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ARLINGTON, Va. – Today, July 6th, marks the last day for employers to provide survey responses. The Department of Defense is encouraging employers in receipt of the 2011 DoD National Survey of Employers to provide responses by the July 6 deadline. As America celebrates its independence won by the first citizen warriors 235 years ago, today’s citizen warriors rely on supportive employers to maintain our freedoms. To that end, The Department of Defense National Survey of Employers was provided to 80,000 randomly selected employers of every size and industry across America to gain insight into the benefits and challenges of employing members of the Guard and Reserve. Just one week remains for employers to share their experiences and feedback, so officials are urging all survey recipients who have not yet submitted their responses to do so today.
According to Dr. Clifford Stanley, Under Secretary of Defense (Personnel & Readiness), "Our nation's military has relied heavily on the willing sacrifice and service of our National Guard and Reserve forces, and they in turn have relied on their supportive civilian employers. The partnership that exists between the Department and those civilian employers has been unshakeable for nearly a decade, and I am confident it will remain solid in the years to come. Enhancing Department of Defense policies to better support our nation's finest assets requires open communication and transparency, which is why I encourage you to share your opinions, thoughts, and successes. Please take time to participate in the Department of Defense National Survey of Employers and let us hear your voice. Thank you for continuing to be a vital member of our national defense team."
Because Guard and Reserve members comprise almost 50 percent of the military’s total strength, the support of employers is critically important. The nation has relied heavily on the Guard and Reserve since September 11, 2001, frequently calling service members away from their civilian jobs for military operations and humanitarian efforts around the world, including the 2010 Haiti earthquake, the Japan tsunami and ongoing flood response in North Dakota.
For the survey's launch earlier this year, Admiral Michael Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, addressed America’s employers, “As we look to the future, I ask for your input to help us shape policies concerning the relationship between our service members and their civilian employers. I encourage employers across the nation to take part in The Department of Defense National Survey of Employers. Your feedback will allow us to build on the success of the past and chart a mutually beneficial course for the future.”
The survey’s participants received a letter in the mail with instructions for filling out the survey online. Participants should visit ESGR.mil and click on the survey link to provide their feedback on employing members of the Guard and Reserve by the July 6 deadline. Employers who believe they received the survey, but need assistance should visit www.ESGR.mil/employersurvey to learn how they can participate.
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About ESGR
Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve is a Department of Defense agency established in 1972 to develop and maintain employer support for Guard and Reserve service. ESGR advocates relevant initiatives, recognizes outstanding support, increases awareness of applicable laws, and resolves conflict between service members and employers. Paramount to ESGR's mission is encouraging the employment of Guardsmen and Reservists who bring integrity, global perspective and proven leadership to the civilian workforce. |