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JBSA News
NEWS | July 19, 2012

MMETC activates Operation Warfighter internship program

By Lisa Braun METC Public Affairs Officer

The Medical Education and Training Campus (METC) has taken the first steps in providing wounded, ill, and injured (WII) service members valuable work experience as part of the Operation Warfighter (OWF) federal internship program.

OWF places WII service members who are convalescing at military treatment facilities across the United States in supportive work settings that positively impact their rehabilitation. METC's participation in the program will provide an opportunity for recuperating service members to augment their employment readiness by building their resumes, exploring employment interests, obtaining formal and on-the-job training, and gaining valuable federal government work experience to help prepare them for the future.

"It's about taking care of the troops," said Everett Ybarra, Lead for METC Faculty and Staff Development and METC's OWF project coordinator. "That kind of commitment never ends."

Ybarra said this program will allow service members to enroll in college while participating in their internship, leading to resume building experiences. He added, "Transition is always a challenge for service members. It's a life change, and their life has already been altered by their injuries. Anything we can do to facilitate the process will help better their lives, their future outlook," added Ybarra.

Erasmo Valles, Operation Warfighter Regional Coordinator for San Antonio, Texas, agrees. He stated that Operation Warfighter has demonstrated to be a successful and brilliant way to give back to wounded, ill, and injured service members.

"The opportunities that all the federal agencies provide gives our service members a helping hand up to a new career focus," said Valles. "Our interns realize that they can move beyond their wounds, illnesses and injuries to re-enter and be productive in any work environment."

The program is a win-win for both WII service members and METC. Skills obtained in the military are transferable to civilian employment. For those service members returning to duty, it offers the opportunity for additional training and experience that can benefit the military.

Simultaneously, by participating in the OWF program at METC the considerable talent and dedication of these service members will supplement shortages and gaps within departments for up to a year, depending on needs and expectations. Internships typically last a few months and average 15-20 hours per week.

"This is a great partnership between METC and OWF in support of our wounded veterans," said Navy Capt. Gail Hathaway, METC Deputy Commandant. "It helps them with their transition from the military and allows us to give something back."

To get started, METC will establish a human resources connection consisting of one or two WII service members who will manage the placement of interns. Requests for interns submitted by METC departments will be received and vetted by the WII HR management team for placement.

OWF has placed more than 2,000 service members in internships with more than 105 different federal agencies and sub-components. Currently, there are 395 OWF placements across 25 different Military Treatment Facilities and transition units. Approximately 15% of the participants have transitioned into federal jobs after participating in OWF.

METC is an enlisted medical training center serving the Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard. It is the first stop for nearly all entry-level enlisted medical training and a point of return for a majority of advanced enlisted medical training. METC trains the finest medics, corpsmen, and techs; supporting our nation's ability to engage globally.