ESGR, a Department of Defense program, was established in 1972 to promote cooperation and understanding between Reserve Component Service members and their civilian employers and to assist in the resolution of conflicts arising from an employee’s military commitment. ESGR is supported by a network of more than 3,600 volunteers in 54 committees located across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam-CNMI (Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands), Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Volunteers, hailing from small business and industry, government, education, and prior military service bring a vast wealth of experience to assist in serving employers, Service members, and their families. Together with Headquarters ESGR staff and a small cadre of support staff for each State Committee, volunteers work to promote and enhance employer support for military service in the Guard and Reserve.

ESGR has served our country for more than 45 years, fostering a culture in which all employers support and value the employment and military service of members of the National Guard and Reserve in the United States. These citizen warriors could not defend and protect us at home and abroad without the continued promise of meaningful civilian employment for themselves and their families. ESGR has continued to adapt to meet the needs of Reserve Component members, their families, and America’s employers by joining forces with a network of other national, state, and local government and professional trade organizations. Together, We All Serve!

Mission and End State

Mission Statement

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) is a Department of Defense program that develops and promotes supportive work environments for Service members in the Reserve Components through outreach, recognition, and educational opportunities that increase awareness of applicable laws.  It also provides assistance in resolving conflicts between the Service members and their employers.

End State

All employers support and value the employment of members of the National Guard and Reserve in the United States and Territories, thereby increasing the readiness of the Reserve Components.

Customers

• All employers
• All uniformed Service members
• Families of affected Service members

Stakeholders

• Congress
• State and Territory governors
• Department of Defense
• Department of Homeland Security
• Department of Labor
• Department of Veterans Affairs
• Uniformed Services

Employees

• ESGR volunteers and staff

Goals

1. Gain and maintain support from employers for National Guard and Reserve service
2. Increase attention/focus on employer outreach and military outreach missions, to support the readiness of the RC.
3. Improve ESGR brand awareness to inspire customer/stakeholder confidence and trust, and renew the relevancy of ESGR.
4. Streamline planning processes, increase state-wide collaboration/communication, and establish a consistent feedback loop on all ESGR plans and activities.