- OWF Candidates
- What are the benefits for FEMA hiring an Operation Warfighter
- Other Operation Warfighter links
FEMA proudly supports and participates in the Operation Warfighter Program, a temporary assignment/internship program developed by the Department of Defense for active duty service members who are convalescing at military treatment facilities and seeking to transition back to the military or civilian workforce.
OWF provides recuperating service members with meaningful activity outside of the hospital environment and assists in their wellness. The program offers a formal means of transition back to the military or civilian workforce.
OWF represents a great opportunity for service members on medical hold to build their resumes, explore employment interests, develop job skills, and gain valuable federal government work experience that will help prepare them for the future.
OWF Candidates
OWF is open to the Active duty, National Guard and Reserve components, and participants often bring considerable civilian work experience in addition to their military backgrounds. Service members receive military salaries and therefore are not compensated by the agencies to which they are assigned.
There is no promise of permanent employment with an agency upon the completion of an OWF assignment. Some participants remain in military service, while many will separate and seek civilian employment.
OWF is not just about employment. For many recovering Service members, the program represents their first work experience outside the hospital environment.
Operation Warfighter is a great opportunity for service members on medical hold to build their resumes, explore employment interests, develop job skills, and gain valuable federal government work experience that will help them prepare for their adjustment to the workplace. Participants must be American citizens who are on active duty in the military (including the National Guard and Reserves). They must also fulfill the security clearance requirements set by the office where they intend to work.
The Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency welcomes the OWF, Soldiers and Marines to FEMA. Based on their skills, expertise, and interest, Warfighters are placed in host offices and assigned a supervisor and a mentor. Host offices are available in Headquarters, and the 10 regional offices including human resources, security, operations and administration. Duty schedules for OWF participants are determined by their treatment schedule. This flexibility accommodates the OWF medical treatment and is designed to support their well-being and recuperation. He/She will work about 20 hours per week throughout their assignment, depending on their availability. The DoD OWF Initiative will provide transportation to and from the temporary assignment site at no cost to the OWF.
The length of assignment is also determined by individual OWF unique recuperation status. The average length of an assignment is 3-5 months. During the assignment OWF may be asked to take training to enhance their existing skills and/or learn new skills.
While there is no guarantee of employment following the completion of an OWF assignment, service members released from medical hold status are considered potential candidates for full-time employment with the FEMA pending separation from the military.
What are the benefits for FEMA hiring a Warfighter? While the Warfighter gets the benefits described above, the program simultaneously enables FEMA to avail itself of the considerable talent and dedication of these recuperating service members. Since the service members are still receiving their military salaries, they are not compensated by the department and there is no cost to the department for bringing a Warfighter onboard.
In fact, the Department of Defense Computer/Electronics Accommodation Program provides all reasonable accommodations to OWFs on assignment to federal agencies. This includes electronic equipment, transportation, sign language interpreter services, etc.
Please ensure the attachments above are properly filled out and returned in a timely manner to ensure Headquarters/Region data is documented accurately and stand in compliance to the President’s initiative.
Meanwhile, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact: JoAnn Way 202-646-3199, Human Resources Program Manager, Recruiting, Veterans and People with Disabilities
What are the benefits for FEMA hiring an Operation Warfighter?
While the Warfighter gets the benefits described above, the program simultaneously enables the FEMA to avail itself of the considerable talent and dedication of these recuperating service members. Since the service members are still receiving their military salaries, they are not compensated by the department and there is no cost to the department for bringing a Warfighter onboard.
In fact, the Department of Defense Computer/Electronics Accommodation Program provides all reasonable accommodations to OWFs on assignment to federal agencies. This includes electronic equipment, transportation, sign language interpreter services, etc.
Other Operation Warfighter links