Atlantic Logistics and Operation New Uniform

There are jobs that are just jobs, and there are jobs, like joining the military, that become a part of your identity.

Wrapping your identity around a job makes it very difficult when you leave that job, and that’s where organizations like Operation New Uniform come in. 

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According to a 2019 Pew Research Center study, about half of post-9/11 veterans say it was somewhat (32%) or very (16%) difficult for them to readjust to civilian life after their military service, and about a third of veterans said they had trouble paying bills after leaving the military. 

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The nonprofit Operation New Uniform (ONU) was founded in 2013 to empower active duty military, veterans and military spouses to successfully transition from military life to purposeful, stable business careers. Classes are offered in person in Jacksonville and Tampa, Florida or virtually. And best of all, the program is provided for free to qualifying applicants. 

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ONU CEO Michele McManamon said the company isn’t a typical transition organization. Instead of resume workshops or mock interviews, ONU teaches its students how to sell themselves with a proprietary training system called Standler. 

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“One of the main techniques we teach is the identity role theory,” she said. “When you’re born your identity is set. Why would it be anything less as you grow in life? People tend to wrap their roles around their identity, and they shouldn’t. Your identity should stand firm.”

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Since its inception, 571 veterans have graduated from the program and 97% of them found gainful employment within four months. The average starting salary of program graduates is $81,000. 

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This work is why ONU was chosen as a recent recipient of the Atlantic Cares program donation given monthly by Atlantic Logistics.   

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ONU students learn communication skills, reintegration habits and other similar techniques. They learn to drop acronyms common in military life; they learn to stop calling everyone “ma’am” or “sir,” as is common in the military, because in the business world everyone is your peer. 

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One of the non-profit’s many success stories is Anthony and Kimberly Osborne, a couple who both retired out of the military and went through the ONU program before entering real estate. Anthony met an employer at his wife’s ONU graduation and just got hired. 

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Despite losing half its state funding this year, ONU is still planning to grow. Plans include expanding the spouse program to be online and self-paced, searching for bigger office space to hold classes, and expanding offerings in Tampa. 

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The best way for individuals to help ONU is by signing up for the “24 for 24 loyalty brigade,” a pledge program of $24 a month for 24 months. Interested parties can also attend ONU events like the Patriot Games in September 2024. 

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“We help with careers, not jobs,” McManamon said. “And we’re not the end all, but if we can’t provide the services, ew can point you in the right direction. Just reach out to us and we can make sure you get what you need.” 

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For more information or to donate, visit onuvets.org. 

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