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For Recovering Service Members: OWF

Discover how Operation Warfighter (OWF) can help you gain valuable hands-on experience in a federal internship, helping you prepare for your future career.

Gain Experience Through a Federal Internship

Operation Warfighter (OWF) provides a unique opportunity to "test drive" a federal career by placing you in a professional internship that matches your interests. This program allows you to gain valuable, real-world work experience, build your professional network, and enhance your resume—all while you continue to receive your military pay and benefits. It’s the perfect way to explore different work environments and develop new skills before returning to duty or transitioning to a civilian career.

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.

OWF Documents and Forms

OWF Application Form

Complete this form to apply for an internship through Operation Warfighter (OWF).

Download OWF Form

OWF Factsheet

A summary of the OWF program's eligibility, benefits, and goals.

Download OWF Factsheet

OWF Intern Development Plan

Use this plan to set goals and track your progress during your internship.

Download Plan

OWF Experience Form

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

Take Questionnaire

The Operation Warfighter Process

APPLICATION
1

RSM requests to participate in OWF.

2

RSM submits completed OWF Approval for Participation and resume to OWF Regional Coordinator.

Application Approved: Moves to Placement Phase

Application Not Approved: Process Stops

PLACEMENT
3

OWF RC matches internship opportunities for the RSM based on interests and capabilities.

4

The agency and the RSM conduct interview(s).

5

The RSM accepts placement, and the agency coordinates internship requirements.

6

The agency submits the OWF Placement Form to the OWF RC.

INTERNSHIP
7

Agency submits the completed Individual Development Plan (IDP) to the OWF Regional Coordinator.

Internship Begins

8

The OWF RC conducts regular check-ins and IDP reviews with both the Service Member and the agency supervisor.

CLOSEOUT
9

The agency provides a Record of Achievement to the RSM to document their accomplishments.

10

Agency and RSM complete the OWF Experience Survey.

Testimonials & Success Stories

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

CWO3 Felipe D’Neri Lara

CW03 Felipe D’Neri Lara

SPC Lauryn Robinson

SPC Lauryn Robinson

LTC Jody Robertson

LTC Jody Robertson

MSG Damon Glover

MSG Damon Glover

SPC Nicole Rodriguez

SPC Nicole Rodriguez

SrA Hector Bernal Canzales

SrA Hector Bernal Canzales