Honor Program FAQs

How do I apply?

Please click this link to apply directly on honor.org/apply.  

Due to potential complications from DoD firewalls, it is recommended you complete the application on a home computer. 

Who is eligible for the Program?

We currently accept members of Special Operations Forces designated by SOCOM doctrine:

We also accept support personnel and enablers currently attached to a SOCOM command or unit, with strong recommendations from the SOF community. 

When should I apply?

The ideal time to attend THF is between 12-18 months from your estimated separation date. This will allow time for you to complete the coursework, nurture your growing network, and utilize all THF resources to their fullest capacity. 

Please check the honor.org/apply page for upcoming application deadlines.

I'm closer than 12 months EOS, can I still apply?

Yes! We understand that OPTEMPO and personal obligations may interfere with your ability to attend in the ideal timeframe, and the staff will be as accommodating as possible. If you are less than 100 days from your separation, your transition plan will be more “aggressive” and tailored to your needs and lifestyle.

I'm already out, can I still apply?

Yes, as long as you were an operator, as listed above.

At this time, support personnel are not eligible after their separation from the military.

Where are your campuses located?

We currently have eight physical campuses:

Camp Lejeune – nCino, The Offices at Mayfaire IV, Wilmington, NC
Eglin – The Place on Beal, Fort Walton Beach, FL
Fort Bragg – Sandhills Community College, Pinehurst, NC
JBLM - Pierce College Fort Steilacoom, Lakewood, WA
San Diego – THF Headquarters, 11055 Roselle St., Suite 120
Tampa – Baldwin Risk Partners, Corporate Center II, Tampa, FL
TN/Campbell - Clarksville Regional Airport, Clarksville, TN
Virginia Beach – Tidewater Community College, Virginia Beach Campus

Do you have a Virtual option?

Yes! We launched our Virtual Campus in 2019. This platform is intended to allow potential fellows who are not local to one of our physical campuses to attend a full THF cohort virtually. Classes take place live, via Zoom. 

At this time, Virtual is only offered to non-local fellows. Extenuating circumstances (such as deployment) may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, at the discretion of campus directors. 

What other steps are involved in the application?

After submitting an application online, you will receive an email directly from the Program Coordinator for your campus. This email will detail the next steps:

• Submit a basic resume. It does not have to be perfect, as part of the curriculum is developing your resume. THF does not offer or require a specific resume template. You can email your resume directly to the Program Coordinator.
• Submit two Letters of Recommendation; one from a superior, one from a peer at your current or most recent command. There is no standard template for an LOR. LORs can be emailed directly to the Program Coordinator. 
• Complete an admissions interview. You will receive a link to schedule an interview with the Program Director for your chosen campus. You do not need to wait until your documents have been submitted to schedule your interview.  

What is required on my end to notify my command if accepted for the course?

There is no official requirement to notify your command. However, notifying them will make it easier to attend class on time. 

If I already have an MBA or higher degree is this still for me?

Yes, 100%. Regardless of your education levels, THF focuses on your unique transition circumstances. We’re experts in this field and offer the most comprehensive transition program in the country for Special Operations veterans.

How do I know if my application was submitted?

Upon submitting your application, you should be directed to a page thanking you for your application. You should also receive an automatically generated confirmation at the e-mail address you provided. Finally, the Program Coordinator will reach out to you directly within 1-2 business days with next steps. If you do not receive a confirmation email, and/or you do not receive a response from the coordinator, please reach out to them directly (contact info below). 

How do I contact the Program Coordinator for my campus?

Please visit the Contact Us page for contact information for each campus.

What is the program?

THF is a 3-month, executive education program that provides the tools and experiences necessary to help members of the SOF community transition to the next mission in life.

When do classes take place?

Course schedules vary by campus and may start or end in different months. Please Contact Us

How big is the class size?

At most campuses, our class sizes are typically around 35-45 people.

Is there a tuition?

There is no tuition at THF. Our program is funded entirely by private donations and operates at no cost to THF Fellows. 

Attendance policy?

Our most successful Fellows are those who fully invest and make their transition experience a priority. THF’s full program experience is a total of 120 hours. Fellows are required to attend 90% of scheduled content in order to graduate. If unable to maintain 90% during their program, Fellows are encouraged to make-up the remaining classes in order to receive their THF certificate and be considered a THF Alumni.

Is there a sample syllabus?

Due to the nature of our program, we do not offer a traditional course syllabus. However, a sample schedule can be obtained by emailing the Program Coordinator for your campus. 

If I travel, how do I participate?

All of our classes are available to Fellows via Zoom (teleconference). Additionally, all classes are recorded and posted onto our learning management system for Fellows to watch a later time. Program Coordinators and Directors will work closely with Fellows to plan for such occasions.

Can I go through the program while on Deployment?

It is possible to attend while on deployment, as long as you can reliably teleconference into classes, commit to the course load, and adhere to the attendance policy. 

How much homework is required?

The amount of homework varies depending on the class. Classes such as LinkedIn or Resume writing will require more time depending on the need of the Fellow. Coffee meetings and networking all require time as well. While nothing in our program is graded, understand that successful transition requires time and effort. The more you put into it, the more you'll get out of it.

What is my time expectation for in class/out of class work?

For three months, you will be in class 7 hours a week: 5:30pm - 9:00pm twice a week.

Outside of class you can expect to put in anywhere from 2-6 hours a week. The more time to you put into transitioning the more successful it will be.

What do I wear to class?

Dress code for class is business casual or business dress. The dress code for each class or event will be communicated in advance. 

What can I expect to get out of this program?

You can expect to gain a stronger sense of self, how to prepare to search, apply, interview and gain employment. You will also gain access to an amazingly diverse network filled with companies and people who want to help you succeed.

Does this program get me a job?

THF is not a job placement program. We provide the tools to enable Fellows to have a successful transition. While we have an extensive network of staff, alumni, and volunteers ready to assist in your career search, only YOU can get yourself a job. 

What do I get if I attend?

There are so many benefits, both tangible and conceptual! First, you have the peace of mind to know that by attending the top transition institute in the country, you have set yourself up for success in your transition. You also have access to our amazing network of Alumni, CEOs, executives, and companies.

Can I enter late to a course?

You will not be accepted to a course unless you can start with the rest of the cohort. We offer a new cohort every January, May, and August, to which you can defer your acceptance.

What if I don’t have the availability to attend a class?

Please see the attendance policy. We will work with you to make sure that you are successful in our program, however, all of the requirements need to be met in order to graduate. THF programs are for those who can commit the time requirements. It is not for everyone.

Can my wife/spouse attend class? Kids?

We do allow spouses to attend certain classes. A list of which classes will be provided at the beginning of the cohort. We do not allow children to attend classes. 

Spouses are not permitted to attend Treks.

Do you offer any programming for spouses?

While we do not offer career-specific programming for spouses, THF is pleased to introduce ‘Transition is a Team Sport,’ a Gallup Strengths-based virtual workshop for service members and their spouses. This 3-session workshop will focus on the personal development of your strengths and how to leverage them for better communication, therefore maximizing your transition experience as a team. Spouses/significant others of active fellows will be given the opportunity to register at the start of each cohort.

How are faculty chosen?

The THF ecosystem is vast and stretches across business and academia. Experience matters, but so does the understanding of the SOF community. At THF, we are constantly seeking newer and engaging methods to facilitate the desired outcome of THF Programs. We value fierce empathy, and our faculty must mirror our values.

What is a coach, a mentor? Why do I need one?

Our Coaches work with you 1-on-1 to help guide you on your transition journey. They are your sounding board and compass to keep you on track to achieve your goals. Every Fellow will be paired with a coach at the onset of the program.

Our Mentors serve as a guide throughout your professional training once you decide on a specific industry you wish to explore, typically towards the end of the program. Not every Fellow will be paired with a Mentor. 

How are mentors and coaches assigned?

Coaches are assigned to you by THF staff members. Pairing decisions may be made based on admissions interviews, fields of interests, and/or geolocation. 

Our Mentor tribe connections will be made by THF staff, based on need. 

We also have an extensive Volunteer network that will be made available during Phase II for targeted cups of coffee. Fellows will be given access to a directory containing the education, professional experience, area of expertise, and geolocation of volunteers. 

Can I talk to the other coaches?

Yes! We encourage you to leverage all THF resources, especially the Coach network. You may find that other coaches have the contacts and backgrounds that aligns with your end goal.

How do I connect with previous Fellows?

We have a strong network of Alumni who frequently attend classes and events to stay engaged with new THF Fellows. Once accepted into the program, you will gain access to a closed LinkedIn group and Slack Workplace where Alumni are able to share ideas, opportunities, and stay in touch with the THF community.

What types of Networking opportunities are there?

THF hosts one networking event per cohort at physical campuses. In addition, we are regularly invited to many networking opportunities to which Fellows and Alumni are always encouraged to attend.

Do you have something to offer entrepreneurs?

We have an extensive network of highly accomplished Entrepreneurs to help mentor you in the launch of your business.

Each campus conducts an Entrepreneur-focused night as part of the curriculum – ranging from business pitches to panel discussions.

How successful have you been about finding/placing Fellows with jobs?

95% of THF Fellows are fulfilled with careers, higher education or entrepreneurship endeavors within 90 days of leaving active-duty service. THF is not a career placement program. Our graduates find their roles through the eco-system and through our world-class training program that is The Honor Foundation.

When was The Honor Foundation started?

The Honor Foundation was certified as a 501-c3 non-profit organization on June 27, 2014.

Who started The Honor Foundation?

Joe Musselman is the Founder of The Honor Foundation.

Why does THF accept money from NSF, and serve non-NSW?

NSF is the founding partner of THF and sees the value in continuing to grow this organization.

How many companies do you work with?

We currently have strong working relationships with over 300 companies.

What kind of companies do you work with?

We work with companies from almost every industry. Some of the companies that we work with include: Uber, Airbnb, Tesla, Amazon, Facebook, Ball Corp., Yeti, Alexandria, Toyota, J.P. Morgan, Verizon, and many more. 

How are you different from the DoD’s transition programs?

THF is a comprehensive transition program that spans three phases over three months. What sets us apart is the first phase where the focus is on YOU! What are your passions, what are your goals, what makes you happy, etc. From there it is easier to navigate through transition with purpose and direction. The additional phases and classes touch upon resumes, LinkedIn, doing mock interviews, networking events, financial planning, and understanding how the civilian sector operates and why you are a great asset to companies in it.

Who can I speak to about the program?

Please visit the Contact Us page for contact information for each campus.

How can I get involved?

There are numerous ways to become involved with The Honor Foundation.

Time: Experience the THF Program for yourself and become a THF Coach or Mentor!

Contact Janie Livesay at janie@honor.org for ways to share your time with us!

Talent: Introduce us to talented folks in your network and become an advocate of our Mission!

Contact Lindsay Cashin at lindsay@honor.org for more information.

Treasure: THF is a non-profit organization, we count on the generous contributions of our donors to fuel our Mission. Become a member of our Donor Tribe: honor.org/donate.

Contact Kelly McGraw at kelly@honor.org for more details.

How can I make a donation?

Please visit honor.org/donate or visit the www.honor.org homepage and click the red donate tab on the right-hand side of the screen.

Are there opportunities to volunteer?

We do have occasional events and opportunities throughout the year: Fundraisers, graduation, networking events etc., where we appreciate the help of volunteers. We also have many opportunities for volunteers experienced in reviewing resumes and conducting hiring interviews to work directly with fellows. If you are interested in volunteering at THF, please email info@honor.org for more.

Can I sit in on a class?

There are some classes that we encourage visitors to attend, and others that are just for Fellows. To find out which classes are open please visit the Contact Us page to find the point of contact for each campus.

Do you have any events I can attend?

We frequently have events that we send invitations out through our mailing list. If you are interested in joining please go to honor.org, and click on the ‘Contact Us’ tab to add your information. Some of our events include: Fundraisers, Graduation, Entrepreneurship Night, and Local Networking Events.