What is a Bosslift

They are an excellent way to demonstrate the critical role of the National Guard and Reserve our nation's defense. Bosslift transports employers and supervisors to military training sites where they observe National Guard and Reserve members on duty as part of the Total Force. This provides the employer a better understanding of what their Reservists do when they are away from their civilian occupation for duty with their military units. Employers see firsthand the type and quality of military training and leadership activities National Guard and Reserve members receive. The selected sites for Bosslift usually emphasize National Guard and Reserve training and, whenever possible, include multiple branches of the military.

ESGR Bosslift gives employers a great opportunity to provide input to Department of Defense leadership.  It provides employers the opportunity to share their insights on the challenges and benefits of having employees that serve in the Reserve components. Bosslift participants are asked about their concerns regarding their Reserve employees. Employers are encouraged to offer recommendations and ideas for improving the employer/employee relationship with respect to the consequences of military service. Lastly, employers are asked about their overall assessment of employer support programs and services. In addition to open discussion, their completed questionnaires are compiled in a written evaluation.

There are two types of Bosslift: National and local ESGR Committee sponsored. 

The National ESGR Headquarters sponsors one Bosslift annually for each of the 54 ESGR Committees (one in each state, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands). These include airlift of all participants on a military aircraft to a military training site in the region.  Participation for a National Bosslift is restricted to 40 people, to comply with airlift restrictions. A maximum of 10 participants will be ESGR volunteer members. They act as hosts for the attending employers. In addition to inviting local employers, ESGR Committees often include key business and community leaders and members of the local media. Generally, non-member participation is limited to one Bosslift to enable ESGR to offer the opportunity to more employers.

The NJESGR Committee sponsors the other type of Bosslift. These may or may not include military airlift and tend to be a slightly short duration. Locally conducted, one-day Bosslift utilizing military aircraft or ground transportation can include up to 60 people. Only one nomination per individual Guard member or Reservist will be accepted. Nominations for relatives, minors, assistants or aides to employers or civic leaders will not be accepted. Nominees must be physically able to climb into military equipment and walk without assistance.

An ESGR Committee may conduct several of these in a year if their resources and support allow. If you are interested in planning and conducting a Bosslift for your unit call us. We can visit you.

Check our NJESGR Happenings page for dates and locations of upcoming NJESGR Bosslifts.