
The program's goal is to match Service members with opportunities that consider their interests and utilize both their military and non-military skills, thereby creating productive assignments that are beneficial to both the Service member and the employer.
Duty schedules for OWF participants are dependent upon the candidate's individual treatment schedule. The average length of an assignment, however, is 3 months, and the average number of hours per week is 20. When placed, Service members will do their best to determine approximate work schedules, but these schedules must be flexible and considerate of the candidate's medical appointments. Under no circumstance will any OWF assignment interfere with a Service member's medical treatment or adversely affect the well-being and recuperation of OWF participants.
There is no promise of permanent employment with an agency upon the completion of an OWF assignment. Some participants will remain in military service, but many will separate and look for civilian employment. Operation Warfighter works in unison with the Department of Labor and the Office of Personnel Management. Our joint goal is to recruit federal and private employers and place injured Service members in appropriate education, training and careers. Agencies are asked to assist in any way they can.
Operation Warfighter is not just about employment. For many recovering Service members, the program represents their first work experience outside of the cocoon-like environment of the hospital. Placing these Service members in supportive work settings that positively impact their recuperation is the underlying purpose of the Operation Warfighter program.
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FAQ's
How do I apply for an internship at the NRO?
If intersted in OWF internship opportunties at the National Reconnaissance Office, please contact Torland Wingfield at 703-808-5450 or Melissa Hawkes at 703-808-5437.
Do I need a clearance?
No clearance is needed to apply. We will put you in for one at our expense.
How long does the NRO clearance process take?
Once paperwork has been received, the clearance process can take anywhere from 30-60 days on average.
How many hours do I have to work?
Duty schedules for OWF participants are dependent upon the candidate's individual treatment schedule. The average length of an assignment, however, is 3 months, and the average number of hours per week is 20. When placed, Service members will do their best to determine approximate work schedules, but these schedules must be flexible and considerate of the candidate's medical appointments. Under no circumstance will any OWF assignment interfere with a Service member's medical treatment or adversely affect the well-being and recuperation of OWF participants.
Will transportation be provided?
Transportation assistance will be provided by the DOD Operation Warfighter Program.
Can I get specialized accommodations and equipment?
Specialized accommodations and equipment are available through both the DOD and the NRO.
Will this lead to permanent employment?
There is no promise of permanent employment with an agency upon the completion of an OWF assignment. Some participants will remain in military service, but many will separate and look for civilian employment. Our goal is to recruit federal and private employers to place injured Service members in appropriate education, training, and careers. Agencies are asked to assist in any way they can.
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Useful Links
Operation Warfighter
http://www.militaryhomefront.dod.mil/operationwarfighter
Military Homefront
http://www.militaryhomefront.dod.mil/
Salute America's Heroes
http://www.saluteheroes.org/
U.S Department of Veterans Affairs-Coming Home to Work
http://www.vetsuccess.gov/cominghome/
U.S. Department of Labor- Veterans' Employment & Training Service
http://www.dol.gov/vets/
U.S. Army Wounded Warrior Program
http://aw2portal.com/
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