Return & Reintegration for Civillian Employers of US Navy Reservists

Employers of military reserve and national guard personnel play a crucial role in a succesful mobilization followed by a succesful return, reunion, and reintegration. Strong communication between the employer and the Service member are beneficial to both parties.  The information below hilights pertinent facts from the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA) and the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, ESGR, as well tips and checklists to reintegrate the Service member back into your business.

Know-Before-They-Return Checklists

• Understand your obligations as an employer
• Understand your returning employee's obligation to you:

Tips & Best Practices

• See if you qualify for Military Reservist Economic Injury Loans (MREIDL).  MREIDL provides funds to help an eligible small business meet its ordinary and necessary operating expenses that it could have met, but is unable to, because an essential employee was called-up to active duty in his or her role as a military reservist.
• Consider leading the office to put on a "welcome back" activity for your returning employee. It is not uncommon for employees who stayed behind to subtly resent IA Sailors who left them with additional work due to mobilization. Public recognition of the sacrifices made by the IA Sailor and his or her family can help set the tone for a succesful reintegration.

Want to Know More?

• USERRA - Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994
• USERRA 101 online course for business provided by DoL
• ESGR Employer Resource Guide
• ESGR PowerPoint USERRA presentation for Employers
• ESGR USERRA Fact Sheet
• ESGR's USERRA FAQ
• DoJ Handbook for USERRA for Employers
• DoL REALifelines: Veterans' Employment and Career Transition Advisor