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Civilian wings of the U.S. military that play a support role to the main forces undertaking a variety of tasks which vary widely depending on the auxiliaries involved and the branch of the armed forces with which they are affiliated. Support missions may include air and sea search and rescue, harbor and coastal patrol, air/ground observation, radio communications and relay, aerial reconnaissance, air-to-ground photography, radiological monitoring, disaster and damage assessment, emergency response services, courier missions, aerospace education for members and the general public and cadet training. Specialized support may involve serving as supply lines for Naval ships at sea delivering everything that may be required including fuel, food, ordnance, spare parts, mail and other supplies; providing towing services for naval warships and other vessels; engaging in rescue and salvage missions; and providing high-quality, efficient and cost-effective ocean transportation for the Department of Defense and other federal agencies during peacetime and war. Included are the Civil Air Patrol (affiliated with the U.S. Air Force), the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, the Military Sealift Command (affiliated with the U.S. Navy), and the Sealift Command’s U.S. Naval Fleet Auxiliary Force.

Programs operated by organizations such as the American Red Cross that help military personnel stay in touch with their families following the birth of a child, the death or serious illness of a family member or other family emergency.

Programs located at military installations throughout the world that handle inquiries from military personnel, retirees, reservists and their family members, do an assessment of their needs and refer them to sources of help available at the installation or in the local community. The centers may provide relocation assistance, transition assistance, family life programs (e.g., parenting, stress management), individual and family counseling, employment assistance, and financial management services as well as emergency assistance.

The U.S. military includes five active duty service components and their respective Guard and Reserve units. All branches are equal parts of the United States Uniformed Services, headed by the President as Commander-in-Chief. The Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Air Force fall under the jurisdiction of the Department of Defense (DoD). The Coast Guard reports to the Department of Homeland Security during peacetime and to the DoD (by way of the Navy) during wartime. Reserve and National Guard units perform as active-duty service members on a part-time basis. These troops train close to home, deploying when needed to aid in international conflict or domestic disaster relief.

Programs that provide guidance and information regarding benefits, services and outplacement assistance for active duty separtees and retirees and their family members returning to civilian life with the objective of making the transition as smooth and stress-free as possible. Services may include benefits counseling, employment search and placement assistance, relocation services, financial planning assistance, eligibility information regarding medical and dental insurance coverage and other forms of assistance to facilitate adjustment to civilian life. Special employment transition assistance includes certification of job skills and experience; information about applying active duty job skills and experience to private sector employment; information about geographic areas of relocation including the labor market and cost of living; identification and location of employment and training opportunities; instruction in resume preparation, job analysis and interview techniques; and information about loans and grants to facilitate acquisition of employment. Also included are programs that help National Guard and Reserve personnel who have been activated for deployment resolve issues pertaining to duty requirements and employment benefits.