What is ETS-SP?

ETS-SP stands for the Expiration Term of Service - Sponsorship Program.

What’s that?

ETS-SP is a program established in partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the U.S. Army to sponsor soldiers through the transition process from military to civilian life. ETS-SP is about a personal relationship between the transitioning service member and the sponsor.

Who can have a sponsor?

Any service members/Veterans who are transitioning to a civilian community.

What if I am undecided on my final destination?

• You will choose your final destination and determine the logistics involved in getting there; your sponsor will mentor and assist with resources and guidance.
• If you do not know your final destination, you will be connected to an ETS sponsor who will assist you in the decision making process.
• When you choose your new community, you will be connected to a local sponsor.

Why should I have a sponsor ?

• Connect with someone who can share knowledge about your new community with you and your family.
• Develop relationships and engage in shared networks in your new community.
• Gain insight into resources that will help you thrive during transition.
• Make the transition less stressful for you and your family.

How will the sponsor work with me ?

• Sponsors will contact you at least once a week via email, text or phone.
• Sponsors will meet with you in person (or teleconference) at least once a month.
• Sponsors will share their knowledge of the local area and available resources with you.
• Sponsors will guide you in identifying goals and developing action plans to achieve these goals.

How can I be sure that my sponsor and I will work well together?

• Every sponsor is certified by the VA.
• Service members, Veterans and sponsors work directly with the ETS-SP Regional POC who assists on the journey.
• ETS-SP is successful only with a solid relationship between you and your sponsor and wants your relationship to work!

Who can be a sponsor?

Anyone- military or civilian- who cares about our service members and veterans and is willing and able to commit the time.

What does the training look like?

• Sponsors participate in three virtual training sessions, typically about 2 hours long and conducted on weeknights.
• Upon graduation, sponsors are certified and matched with a transitioning service member.
• Sponsors participate at least quarterly in one-hour virtual professional development classes, offered monthly.

What are the sponsor’s responsibilities?

• Sponsors contact the Veteran at least once a week via email, text or phone.
• Sponsors meet the Veteran in person (or teleconference) at least once a month.
• Sponsors guide the Veteran in identifying goals and developing action plans to achieve these goals.
• Sponsors share their knowledge of the local area and available resources with the Veteran.
• Sponsors, who are trained and caring, make ETS-SP effective and unique in its mission.

Who will help me on this journey?

Throughout the journey with the transitioning service member, the ETS-SP leadership and regional contacts serve as a network of support for our sponsors. They provide tips on building relationships and guidance along the way. Sponsors are not alone!