Active Employers are the Goal of the ESGR
Honor Supportive Employers
The construction industry lends itself to Guard and Reserve service due to the nature of the
work. Limited projects with clear beginnings and endings, and flexible hiring halls, make it easier
to coordinate your military and civilian work commitments. Like the military, the trades have a
strong sense of brotherhood. Look for job and apprentice opportunities at the
Helmets to Hardhats website.
A supportive and understanding civilian employer can mean the difference between a place you
love to work and a place you'd love to leave. This support is crucial for the Reserve and National
Guard members who make up 46% of our military manpower. The DOD tasks the
Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve
(ESGR) to gain and maintain active employers.
The ESGR website has an interactive map that lists organizations, employers, and politicians
that have signed Statements of Support for Guard and Reserve members.
Employers who qualify for national recognition by the ESGR may be especially flexible when
you are called to duty on short notice. They might contact or provide your family with support
while you are away for an extended period of time. Some employers recognize your service at company
events or in publications. Leave and salary benefits may be a part of the equation and may include
credit for military training that can advance your civilian career.
Are you shaking your head right now or wondering why your employer doesn't do any of these
things? Here are some tips from the ESGR to help create a positive working environment:
- Communicate: Make sure you tell your employer about drill and training dates. Give them plenty of time to plan around your absence.
- Keep it serious: Don't give your co-workers or employers reason to believe that your drill dates are a vacation. If you are promoted, complete a class, or earn an award, ask your unit Commander to write a letter thanking your employer for their cooperation.
- Use military training at your civilian job: Whether your training is technical or administrative, think about how you can bring your high-class military training to your civilian workplace. Talk about what you are learning during training, about your unit's accomplishments, and how your training helps your civilian work.
- If issues develop: Try to solve problems quickly and personally. If you have questions about your rights or need assistance it is available through ESGR ombudsman services on the local and national level. Call 1-800-336-4590 (option 1) or email USERRA@osd.mil.
If you have an employer who is especially understanding and supportive, think about recognizing all they do to make your life in the Guard or Reserves easier by nominating them for a Patriot Award. Each nominee receives a Patriot Award certificate and lapel pin. The ESGR has an easy online employer nomination form where you can explain why your employer deserves the award. Make the presentation of the award an event with a news release to local papers, or industry newsletters. The ESGR reviews all of the nominations for larger awards at the state, and national level.
