Operation Warfighter (OWF):
Partnering with Federal Agencies

Partner with OWF to connect with an unparalleled talent pool of recovering Service members (RSMs).

How to Become a Partner

Becoming an OWF partner is a simple process that begins with a conversation with our team to discuss your agency's needs and how recovering Service members (RSMs) can support your organization through internship opportunities. RSMs participating in OWF bring leadership, technical expertise, and mission-focused experience while gaining valuable federal work experience during recovery and transition.

The first step is to review and sign the Partnership Agreement below.

OWF Partnership Agreement

The formal, one-time agreement required to host an OWF intern.

View/Download

Once the partnership agreement is reviewed and signed, the OWF team will begin matching qualified RSMs with your agency's internship opportunities.

Let's Get Started

To establish an internship opportunity, please consider the following five steps. OWF internships are flexible and can be tailored to meet your agency's needs.

Step 1: Identify Roles

Identify potential internship roles within your agency that support your mission needs.

Step 2: Outline Qualifications

Outline the desired qualifications, skills, or experience you are looking for in an intern.

Step 3: Determine Capacity

Determine how many interns your agency has the capacity to host at one time.

Step 4: Provide Location

Provide the physical work location or indicate if the opportunity can be remote or hybrid.

Step 5: Identify Clearance Levels

Identify any required security clearance levels for the potential internship roles.

A Strategic Partnership for a Stronger Federal Workforce

OWF connects federal agencies and partners with highly skilled and motivated 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 wounded warriors. Join over 100 federal agencies that are already strengthening their workforce while making a meaningful impact on the lives of those who have served.

Why Host an OWF Intern?

Access a Skilled Talent Pool

Tap into a pool of dedicated, highly trained active-duty service members with diverse skill sets and a strong work ethic.

Mission Enhancement

Gain valuable support in key functional areas, contributing to your agency's mission objectives.

Cost-Effective Solution

RSM interns continue to receive their compensation and benefits by the DoD. This allows your agency to host skilled individuals without any impact on your budget. 

Invest in Wounded Warrior Success

Provide a meaningful opportunity for wounded, ill, or injured service members to regain confidence, develop new skills, and successfully transition to civilian life.

Evaluate Potential Long-Term Talent

Assess interns for potential future employment opportunities within your agency.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Operation Warfighter (OWF)?

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.

Who is eligible to participate?

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).

What agencies can participate?

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.

Is there a cost for the host agency?

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.

How long do internships last?

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.

What is the time commitment for an intern?

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.

Is the schedule flexible?

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.

Do interns have security clearances?

Yes. Most candidates hold at least a Secret clearance, and many possess Top Secret/SCI (TS/SCI) clearances.

Is the agency required to offer employment?

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.

Can a Service member intern after separating or retiring?

No. An OWF internship ends when the Service Member separates, retires, or is found fit to return to duty.

What should we do if an issue arises during an internship?

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.

What policy governs OWF?

Department of Defense Instruction (DoDI) 1300.25 is the policy that governs both Operation Warfighter (OWF) and the Education & Employment Initiative (E2I).

How many forms are required for an agency to participate?

The process is simple and requires only four forms:

  • Partnership Agreement: A one-time form kept on record.
  • OWF Placement Form: Completed for each internship.
  • Individual Development Plan (IDP): Outlines goals for the internship.
  • OWF Experience Survey: A feedback form completed at the end.

Informational Documents

OWF Factsheet

A concise summary of OWF's goals, benefits, and processes.

View/Download

OWF Partnership Agreement

The formal, one-time agreement required for an agency to host an OWF intern.

View/Download

OWF Federal Agency Factsheet

A concise summary of OWF's goals, benefits, and processes.

View/Download

E2I & OWF Leadership Briefing

An in-depth presentation on the operational framework and impact of the programs.

View/Download

OWF Experience Form

An online questionnaire to obtain Agency's feedback on their experience.

Open Form
Testimonials & Success Stories

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

Department of Interior (DOI) - U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Department of Justice (DOJ) - U.S. Marshals Service

Department of State (DOS) - Bureau of Diplomatic Security

MSG Damon Glover

SPC Nicole Rodriguez

SrA Hector Bernal Canzales

Federal Agency Partner Directory

A comprehensive list of federal departments and agencies that partner with Operation Warfighter (OWF).

C D E G N O S U

C

Congressional Office
  • Department Headquarters

D

Department of Agriculture (USDA)
  • Food and Nutrition Service
  • Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)
  • Forest Service
Department of Commerce (DOC)
  • Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA)
  • National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
  • National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
  • United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)
  • International Trade Administration (ITA)
  • National Technical Information Service (NTIS)
Department of Defense (DOD)
  • Department HQ
  • Air Force
  • Army
  • Navy
  • Marine Corps
  • SOCOM
  • Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS)
  • Defense Health Agency (DHA)
  • Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA)
  • Defense Logistics Agency (DLA)
  • National Security Agency (NSA)
  • Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA)
  • National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA)
  • National Reconnaissance Office (NRO)
Department of Energy (DOE)
  • National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
  • National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
  • U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
  • U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
  • Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
  • U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)
  • Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
  • Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
  • Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)
  • US Secret Service (USSS)
Department of Justice (DOJ)
  • Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
  • Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
  • Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
  • U.S. Marshals Service (USMS)
  • Bureau of Prisons (BOP)
Department of Labor (DOL)
  • Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
  • Wage and Hour Division (WHD)
  • Veteran Employment and Training Service (VETS)
Department of Transportation (DOT)
  • Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
  • Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
  • Maritime Administration (MARAD)
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
  • Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
  • Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Department of the Interior (DOI)
  • National Park Service (NPS)
  • Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
  • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS)
  • U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
  • Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)
  • Bureau of Reclamation (BOR)
Department of the Treasury
  • Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

E

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
  • Department Headquarters

G

General Services Administration (GSA)
  • Department Headquarters

N

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
  • Department Headquarters

O

Office of Personnel Management (OPM)
  • Department Headquarters

S

Small Business Administration (SBA)
  • Department Headquarters
Smithsonian Institution
  • Department Headquarters
Social Security Administrations (SSA)
  • Department Headquarters

U

U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC)
  • Department Headquarters
U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC)
  • Department Headquarters
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
  • Department Headquarters
United States Postal Service (USPS)
  • Department Headquarters