At no time in our history has it been more critical for the U.S. Army Reserve to develop and maintain solid, meaningful relationships with civilian Employers. To that end, the Chief of the Army Reserve, Lt. Gen. Jack C. Stultz, created the innovative Employer Partnership Initiative. Soon after, Maj. Gen. Raymond Carpenter, Acting Director of the Army National Guard, began a partnership with the Army Reserve to drive employment opportunities to the Army National Guard. Both the Army National Guard and the Army Reserve share a vision of collaborative effort that will sustain a viable operational Reserve Component, capable of caring for Soldiers and their Families, and provide Employers with a no-cost link to highly skilled and talented Guard and Army Reserve Soldiers.
The Guard and Army Reserve are aware of the potential impact a Soldier’s deployment can have on the Employer’s ability to maintain business operations. Through its current five-year rotational training and deployment schedule, the Guard and Army Reserve is striving to give Employers a more predictable picture of their future staffing needs and offers Soldiers and their Families the chance to better prepare for an upcoming deployment.
In today’s world, it is paramount for Employers and the Reserve Components to collaborate on promoting the inherent benefits of our shared workforce while addressing the challenges and methods unique to employing Warrior-Citizens. The Guard and Army Reserve is committed to tailoring partnerships with Employers that meet both our goals, making the Employer Partnership Initiative an exceptional value for Employer Partners.
The Guard and Army Reserve believes that this new approach to attracting, developing and retaining top-notch talent will ensure that the Reserve Components can continue to fulfill its operational requirements in meeting the security needs of the Nation. Through the Employer Partnership Initiative, Lt. Gen. Stultz and Maj. Gen. Carpenter both demonstrate their support of Soldiers as they meet the high expectations of serving the country and also providing for their Families. The Initiative serves as a way to thank Soldiers for their selfless service and dedication.
In partnership with the Guard and Army Reserve, businesses and government agencies can look to hundreds of thousands of talented Guard and Reserve Soldiers in filling their staffing needs. These potential employees have been pre-screened and fully trained in the technical, specialized and professional capabilities Employers need. The opportunity for Employer Partners to hire from a skilled labor force has the potential to reduce business recruiting and training costs.
Through the Employer Partnership Initiative, Guard and Army Reserve Soldiers get two careers – one with the military and the other with one of our Employer Partners. This dual opportunity provides stability to Families, and gives Soldiers additional possibilities to achieve both their civilian and military career goals.
The Guard and Army Reserve believes that Soldiers who possess advanced skills, certifications and education are more valuable employees and Soldiers – an essential element in sustaining the All-Volunteer Force for the future. That viability must be assured by all parties – the Guard, Army Reserve and the Employer – working together for the benefit of Reserve Component Soldiers and the Nation.
