The Operation Warfighter (OWF) Initiative is a federal internship program established by the Department of Defense in 2006. The initiative calls on federal agencies to identify temporary assignments and opportunities for service members convalescing at military medical centers in the National Capital Region.
The goal is to match service members with opportunities that utilize their military and non-military skills, thereby creating productive assignments that are beneficial to both the service member and the employer. Service members on medical hold, even if assigned to the National Guard and/or a Reserve component unit, are eligible to participate in the program. The initiative represents an opportunity to facilitate recovering service members' development and employment readiness by providing assistance with resume building, exploring employment interests and developing job skills through internship opportunities.
Related: Search for Security Clearance jobs.
In order to participate, recovering service members must obtain "medical and command approval" from their recovery team and chain of command. OWF regional coordinators then assist recovering service members in identifying an internship opportunity based on their interests and capabilities.
Duty schedules for OWF participants are dependent on each individual treatment schedule. These are flexible so as not to interfere with the service member's medical treatment or adversely affect their well-being and recuperation. The average length of the temporary assignment is 3-5 months for an average of 20 hours per week. The Defense Intelligence Agency, or DIA, does not pay a service member's salary, as they are paid by their respective service.
OWF participants are placed in host offices and assigned a supervisor and a mentor. Based on the participant's interests and the needs of the host office, service members may take training to further enhance their skills and to learn new skills. OWF strives to demonstrate to participants that skills obtained in the military are transferable into civilian employment.
For recovering service members returning to duty, the program enables these participants to maintain active skill sets and provides the opportunity for additional training and experience that can subsequently benefit the military.
In support of this federal internship program for recovering service members, DIA sponsors the Wounded Warrior (WW) program. For more information on this agency program and how to apply, please click here. There is no promise of employment at the completion of an OWF/WW assignment. However, OWF service members released from medical hold status, pending separation from military service, are considered potential candidates for full-time employment with DIA.
Related: To apply for jobs that match your skills, visit the Military Skills Translator.
Facts and Figures
- Operation Warfighter has placed more than 2,500 service members in internships with more than 105 different federal agencies and sub-components.
- Currently, 525 OWF placements are across 25 military treatment facilities and Wounded Warrior programs.
Eligibility Criteria
- U.S. citizenship of the OWF participant and all members of the immediate family. (All applicants conditionally selected for temporary assignments are required to satisfactorily complete a security background investigation, counterintelligence scope polygraph examination and drug screening.) Security clearances are not granted to participants who are dual citizens or who possess dual citizenship of the U.S., etc.
- All OWF participants must satisfy DIA's conditions of employment before a final offer is extended.
- OWF participants must be granted TS/SCI security clearances before a final offer is extended.
DIA is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered without regard to non-merit factors, such as race, national origin, color, religion, gender, age, marital status, disability or sexual orientation.
Related: Does your resume pass the 6-second test? Get a FREE assessment.
Participation Procedures
- Send a resume and a brief description of the type of temporary assignment you are seeking to Torland Wingfield, DIA Wounded Warrior Program Manager at (703) 907-1915, torland.wingfield@dodiis.mil or Mona Benbow, Chief, Recruitment and Student Programs, at (703) 907-0472 or mona.benbow@dodiis.mil
- For additional information about DIA, please visit the DIA website.
Frequently Asked Questions for Operation Warfighter Interns
Q.: Once I have been selected for a temporary OWF assignment, what is the next step?
A.: The next step in the process is for your selecting manager to escort you to our military personnel office to start processing your appointment. You will be asked to complete pre-employment documents, which include the SF-86 questionnaire for the security background investigation. (Duty uniforms should be worn to the in-processing session.)
Q.: How long will it take to get a security clearance?
A.: The length of the security clearance process depends on your particular background. In general, if you have significant foreign travel and/or foreign relatives or contacts, the security clearance process can be rather lengthy.
Q.: What is the length of the temporary assignment?
A.: The average length of assignments will vary, depending on the service member's situation. The average length of assignments is three months for up to 20 hours per week.
Q.: What is the role of my mentor?
A.: Your mentor has volunteered to assist you with in-processing logistics and throughout your assignment. Your mentor is available to orient you to your specific office and the agency, provide guidance on how to perform your specific work duties and generally be available to answer questions you may have.
Q.: Does DIA make offers of permanent employment at the conclusion of the assignment?
A.: There is no promise of employment at the completion of an OWF assignment. However, OWF service members who are released from medical hold status, pending separation from military service, are considered potential candidates for full-time employment with DIA.
Related: For the latest veteran jobs postings around the country, visit the Military.com Job Search section.
The Next Step: Find the Right Veteran Job
Whether you want to polish up your resume, find veteran job fairs in your area, or connect with employers looking to hire veterans, Military.com can help. Sign up for a free Military.com membership to have job postings, guides and advice, and more delivered directly to your inbox.
