I’ve spent the past few days at a conference for ESGR, Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. Lots of folks who are familiar with the military know nothing of the ESGR. Reserve component troops face a real conflict–they have their civilian job on which they depend to earn a living, and they have their military obligation which can take them away from that civilian job for a day or a year. There is a law that protects the military member and ESGR is a volunteer group who works for the Department of Defense to help the military folks know of their rights and responsibilities–and works with the employeers to keep everyone out of trouble. Employeers who are extra helpful to their military employees can receive awards and special recognition–but only if their employees nominate them. There are also orientation activities to help bosses without military backgrounds understand what the military does–but to reach them it takes the military member to invite them. So, if you or someone you know is a member of the Guard or Reserves, please check out esgr.mil and help your employer help you.
