Ten organizations that connect veterans and transitioning service members with mentors, peers, and professional networks.
The short version
A mentor and a network can shorten a job search and steady a transition. Many organizations match veterans and transitioning members with mentors and professional communities at no cost. This list covers ten. Pick one or two and actually use them, because the network only works if you do.
Source: Military OneSource
How to use this list
These are vetted, not ranked, and being listed here is not an endorsement. Programs, eligibility, and availability change, so confirm current details on each official site. This list overlaps with the job-search groups covered in veteran job search nonprofits. To get the most from any network, tighten your LinkedIn profile first.
Mentor or network: what are you after?
A mentor gives you one-on-one guidance from someone who has walked the path. A network gives you reach: introductions, referrals, and events. Most of the groups below do some of both, so choose based on whether you need a coach, contacts, or both.
The 10 organizations
- American Corporate Partners (ACP): A free, year-long mentorship program that pairs veterans and active-duty spouses with professionals at major companies. It fits members who want steady one-on-one guidance. Apply on the site.
- COMMIT Foundation: Personalized transition support, workshops, and mentorship for service members and veterans. It fits those who want a tailored plan, not a template. Learn more on the site.
- Vets2Industry: A free resource library and networking community connecting the military community with employers and mentors. It fits members who want contacts and resources fast. Join on the site.
- FourBlock: A career-readiness course and professional network that helps members translate service into a civilian career. It fits transitioning members who want structure plus connections. Apply on the site.
- Onward to Opportunity (IVMF): Free professional certification training with career coaching for transitioning members, veterans, and spouses. It fits those who want a credential and a coach. Apply through IVMF.
- The Honor Foundation: A career-transition program and network for the Special Operations Forces community. It fits SOF members and support staff preparing to transition. Apply on the site.
- Service to School: Free admissions mentoring that pairs veterans with mentors to reach strong colleges and graduate programs. It fits members aiming at school as their next step. Apply on the site.
- Military Officers Association of America (MOAA): A membership association offering career events, networking, and transition resources, with content open to the wider community. It fits officers and, in many cases, others seeking a professional network. Explore on the site.
- Student Veterans of America (SVA): A network of campus chapters that supports veterans in higher education and connects them to peers and employers. It fits student veterans. Find a chapter on the site.
- Elite Meet: A network that connects high-performing veterans, largely from the Special Operations and aviation communities, with business leaders through events and a digital community. It fits members who want warm introductions. Learn more on the site.
Frequently asked questions
Do these cost anything?
Most are free. A couple, like MOAA, are membership associations with paid tiers, though some resources are open to all. Confirm on each site.
Can I use more than one?
Yes, and many people do. A common mix is one mentorship program, like ACP, plus one network, like Vets2Industry or Elite Meet.
Can spouses participate?
In several cases, yes. ACP includes active-duty spouses, and IVMF programs include spouses. Check each program's eligibility.
How is this different from a job-search nonprofit?
There is real overlap. Many of these groups also help with jobs. For a fuller list of hiring-focused organizations, see the VetraFi article on veteran job search nonprofits.
When should I start?
Earlier than you think. Many mentorship programs accept members up to a year or more before separation, and building a network takes time.
What makes mentorship actually work?
Showing up prepared and following through. Come with specific questions, do the homework between sessions, and keep in touch after.
Where to get help
Verification Notes
- Veterati, a phone-based mentorship platform, was considered but dropped. It has sunset, and its community has pointed members to successor platforms and to networks such as Vets2Industry. Confirmed via Veterati's own channels and successor sites.
- This list overlaps with hiring-focused groups covered in the VetraFi veteran job search nonprofits article. Several organizations here appear in both because they serve both needs.
- MOAA membership tiers and open resources change. Confirm current access on the MOAA site.
- Program availability and eligibility change. Confirm current details on each official site.
Sources & links
VetraFi does not provide financial, investment, tax, legal, or accounting advice. The content provided is for informational purposes only. You should consult your own advisors before engaging in any transaction.
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