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Partner with Operation Warfighter to connect with an unparalleled talent pool of recovering Service members.
Becoming an OWF partner is a simple process. It begins with a conversation with our team to discuss your agency's needs and how our talented RSMs can contribute to your mission. The first step is to review and sign the Partnership Agreement below.
The formal, one-time agreement required to host an OWF intern.
Operation Warfighter (OWF) connects federal agencies and partners with highly skilled and motivated recovering Service members (RSMs). This partnership is a no-cost way to evaluate potential hires, fill critical skills gaps, and support the professional and educational development of our nation's heroes. Join over 100 federal agencies that are already strengthening their workforce while making a meaningful impact on the lives of those who have served.
Tap into a pool of dedicated, highly trained active-duty service members with diverse skill sets and a strong work ethic.
Gain valuable support in key functional areas, contributing to your agency's mission objectives.
Interns are fully compensated by the DoD, eliminating any salary or benefits costs for your agency.
Provide a meaningful opportunity for wounded, ill, or injured service members to regain confidence, develop new skills, and successfully transition to civilian life.
Assess interns for potential future employment opportunities within your agency.
OWF is identified as an HR best practice that federal agencies must adopt. Click here to view.
RSM requests to participate in OWF.
RSM submits completed OWF Approval for Participation and resume to OWF Regional Coordinator.
Application Approved: Moves to Placement Phase
Application Not Approved: Process Stops
OWF RC matches internship opportunities for the RSM based on interests and capabilities.
The agency and the RSM conduct interview(s).
The RSM accepts placement, and the agency coordinates internship requirements.
The agency submits the OWF Placement Form to the OWF RC.
Agency submits the completed Individual Development Plan (IDP) to the OWF Regional Coordinator.
Internship Begins
The OWF RC conducts regular check-ins and IDP reviews with both the Service Member and the agency supervisor.
The agency provides a Record of Achievement to the RSM to document their accomplishments.
Agency and RSM complete the OWF Experience Survey.
A concise summary of OWF's goals, benefits, and processes.
The formal, one-time agreement required for an agency to host an OWF intern.
An in-depth presentation on the operational framework and impact of the programs.
An online questionnaire to obtain Agency's feedback on their experience.
Operation Warfighter is a Department of Defense (DoD) internship program for recovering Service members. It provides opportunities to gain valuable work experience in a federal agency during their rehabilitation. These internships help them develop professional skills in a federal workplace.
Service members from all branches and components are eligible if they are assigned to a service's Wounded Warrior program or enrolled in the Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES).
All federal agencies are eligible to host OWF interns. Participation is at no cost to the agency. Since 2008, OWF has placed interns in more than 200 federal agencies nationwide.
No. There is no cost to the federal agency. OWF is a non-paid internship program designed to help recovering service members gain valuable skills while they continue to receive their military pay and benefits.
Internships last as long as the Service Member is on active duty and meets eligibility requirements. The medical board process, which averages about 180 days, typically defines the window of availability, so agencies are encouraged to act with urgency.
OWF interns commit to a minimum of 20 hours per week for at least three months. Some interns may be available full-time until their last day of active duty or until they are found fit and return to duty.
Yes. Agencies are expected to provide flexibility to accommodate the intern’s medical appointments and unit requirements. If needed, the agency may request a copy of an appointment slip to confirm medical-related absences.
Yes. Most candidates hold at least a Secret clearance, and many possess Top Secret/SCI (TS/SCI) clearances.
No, but agencies may offer full-time employment if an opportunity is available. Many candidates receive a VA disability rating of 30% or higher, which can qualify them for certain direct-hire authorities.
No. An OWF internship ends when the Service Member separates, retires, or is found fit to return to duty.
If any issues arise, the agency supervisor should immediately contact the OWF Regional Coordinator (RC). The RC will work with both the agency and the intern to resolve the issue and ensure the internship is a positive experience for everyone.
Department of Defense Instruction (DoDI) 1300.25 is the primary document that governs both OWF and the Education & Employment Initiative (E2I).
The process is simple and requires only four forms:
Read how other recovering Service Members have successfully transitioned through the OWF program.