Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve within the Army National Guard

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve within the Army National Guard

What is it'

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) is a Department of Defense organization established in 1972. Its mission is to gain and maintain employer support for Guard and Reserve service by recognizing outstanding support, increasing awareness of the law and resolving conflict through mediation.

Across the nation, 56 field committees with approximately 4,500 volunteers provide information and help gain and maintain employer support. The ESGR volunteers also reach out to the Army National Guard (ARNG) and other reserve component (RC) members to ensure they understand their rights under the law. For military members who experience difficulty with their employers, ESGR provides ombudsman services. Ombudsmen provide information, counseling and mediation support for issues related to the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA).

What has ESGR done'

ESGR is conducting a major outreach campaign entitled "We All Serve." You've probably seen advertisements and articles in the GX and Foundations magazines as well as several other military and civilian publications. New in 2009 is a unique opportunity for Army Guard members to create strategic partnerships with their employers by participating in The Alternate BossLift Program. Alternate BossLifts are entertainment events coupled with ESGR briefings that help employers better understand the military culture. Taking your employer to events such as a NASCAR race, or a production of the U.S. Army Soldier Show provides an environment that facilitates better relationships between employer and employee, which is important when it comes time to depart for a mobilization. Army Guard and Army Reserve Soldiers are encouraged to invite their civilian employers and families to participate and enjoy these events together.

For dates and locations of the U.S. Army Soldier Show nearest you, see the <a href="http://www.armymwr.com/recleisure/entertainment/soldiershow/default.aspx" target="_blank"> MWR Web site</a>. For dates and locations of NASCAR events, visit <a href="http://www.nascar.com/" target="_blank">NASCAR.com</a>. For more information about The Alternate BossLift Program and to participate, contact your local ESGR representative.

What continuous efforts does ESGR have planned for the future'

ESGR has an updated and improved Web site that provides tools and resources designed to help the ARNG and other RC members with employer issues.

Why is this important to the Army National Guard'

ESGR encourages RC members to develop strategic partnerships with their employers. See the <a href="http://www.esgr.mil/" target="_blank">ESGR Web site</a> for more helpful information.

Resources

ESGR Ombudsmen can be reached by phone at 1-800-336-4590 or by e-mail at <a href="mailto:USERRA@osd.mil">USERRA@osd.mil</a>. The <a href="http://www.esgr.mil/" target="_blank">ESGR Web site </a>also provides detailed information about USERRA and helpful tools for military members.