Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve

1. Proud to Serve Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve

2. Proud to Serve • ESGR is an Office of the Asst Sec of Defense for Reserve Affairs Joint program (applies to all branches) • Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) • Applies to voluntary and involuntary service • Protects your return to work • Protects your Seniority and Status • Accommodations for disabilities • Does not require vacation usage

3. Proud to Serve • Your Requirements: • Provide prior notice to employer • Serve under honorable conditions • Return to work in accordance with USERRA guidelines: • Days of service return to work timeline • 1-30 Report next scheduled day (after 8 hours rest) • 31-180 Apply within 14 days after completion of service • 181+ Apply within 90 days after completion of service

4. Proud to Serve • Your Rights: • Military Leave of absence • Prompt reinstatement • Accumulation of seniority • Reinstatement of health insurance • Training or retraining of skills • Protection against discrimination • Protection from release without cause for 1 year

5. Proud to Serve • Eligibility for USERRA Protection • Hold position of employment • Leave for purpose of service • Prior notice (oral or written) • 5 year cumulative limit • Discharge under honorable conditions • Timely return/apply for reemployment • Exception • Temporary employee • Changed circumstances • Does not protect spouse

6. Proud to Serve • Employer Relations • Do not quit or stop looking for work • Maintain a good work performance • Communicate often • Patriot Award – Get Statement of Support Signed • Updating your Civilian Employer Information (CEI) every 365 days is required by DOD regulations • Preparation Tips • Keep your Family informed • Learn your Benefits • 1-800-336-4590 or www.esgr.mil

7. Employer Award Programs Proud to Serve

8. Employer Award Programs Proud to Serve ESGR’s awards program is designed to recognize employers who support a strong National Guard and Reserve force. Employers qualify for recognition when they practice leadership and personnel policies that support employee participation in the Guard and Reserve. Eligibility for consideration for other awards and recognition is based on their level of support described in the nomination narrative. • Award Levels • Patriot Award – Soldier or soldier spouse nomination • Above and Beyond– State committee selection for companies exceeding legal requirements for granting leave and providing support for military duty by their employees • Pro Patria – State committee selection for companies demonstrating the most exceptional support of our national defense through leadership practices and personnel policies that support their employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve. • National Freedom Award– National committee selection - Freedom Award is the highest recognition given by the U.S. Government to employers for their support of their employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve.

9. Employment resources Proud to Serve What are civilian employers seeking in an armed forces employee?

10. Proud to Serve • WWW.H2H.JOBS; H2H Mobile App, H2H page on Social Networks • There is a short video on the home page that shows you all the capabilities of this state of the art tool.

11. Proud to Serve How can VEC help? • VEC specializes in assistance for veterans who are disabled, minority, female, homeless, and/or culturally or economically disadvantaged • VEC assists between 13,000 and 15,000 veterans annually in securing unsubsidized employment • VEC focus is on Job referral, skills training, and resume building for employment • Visit a Workforce Center near you or access their web site at: http://www.vec.virginia.gov/vecportal/veteran/ • If you need help, call Toll free access numbers: 800-828-1120 (TTY), or 800-828-1140 (voice)