ETS-SP Launches Onward Ops Military Transition Support Program to Assist New Veterans of All Branches to Seamlessly Return to Civilian Life

WASHINGTON, May 2, 2023 (Newswire.com) - The Expiration Term of Service Sponsorship Program (ETS-SP), a national non-profit organization bridging the gap between military and civilian life, announces its Onward Ops military transition support program. Building on six years of supporting those departing the military, this new program powered by ETS Sponsorship offers best-in-class tools, vetted resources and mentorship from trained community sponsors to ensure today's uniformed men and women continue to thrive as new Veterans.

Nearly 200,000 military service members transition into civilian life each year. Despite the vast array of organizations dedicated to preparing active-duty military for transition to civilian life, results are underwhelming. Unemployment, inability to secure stable housing and lack of medical care continue to plague too many new Veterans. Accessing services and benefits earned through military service remains a frustrating, often daunting challenge.

"The ETS Sponsorship Program began with a focus on the Army," said Brigadier General (ret) Mike Eastman, ETS-SP and Onward Ops Executive Director. "As we expanded the services and tools we provide and increased outreach into the other military branches, now is the right time to introduce Onward Ops as a new program designed for all those in uniform, regardless of the Service they are affiliated with."

In the Onward Ops program, the information and resources needed to plan a successful transition are available on a single, secure platform. Rather than focusing exclusively on one sector such as employment, the program assesses service member needs across multiple domains from employment and educational goals to family and social needs, creating a personal transition plan for each enrollee, informed by best practices across the Veteran support space and validated by Veterans who themselves have successfully made the return to civilian life.

"Leaving the military is hard enough without having to search for information and assistance. One of our main goals was bringing many trusted resources together and presenting them in a way that was accessible without being overwhelming," said Eric Kittelson, Onward Ops and ETS-SP Product Director. "Combining this with the ability to collaborate with a sponsor or community significantly improves transition outcomes."

The Onward Ops program is on track to enroll more than 24,000 transitioning service members and their families over the next 12 months. It is offered at no cost to service members up to a year before they depart the military and provides the option to choose a self-guided transition with personalized resources and tools or a sponsor-guided transition with personalized, hands-on support from experienced sponsors.  

People can give back to transitioning service members and military spouses by volunteering as an Onward Ops sponsor at OnwardOps.org. Communities interested in joining our network can connect via [email protected]. For news and updates, follow on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. 

About ETS-SP:

The ETS Sponsorship Program, in a public-private partnership with the Veterans Administration, supports communities across the country in the successful reception and transition of service members out of the military and into civilian life. Through the Onward Ops military transition support program, it connects transitioning service members to destination communities at all levels through a secure, common-data platform augmented by trained volunteer sponsors to set conditions in the community for a positive, proactive return to civilian life. To volunteer as an ETS-SP sponsor, visit ETSsponsorship.com. Communities can join our network by emailing [email protected]. Follow on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.   

Source: The ETS Sponsorship Program