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Caregiver Resource Directory Empowering military caregivers with information about national-level resources and programs
DOD Wounded, Ill, and/or Injured Compensation and Benefits Handbook Provides Service members and their support networks with a reference guide to compensation and benefits, and answers to some of the most pressing questions that arise for wounded, ill, and/or injured Service members.
E2I/OWF Regional Coordinators Map Contact information for regional coordinators supporting the E2I/OWF programs
Integrated Disability Evaluation System Determines if ill, or injured Service members are fit for continued Military service and provides disability benefits to Service members and veterans, if appropriate
National Resource Directory Providing access to resources to support recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration

Describe yourself! At Warrior Care, we want to be able to better service the Recovering Military Community by knowing who our audience is and what brings you to our site.

Operation Warfighter (OWF): A Commander's Guide

Learn how OWF serves as a powerful management tool to support your Service Members' recovery, readiness, and successful transition.

How OWF Supports the Command Mission

Operation Warfighter (OWF) supports the command's mission by helping recovering Service members (RSMs) remain productive and mission-focused during rehabilitation while preparing for a successful transition or reintegration. Through structured internships with federal agencies, RSMs gain valuable civilian work experience, develop career skills, and build professional networks.

OWF also supports the command by providing a constructive duty assignment that accommodates medical appointments and recovery requirements while maintaining accountability to the unit. This ensures RSMs continue to contribute in a meaningful way while preparing for future employment or education opportunities.

How Leadership Can Support OWF Participation

Command support is crucial for the success of a RSM's internship. Here are four key ways you can support your RSMs in the OWF program.

1. Approve Participation

Approve participation in OWF internships with federal agencies to allow your Service Members to take advantage of these valuable opportunities.

2. Allow Schedule Flexibility

Allow flexibility in the RSM's schedule so they can attend mandatory medical appointments while still meeting their internship responsibilities.

3. Maintain Accountability

Maintain accountability by conducting regular check-ins with your RSM to discuss their progress, well-being, and internship experience.

4. Encourage Professionalism

Encourage professionalism and career readiness throughout the internship experience to help your RSM prepare for their future transition.

OWF and SkillBridge: Key Comparisons

Understanding the fundamental differences between Operation Warfighter (OWF) and the DoD SkillBridge programs are critical. Knowing which program to recommend ensures your Service members receive the right support at the right time. OWF is a recovery and career exploration tool for those still on active duty and in a medical recovery status, while SkillBridge is a transition tool for those in their final months of service.

Program Comparison

Criteria	Operation Warfighter (OWF)	DoD SkillBridge Program
Eligible Participants	Recovering Service members on active duty in a medical recovery status (e.g., in IDES).	Active duty Service members who are within their last 180 days of service.
Purpose and Focus	Career exploration, skill development, and gaining professional experience to support recovery and transition readiness.	Specific job training for a civilian career with a high probability of employment upon completion.
Duration	Flexible, part-time or full-time, for the duration of the member's recovery process.	Must be completed within the member's final 180 days of active duty service.
Pre-requisites	Must be enrolled in a Service Wounded Warrior Program and/or the Disability Evaluation System (IDES).	Must have completed all required transition training (TAP) and obtained unit commander approval.
Locations	Internships are with federal government agencies.	Apprenticeships and training are typically with civilian industry partners.
Approval	Placement is based on a mutual agreement between the Service Member, their medical providers, and the host federal agency.	Requires formal approval from the unit commander confirming participation will not impact final out-processing.
Outcomes	Provides valuable resume experience, networking, and a potential path to federal employment. Not a direct hiring program.	Designed to lead directly to a job offer and employment in the civilian sector immediately after separation.

Leadership Resources & Downloads

Key Program Downloads

OWF Factsheet

A one-page summary of the OWF internship program's benefits and requirements.

Download

E2I & OWF Leadership Briefing

A ready-to-use presentation on program benefits for your unit.

Download

DoDI 1300.25

The official DoD Instruction that establishes policy and guidance for the E2I and OWF programs.

View/Download

Important Links

Warrior Care Policy Page

Access the official policies governing Warrior Care programs.

Visit Page

Warrior Care Reference Center

A central hub for documents, policies, and program information.

Visit Page

Warrior Care Recovery Coordination Program

Learn more about the Warrior Care Recovery Coordination Program (WCRCP).

Visit Page

Education & Employment Initiative (E2I) &
Operation Warfighter (OWF)
Regional Coordinator Map

Warrior Care's E2I/OWF Regional Coordinators (RC) support recovering Service members (RSMs) by connecting them to local education and employment opportunities. Located across 10 regions, each coordinator works with military and community partners to guide RSMs through career planning, internships, and transition resources.

Click the RC map for the printable version.

Use the RC map to find your region's coordinator and get connected with support tailored to your recovery goals.

Education & Employment Initiative (E2I) &
Operation Warfighter (OWF) Regional Coordinators

Region 1 - Northeast

Region 2 - Mid-Atlantic

Region 3 - Southeast

Region 4 - South

Region 5 - Central

Region 6 - South Central

Region 7 - Midwest

Region 8 - Mountain

Region 9 - Northwest

Region 10 - West

Operation Warfighter (OWF): A Commander's Guide

How OWF Supports the Command Mission

How Leadership Can Support OWF Participation

OWF and SkillBridge: Key Comparisons

Program Comparison

Leadership Resources & Downloads

Key Program Downloads

OWF Factsheet

E2I & OWF Leadership Briefing

DoDI 1300.25

Important Links

Warrior Care Policy Page

Warrior Care Reference Center

Warrior Care Recovery Coordination Program

Education & Employment Initiative (E2I) & Operation Warfighter (OWF) Regional Coordinator Map

Education & Employment Initiative (E2I) & Operation Warfighter (OWF) Regional Coordinators

Education & Employment Initiative (E2I) &
Operation Warfighter (OWF)
Regional Coordinator Map

Education & Employment Initiative (E2I) &
Operation Warfighter (OWF) Regional Coordinators