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.