Onward Ops: Military Transition Support
Your next deployment is not a military operation.
It is a deployment into civilian life.
Leaving military service is a major life transition. Onward Ops helps Service Members and recently separated Veterans prepare for what comes next by connecting them with planning tools, personalized resources, and the option to work with a trained sponsor from their future community.
Mental Health Association in Orange County’s PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Vet2Vet Program is proud to help connect local Service Members, Veterans, families, and community volunteers to Onward Ops through the CARESUp Grant.
Military transition can be hard. It does not have to be done alone.
What Is Onward Ops?
Onward Ops is a military transition support program designed by Veterans to support active duty Service Members as they prepare to leave the military and reintegrate into civilian life. The program helps participants build a plan, access resources, and connect with support during the transition process.
Onward Ops serves as a bridge, connecting transitioning Service Members and Veterans to tools, benefits, and resources they may not know they are eligible to receive. The program is available at no cost.
Through Onward Ops, participants can receive:
Personalized support
Guidance based on their goals, location, and transition needs.A military transition dashboard
A planning tool to help organize resources, action steps, and progress.Google Workspace tools
Free tools to help plan, organize, and manage the transition process.Connection to a trained sponsor
Participants can choose to be matched with a sponsor who provides encouragement, practical support, and local connection.
Who Is Eligible?
Onward Ops is available to currently serving Service Members and recently separated Veterans, including Reserve and National Guard members. MHAOC’s Onward Ops materials identify recently separated Veterans within 90 days of separation as eligible to apply.
This program may be a good fit for Service Members or Veterans who are:
Preparing to leave active duty
Relocating to a new community
Exploring employment, education, or training options
Navigating VA benefits or disability resources
Looking for housing, basic needs, or family support
Interested in a sponsor who can help them feel connected and prepared
Ready to Get Started?
Transitioning out of the military?
Onward Ops can help you build a transition plan, access resources, and connect with a trained sponsor from your future community.
Want to support a Service Member?
Volunteer sponsors provide local connection, encouragement, and practical support as Service Members and families prepare for civilian life.
Need help locally?
MHAOC’s PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Vet2Vet Program can help connect Veterans and families with local peer support and resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Onward Ops cost anything?
No. Onward Ops materials describe the program as available at no cost to eligible transitioning Service Members and Veterans.
Do I need to know exactly where I am moving?
No. Onward Ops materials note participants can still enroll even if they are unsure of their final destination.
Can I request a sponsor later?
Yes. Participants using the Solo path can request a volunteer mentor at any time.
Do sponsors need to be Veterans?
No. Onward Ops sponsor materials state sponsors can be anyone, military or civilian, who cares about Service Members and Veterans and has the availability to dedicate time.
About This Partnership
This outreach is supported through the CARESUp Grant and offered in partnership with Onward Ops and Mental Health Association in Orange County’s PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Vet2Vet Program.
Onward Ops is operated by ETS Sponsorship Program. Partners are authorized to use the Onward Ops name and logo for Onward Ops activities, including websites, events, sponsor outreach, service member enrollment, and community outreach aligned with the partner agreement.
