ETS Sponsorship

A controlled research project has determined that the support provided by the ETS Sponsorship Program effectively mitigates stressors and enhances the reintegration process for the transitioning service member.

There is no process in place currently that seamlessly reintegrates the service member into the civilian community. There is no connection between the myriad of programs available and the Veteran who needs them. The ETS Sponsorship Program works closely with its partners in an attempt to fill this void.

The ETS Sponsorship Program connects the service member to the relevant and applicable programs and organizations that are available. Through personal relationships formed with the service member and family, our program, working closely with the VA and community partners, will make a difference in the reintegration of service members and their families.

The ETS Sponsorship Program assists service members in transition to civilian life and the post-military community of their choice. Coordinating the services of the VA, private, nonprofit organizations and local government, the ETS Sponsorship Program connects transitioning service members with local sponsors. Sponsors are trained and certified to build relationships and resiliency. The goal is to set conditions for service members and sponsors to achieve purpose and prosperity, reduce stress and risk, and engage together for continued service to the Nation. 

What areas do the sponsor assist with? 

The ETS Sponsorship Program will develop and deploy a new standard in service member transition that can be expanded across the nation. ETS Sponsorship will accomplish this through a certification program offered by the VA for sponsors.

The ETS Sponsorship Program will be introduced to the service member when they participate in the Transition Assistance Program at the service member’s final duty station. The service member will have the opportunity to request a sponsor from the city they will be moving. The process will be coordinated with partners in specific cities, such as Syracuse University Institute for Veterans & Military Families and America's Warrior Partnership.

Service member: Once a sponsor is requested, the connection will be made to the ETS Sponsorship Program. Using the address they will relocate to, the service member will be connected to an ETS Sponsorship Program trained sponsor. Should there not be a sponsor available in the city the service member will soon call home, we will do our best to find partners available to assist the Soldier. 

Sponsor: When an individual, military or civilian, volunteers to be an ETS Sponsor, they will undergo training and, upon graduation, they will be certified as an ETS Sponsor.

The sponsor receives the name and contact information of the new service member from ETS Sponsorship. The Sponsor initiates contact with the service member and the relationship forms. The Sponsor will share information with the service member about resources – to include benefits and other opportunities. The sponsor will stay connected and continue to support the service member throughout the transition process until the service member is successfully transitioned to their post-military home.

Effective execution of the ETS Sponsorship Program is dependent upon the relationship between the transitioning service member and the trained sponsor.