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Tips for Reserve Members and Military Commanders to Improve Employer Support

• Without the support and cooperation of their civilian employers, members of the National Guard and Reserve could encounter difficulties in their efforts to perform their military duty. With support, our national defense will remain strong and ready.
  
  
• Use military training at the civilian job. The military operates some of the best technical schools in the world and many National Guard and Reserve members are graduates. Leadership and management experience received in uniform is valuable, too.
  
  
• Thank the employer and the supervisor for their cooperation at least once a year. Let them know their support in arranging schedules to fit military duty is appreciated by both the employee and the unit commander.
  
  
• Keep employers and supervisors posted on drill dates. Be fair with employers -- let them know as far in advance as possible when training is scheduled.

• The employer-Reserve Member relationship can suffer when communication breaks down. Unit commanders have a responsibility to seek and encourage support from local employers.

Employer Tips On Supporting Our Troops

• Learn more about the National Guard and Reserve. Attend public functions at local military units. Talk about the National Guard and Reserve with military and civilian leaders in your community. Ask your National Guard and Reserve employees what their particular duty is and how they fit into the "big picture" of national defense.
  
  
• Get to know the military commanders and supervisors. Ask them to provide you with advance notice of your employee's annual military duty schedule and work out conflicts as early as possible, while alternative arrangements may be possible. If you would like an introduction, contact your local ESGR representative to make arrangements for you to meet them.
  
  
• Put your support in writing by signing a "Statement of Support" for the National Guard and Reserve. Display it prominently for all your employees and visitors to see. These certificates can be obtained from the National office or through your local ESGR Committee.
  
  
• Review your personnel policies to see how they accommodate and support participation in the National Guard or Reserve. Do they include provisions for military leave of absence (exclusive of earned vacation time? Do they ensure job opportunities and benefits equivalent to those of other employees? Information on what other businesses are doing to accommodate National Guard and Reserve members in their workplace may be obtained from the ESGR representative. Utilize your entire management team to promote your support of the National Guard and Reserve. Explain your position and address problems or concerns.
  
  
• Encourage employee participation in the National Guard and Reserve. Recognize and publicize their dedication and commitment to your business and the nation. Apply the training they receive from military duty. You'll be surprised to realize how much it enhances their job performance and value to your organization.
  
  
• Accept that there may be occasional conflicts or concerns with your employment of "citizen Soldiers" and their requirement to perform military duty. Seek to resolve them as soon as they arise. Discuss with your employees their service requirements before problem situations arise, and keep an open dialogue to prevent them.
  
  
• Seek assistance from your ESGR Committee
  
  
• For more detailed information about specific employment rights and responsibilities (Uniform Services Employment Rights and Responsibilities Act), visit USERRA section of this site.