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Operation Warfighter (OWF)

Connecting wounded, ill, or injured Service members to meaningful federal internships.

3-5 Month Placements

20-40 Hours/Week

Military Pay Continues

90+ Federal Agency Partners

OVERVIEW

Operation Warfighter (OWF) is a Department of Defense internship program that matches qualified wounded, ill, and injured service members with federal internships in order for them to gain valuable work experience during their recovery and rehabilitation. OWF assists service members’ reintegration to duty or transition into the civilian work environment by developing skills, knowledge, and experience in a non-military setting.

ELIGIBILITY

Enrolled in the Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES)

OR

Enrolled in a Military Service or SOCOM Warrior Care program

AND

Commander and medical approval

Service Members

  • Eligibility
  • How to get started
  • Testimonials
LEARN MORE

Commanders

  • Eligibility
  • Why to approve
  • DoD policy
LEARN MORE

Federal Agencies

  • Why host an intern
  • Benefits for your agency
  • How to partner
LEARN MORE
Step-by-Step: How to Participate
Step 1: Meet Your Regional OWF Coordinator

Find and connect with your Regional OWF Coordinator to begin the process. Your coordinator will guide you through internship opportunities and application steps.

Step 2: Get Medical & Command Approval

Secure both medical and command approval to participate in the Operation Warfighter internship program.

Step 3: Match to Internship & Begin Onboarding

Once approved, you’ll be matched with a federal agency internship that fits your skills and interests. Begin your onboarding with support from your coordinator.

Step 4: Start Internship & Work With Mentor

Start your internship and receive mentorship while gaining valuable work experience that supports your recovery and transition.

Step 5: Transition to Civilian Career or Active Duty

Use your internship experience to transition successfully back to active duty or into a civilian career.

What to Expect

Participants can expect hands-on federal internship experience that aligns with their recovery goals. You’ll gain skills, mentorship, and career readiness for your next chapter.

Testimonials & Success Stories

Read how other recovering Service Members have successfully transitioned through the OWF program.

CW03 Felipe D’Neri Lara

SPC Lauryn Robinson

LTC Jody Robertson

MSG Damon Glover

SPC Nicole Rodriguez

SrA Hector Bernal Canzales

Education and Employment Initiative (E2I)

Connecting recovering Service members to education and career opportunities for a successful transition. 

Skills Assessment

Career Counseling

Education Pathways

Agency & School Partners

OVERVIEW

The Education and Employment Initiative (E2I) is key program under the Office of Warrior Care Recovery Coordination Program (RCP). E2I assists RSMs early in their recovery by identifying their skills and pairing them with education and career opportunities that support long-term success. 

ELIGIBILITY

Enrolled in the Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES)

OR

Enrolled in a Military Service or SOCOM Warrior Care program

AND

Commander and medical approval

Service Members

  • Eligibility
  • How to get started
  • Career & Education Resources
LEARN MORE

Commanders

  • Program Benefits
  • How to Support RSM
  • DoD Policy Guidance
LEARN MORE

Federal & Educational Agencies

  • Why partner with E2I
  • Benefits for your Organization
  • How to partner
LEARN MORE
Step-by-Step: How to Participate
Step 1: Meet Your Regional E2I Coordinator

Find and connect with your Regional E2I Coordinator to begin the process. Your coordinator will guide you through opportunities and application steps.

Step 2: Get Medical & Command Approval

Secure both medical and command approval to participate in the E2I program.

Step 3: Skill & Career Assessment

Once approved, you’ll be matched with a regional coordinator that'll assess your skills and interests. 

Step 4: Work With Mentor

Receive mentorship while gaining valuable educational experience that supports your recovery and transition.

Step 5: Transition to Civilian Career or Active Duty

Use your experience to transition successfully back to active duty or into a civilian career.

What to Expect

Participants can expect hands-on federal internship experience that aligns with their recovery goals. You’ll gain skills, mentorship, and career readiness for your next chapter.

E2I Testimonials & Success Stories

Hear from recovering Service Members who advanced their education and careers with support from E2I.

SGT Pauly Russo

“E2I helped me discover new career options I never considered before.”

SSG Dick Hallorann

“The education counseling was exactly what I needed to move forward.”

CPT Taylour Paige

“My coordinator made the whole transition feel manageable.”

SPC Rebecca Lane

“E2I helped me find an academic program that matched my long-term goals.”

CW2 Marcus Fields

“Their guidance on translating my military experience was invaluable.”

LCpl Tiana Brooks

“E2I really boosted my confidence in navigating the job market.”