Operation Warfighter Provides Internships for Convalescing Service Members

The Department of Defense offers a unique way for Veterans and service members to remain connected to the workforce and their community while convalescing at a military treatment facility. Operation Warfighter (OWF) is a wounded warrior internship program which provides recuperating service members with meaningful activity outside of the hospital walls. Not only does this help maintain emotional wellbeing during recovery, but it also sets the stage for a smooth transition back to civilian life or military service when the time comes.

Service members on medical hold can build their resume while exploring potential employment opportunities they may not have considered, developing skills, gaining work experience, and minimizing gaps in employment.

Placement within host offices is based on skills, expertise, and interests both within and outside of the military. Warfighters are also assigned a mentor upon acceptance into the program who is available for guidance and assistance throughout his or her time in OWF.

Among the many benefits of Operation Warfighter is that all internships are designed to work with the service member’s treatment schedule and timeline. For this reason, most internships include a roughly 20-hour work week and last for approximately 3-5 months.

While there is no guarantee of employment after an OWF internship comes to an end, after being released from medical hold status, service members are considered potential candidates for full time employment with the Department. (Pending separation from the military.)

To be considered for an Operation Warfighter internship, submit your resume and a brief description of the type of assignment you are seeking to owf@hq.dhs.gov. Applications go through several levels of review before they are forwarded to the hiring manager, so it may take some time before a decision is made.

For questions about a previously submitted application it’s best to contact the agency with which you applied; however, you can also reach out to the Program Manager at (202) 357-1268 with any questions.