Understanding the Survey
Every institution dedicates itself to the military and veteran community when they participate in the Military Friendly® Companies Survey. We are here to help. Below are resources and answers to the questions you have, so we can work together towards making every institution in America is Better for Veterans.
The expanded timeline that includes designation release dates and future survey openings
Get a deep dive into the methodology of Military Friendly and why it sets the industry standard.
Organizations must successfully complete the Military Friendly® Employers portion of the Military Friendly® Companies survey to verify that they meet at least three of the following benchmarks:
- New Hire Retention Rate for Veterans is greater than 50%.
- New Hire Retention for Veterans is higher than for Non-Military Employees.
- New Hire Retention Rate for Guard & Reserve Employees is greater than 50%.
- New Hire Retention for Veterans is higher than for Non-Military Employees.
- Military Employee Turnover is lower than for Non-Military Employees.
- Military Employee Turnover is less than 20%.
- Promotions and Advancements of Military Employees is higher than for Non-Military Employees.
- Percent of Military Applicants selected is higher than for Non-Military Applicants selected.
- Guard and Reserve policies exceed federal requirements.
Additionally, we use public data sources in our assessment. Companies are negatively scored or may be disqualified if the company was found in violation of veteran protections within the past 12 months:
- Company has an outstanding claim(s) case or violation under investigation by the US Departments of Labor or Defense, or the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
- Company has been debarred from participation in federal contracting.
EY, a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services, independently evaluates the completeness and accuracy of the Military Friendly® Employers data calculations and scoring tabulations using the criteria set forth by VIQTORY. The services performed by EY are advisory in nature.
EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more, of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. The methodology review was performed by EY Assurance Services. For more information about EY, please visit ey.com
Understand the Top 10, Gold, Silver, and Bronze awards, the Categorical breakdowns, and more.
Understanding the various awards and categories that classify companies.
The categories for the 2020 Military Friendly® Companies survey is as follows:
- Over $5 Billion
- $1 Billion to $5 Billion
- $500 Million to $1 Billion
- Government/Non-Profit
- Less than $500 Million
The 2019 Military Friendly® Designation is awarded to companies who meet the requirements in the Methodology section above. They are committed to being Better for Veterans and are an example to American companies.
The Military Friendly® Employer with Bronze distinction is an employer who scored within 30% of the 10th best Employer in their category. These Employers have exceptional military/veteran programs and this award showcases their dedication.
The 2019 Military Friendly® Silver Designation is awarded to companies who meet the requirements and score within 20% of the 10th ranking Employer in their category. Only a select group of companies achieve this honor.
The Military Friendly® Employer with Gold distinction is an employer who scored within 10% of the 10th ranking Employer in their category. These employers are setting the example with their programs and initiatives.
The Military Friendly® Top 10 Employers are the guidon bearers for military/veteran programs and initiatives. They set the standard for other designations and are programs that continue to improve every year.See the list here.
Your Guide to Military Friendly® Company Survey
Understanding the survey has never been easier.
Timelines
Pledge: Companies can complete the pledge at any time. The Pledge Rating is valid for one year. On or before the expiration companies must complete a survey for the Designated or Awards Rating.
Designated: Companies can complete the Designation Survey at any time. Status must be maintained and updated annually in order to remain Designated.
Awards: Companies can complete the Awards Survey at any time. Status must be maintained and updated annually in order to maintain Bronze, Silver, Gold ratings. TOP TEN Awards are set Annually an do require that submissions are received by a static deadline. Any Submissions received after the deadline will not qualify for Top Ten selection.
Deadlines
Awards: Companies can complete the Awards Survey at any time. Status must be maintained and updated annually in order to maintain Bronze, Silver, Gold ratings. TOP TEN Awards are set Annually and do require that submissions are received by a static deadline. Any Submissions received after the deadline will not qualify for Top Ten selection.
Annual Surveys Open and reset on the Third Wednesday in March.
TOP TEN Deadline: First Tue of August
Awardees are also printed in several issues of G.I. Jobs magazine. In order to make the cut off off for the follow issues the deadlines below apply.
Annual Guide to Military Friendly® Employers: First Tue of August
2025 Military Friendly® Employers 2.0: First Tue of February
Press Release Dates
Annual Submission Cycle
Pledge: Companies can complete the pledge at any time. The Pledge Rating is valid for one year. On or before the expiration companies must complete a survey for the Designated or Awards Rating.
Designated: Companies can complete the Designation Survey at any time. Status must be maintained and updated annually in order to remain Designated.
Awards: Companies can complete the Awards Survey at any time. Status must be maintained and updated annually in order to maintain Bronze, Silver, Gold ratings. TOP TEN Awards are set Annually and requires that submissions are received by the August static deadline. Any Submissions received after the deadline will not qualify for Top Ten selection.
Need Your Link
Military Friendly® Company Survey Request
Choose Your Designation Path
Pledge
It all starts with the Military Friendly® Pledge—the first step in the ratings process, demonstrating a company’s vested interest and commitment to the military community.
Designated
After taking the Pledge, a company can answer an additional 16 questions to receive a designation. This designation is based on a comprehensive evaluation of its policies, practices, and outcomes in six critical areas.
Awards
After receiving a Designation, a company can answer an additional 99 questions to be rated Gold, Silver, or Bronze. This recognition signifies the organization’s unwavering commitment and includes additional areas of distinction.
SURVEY SEGMENTS
Military Friendly® Companies
The Military Friendly® Companies survey employs a comprehensive and detailed methodology to evaluate and recognize companies that excel in supporting the military community. This methodology involves several components, each with specific criteria, evaluation processes, and weightings to ensure a thorough assessment. The overall survey integrates data from Military Friendly® Employers (MFE), Military Friendly Spouse Employers® (MSFE), Military Friendly® Supplier Diversity (MFSD), and Military Friendly® Brands (MFB), each with their own set of categories and weightings.
By excelling in at least three of these segments, companies demonstrate a comprehensive and well-rounded commitment to supporting military personnel, veterans, and their families. This rating underscores a company’s dedication to fostering a military-friendly environment and highlights best practices in serving those who have served our nation. You must designate in three of the four segment surveys to qualify.
Each segment focuses on specific aspects of military support:
Military Friendly® Employers (MFE)
Military Friendly® Employer Award Ratings recognition signifies an organization’s unwavering commitment to supporting the military community and fostering an inclusive workplace environment. In summary, the Military Friendly® Employer Award ratings celebrates an organization’s comprehensive efforts in creating an inclusive workplace environment and providing meaningful opportunities for military-affiliated individuals to thrive and succeed.
Weightings
- Support & Retention
- Opportunity & Advancement
- Culture & Commitment
- Policies & Compliance
- Hiring & Onboarding
- Recruiting & Sourcing
Military Spouse Friendly Employers® (MSFE)
Military Friendly® Spouse Employers (MSFE) rating recognizes organizations that demonstrate excellence in supporting military spouses across various categories. From fostering a supportive culture to providing opportunities for advancement, retaining talent, and ensuring compliance with policies and regulations, these designation highlight the commitment of organizations to create inclusive environments where military spouses can thrive personally and professionally.
Weightings
- Support & Retention
- Culture & Commitment
- Policies & Compliance
- Opportunity & Advancement
- Hiring & Onboarding
Military Friendly® Supplier Diversity (MFSD)
Military Friendly® Supplier Diversity (MFSD): Assesses the extent of support and development for military suppliers, goals and outcomes achieved, personnel and infrastructure, and the processes and controls in place.
Weightings
- Opportunity & Advancement
- Support & Development
- Processes & Controls
- Personnel & Infrastructure
Military Friendly® Brands (MFB)
Military Friendly® Brands (MFB): Measures an organization’s culture, policies, transparency, reporting, protections, support, and investment in partnerships that benefit the military community.
Weightings
- Protections & Support
- Investment & Partnerships
- Policies & Governance
- Transparency & Reporting
- Support & Retention
Got Questions?
SUPPORT
Need a copy of your responses from last year?
Past participants can click to request a PDF copy of your company’s responses from last year or previous years. Results will be sent to your company email address.
Need a BLANK copy of all survey questions?
Click below to download a blank copy of the survey questions. At this time the survey is only provided in two formats: Microsoft word or PDF format.
Need your Survey Link?
If you need your company’s survey link for completion, click the button below and we will email your personalized link. Results are sent through an automated system. Please check your spam folder.
New? Learn more on how to get started
New to the survey process and curious about how to get started? New companies take the first step by completing the pledge. Click the button to learn more on getting started.
Need Your Response PDF?
Do you need a copy of the responses your company submitted for the previous cycle?
Need Your Awards Notice?
Did you miss the notice? Click to get your company’s most recent Awards notice and results emailed to you. Results are sent via an automated system. Please check your spam folder.
Does your profile need updated?
You can now edit your profile and make changes through the Military Friendly Talent Exchange. You can also download the logos right from our website here.
Need to request historical award information?
Want to know your companies award history? Are you looking for historical information on your organization? Click the button to have your records sent. Results are sent via an automated system. Please check your spam folder.
Need to order a plaque?
Would you like to order a plaque for your company? Click the button to access the commerce portal and purchase plaques.
Already awarded and need your logos?
You can now download logos through your profile on the Military Friendly Talent Exchange.
Looking for press release templates and boilerplates?
You can now download Boilerplates and press templates through your profile on the Military Friendly Talent Exchange.
Looking for brand guidelines?
Click to download brand guidelines and logo usage.