Consider a defense industry career with BAE Systems

BAE Systems signed an agreement with the U.S. Army Reserve becoming an Employer Partner at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) annual meeting held in October. The alliance enables both organizations to recruit, train, and employ individuals interested in serving the nation and pursuing a career in the private national or global defense industries.The Army Reserve's partnership with BAE Systems is the first of its kind in the private global defense industry, BAE Systems officials say. The agreement provides Army Reserve soldiers opportunities for employment with BAE Systems after they successfully complete their military occupational training (MOS). The Army Reserve and BAE Systems will work together to recruit, license, and offer training reciprocity to qualified soldier candidates.

"I'm honored to officially begin an enduring strategic partnership with a respected company like BAE Systems," says Lt. Gen. Jack C. Stultz, Chief, Army Reserve, and Commanding General, U.S. Army Reserve Command. "I look forward to collaborating with our newest valued partner to achieve mutual goals to attract, develop, and retain a quality workforce. This innovative human capital strategy is good for BAE Systems, good for the Army Reserve, good for our soldiers and their families, and good for America."

Under the initiative, BAE Systems commits to interviewing and considering all qualified, participating soldiers for employment upon completion of MOS training.

"With more than 500 employees across the company serving in the Guard and Reserves, of whom more than 100 are currently deployed, we are honored to partner with the U.S. Army Reserve in this valuable program," says Walt Havenstein, chief executive officer of BAE Systems.

The Army Reserve is collaborating with business leaders to develop staffing solutions to meet America's industry demands, tackle the issue of workforce preparedness, and reinvigorate America's human talent to remain competitive in the global economy, BAE Systems officials say. The initiative will also help the Army Reserve continue to meet the operational demands of the ongoing global war on terrorism.

In addition, it aims to establish a process whereby employers and the Army Reserve may secure and share the talents of trained professionals. Partners such as BAE Systems, Inc. will benefit from the employment of men and women with Army values, experience and proven leadership skills.

Since its inception in April, the initiative has already recruited many business partners, including Inova Health Systems, American Trucking Associations, Sears, USAA, Con-way Freight, Schneider National Trucking, the Cleveland Clinic and the Metropolitan Police Department of Washington, D.C.More than 300 national, regional, and local businesses and agencies are working to formalize partnerships with the Army Reserve.

reprinted from BAE Newsletter Connections Issue 4 2008 "We Protect Those Who Protect Us"