RESOURCES FOR FEDERAL EMPLOYERS

While many wounded, ill, and injured servicemembers return to duty, many separate from service and look forward to contributing as productive members of our society. These highly-trained professionals are ready to contribute to any agency. Employers can help them get there by considering their qualifications matched to the human capital needs.

How Do I Hire a Wounded Warrior?

While employers can hire wounded, ill, and injured Veterans through the traditional government hiring process, federal hiring authorities and internship opportunities are available to expedite hiring and other opportunities for wounded, ill, and injured servicemembers. Additionally, hiring a wounded warrior or Veteran helps employers meet the intent of two Executive Orders:

Federal Internships

Establishing an internship is an exceptionally valuable approach, for both the Soldier and the federal agency.

Operation Warfighter is a program through the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) allowing wounded, ill, and injured servicemembers to complete internships at federal agency offices. Contact the Operation Warfighter program manager at (703) 428-7573 or email PR-OperationWarFighter@osd.mil@osd.mil to learn more about creating internship opportunities.
Non-Paid Work Experience (NPWE) is a Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) program that allows federal agencies to provide valuable experience to wounded Veterans. At no cost to the agency and without counting against full-time equivalents, NPWE helps Veterans strengthen skills on-the-job, with the ultimate goal of helping them obtain full-time permanent employment. For more information about NPWE, contact the regional VA/VetSuccess Employment Coordinator—a list can be found at www.vetsuccess.gov/assets/VR&E_Employment_Coordinators_list.xls .

Veterans Employment Program Officers (VEPOs)

Did you know that 27 federal agencies have Veterans Employment Program Officers (VEPOs) to assist in the hiring of Veterans and wounded warriors? Information on these agencies and the VEPO assigned to each can be found at http://www.fedshirevets.gov/AgencyDirectory/index.aspx.

Additional Resources on Special Hiring Authorities

Special Hiring Authorities can help employers bring wounded Veterans into the federal workforce faster. The two main special hiring authorities include:

To learn more, two U.S. Office of Personnel Management websites offer information and resources on the special hiring authorities, including Schedule A:

Bite-Sized Training for the Harried Professional (http://golearn.gov/HiringReform/index.htm) offers a series of online training explaining the hiring authorities.

Contact Us

For more information on how the Warrior Transition Command can help employers bring wounded warriors, Veterans, or military Families into the federal workforce, contact:

Phone: (703) 325-8999

Email: usarmy.pentagon.medcom-WTC.mbx.career-education-readiness-br@mail.mil