OPERATION NEW UNIFORM, INC.
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA

At Operation New Uniform we understand these challenges, even faced them ourselves, and are prepared to address them in a team environment built by a strong infrastructure of successful professionals. We focus on changing strategies, growing confidence, gaining skills and getting results. We offer training and development programs, resources and professional networks in our relentless pursuit of the professional success of the veterans we serve. Mission To produce confident veterans who are coveted and embraced in the business community. To leverage proven experience and success strategies and to provide veterans legitimate opportunities at the careers they deserve. Veterans understand tactics better than anyone. At Operation New Uniform Operation New Uniform graduates its 20th class, helps veterans prepare for civilian workforce Crowder said she got a "second chance" when she was accepted by Operation New Uniform, a Jacksonville nonprofit that offers free training and development, resources and professional networking to make veterans more competitive in the marketplace. She and eight other veterans graduated from the four-week program Wednesday, transformed from struggling job seekers with little direction or confidence to poised job candidates who are certain of their value and know how to sell themselves to potential employers. Founded in 2014, Operation New Uniform gives veterans 30 hours of classroom training, 10 hours of resume services and one-on-one coaching and unlimited support and guidance. Wednesday’s group was the 20th to complete the program; 92 percent of the 149 earlier graduates have found careers. Justice’s vision was to help fix what he saw as the military’s poor job of preparing veterans for the civilian workplace. The goal is to help veterans — many of whom are highly educated, trained and skilled — translate their military resumes into civilian ones and support them during their transition. "It is our responsibility to help them," he said. "Their service was not valued the way it should have been. They were not given the employment opportunities that they thought they were going to receive." Jeff Robertson, vice president of veteran training and himself an Operation New Uniform graduate, said the key is building veterans’ confidence. They have to make a choice — wait for the world to offer them a career or recognize their worth, "take ownership" and mount an aggressive job search, he said. Operation New Uniform helped him redefine himself, "letting me know I am qualified for so much more," he said. "The lesson is knowing myself and what I am capable of doing, how to present myself. Graduate Brian Low, a 23-year Navy veteran, thought he had it all together when he went to his first interview with Robertson. He found out differently, comparing the interview to trying to sell a car or a boat. He learned that he was underestimating himself. As a combat system trainer, he led 15 teammates in the development and execution of 35 complex training scenarios and did so well he was promoted. Still, when he began Operation New Uniform, he ranked himself as a 5 out of a possible 10. COMPLETING A MISSION Justice "had a vision … and like all good military people, he accomplished his mission," Brown said. Bill Spann is director of Jacksonville’s Military Affairs and Veterans Department, which typically includes Operation New Uniform in its annual "micro-grant program" funded by the Jaguars Foundation. "They’re probably the best at doing what they do anywhere in the country," he said, adding that he wished he had such a program when he retired from the Navy. "They get people jobs." When graduate Crowder started the program, she had the benefit of having watched how it impacted her veteran husband, Kevin. He is employed at Veterans Elite Services, a veteran-owned residential and commercial cleaning services company. He said Operation New Uniform is still helping him. "It’s been life changing, given me direction and confidence," he said. "I know that if what I am doing doesn’t work out, no worries." Help make a direct impact in ensuring the success of veterans after service by becoming a part of our mission. Our Veteran Committed Company program is a partnership with organizations that help us assist with giving our Veterans the confidence, community, and careers they deserve after military service. Welcome to Operation New Uniform Equipping veterans with the skills to thrive in the business community. Operation New Uniform was formed in response to the growing needs of veterans and their families as they transition from the military. While wearing a military uniform, service members from all branches and backgrounds share a sense of pride and confidence in their knowledge, skills and abilities. Operation New Uniform, comprised of successful veterans, corporate professionals and accomplished educators, exists to ensure veterans are prepared to wear a “new uniform” and support them in the pursuit of their professional goals. We would love to hear from you! If you have any questions about Operation New Uniform, please fill out the form below and a representative from Operation New Uniform will be in touch.