AI Support for the Next Mission
Every year, hundreds of thousands of U.S. servicemembers take off the uniform and step into civilian life, a transition filled with opportunity but also uncertainty. From job hunting and education to housing, benefits, and finances, there’s a lot to navigate.
OpenAI wants to make that process easier. Katrina Mulligan, OpenAI’s Head of National Security Partnerships, told reporters that U.S. servicemembers and veterans can now receive one free year of ChatGPT Plus if they’re within 12 months of retirement or separation. The initiative came directly from veterans working at OpenAI who use AI daily and wanted to share those tools with others preparing for their next chapter.
“Our mission is to ensure that AI tools benefit all of humanity,” OpenAI said in its official statement. “That includes making the transition a little easier for those who have served.”
Turning Military Experience Into Civilian Strength
The program is designed to help veterans and transitioning servicemembers use AI to translate military experience into civilian language, one of the most common barriers to post-service employment.
Vikki Lampton, a U.S. Navy veteran and OpenAI team member, said she’s already seen the difference it can make.
“As I started mentoring other veterans that were transitioning, I would show them how to use ChatGPT to translate their military experience into civilian terms and understand their benefits, demystify their paperwork, prepare for interviews, or even explore starting their own businesses,” Lampton told reporters.
With free access to ChatGPT Plus, participants can:
- Write and adapt resumes that highlight military experience in civilian terms.
- Practice mock interviews with realistic questions and AI feedback.
- Get plain language explanations of benefits, forms, and paperwork.
- Plan housing, education, relocation, and financial goals.
- Access help 24/7, no waiting, no appointment needed.
OpenAI’s veteran employees developed more than 100 example chats for this effort, covering everything from job applications to relocation planning. A custom video guide on the OpenAI Academy, hosted by a veteran, helps new users learn how to get the most from the tools.
Verification and Access
To ensure eligibility, OpenAI is partnering with SheerID, a veteran verification platform, to confirm service status and distribute codes securely. The program is open to all U.S. military veterans and servicemembers within one year of retirement or separation.
Once verified, veterans receive access to OpenAI’s most advanced model, GPT-4, through ChatGPT Plus, normally a $20-per-month subscription. The company emphasized that this includes all the latest features, such as memory and custom instructions, to make the experience more personalized and effective.
Veterans can learn more and verify their eligibility at https://chatgpt.com/veterans-claim
Part of a Larger Movement
The program joins a broader wave of tech-industry efforts to support veterans through training and career development. Microsoft, Google, and Salesforce all run veteran initiatives focused on AI, cybersecurity, and cloud computing skills.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly half of post-9/11 veterans report that adjusting to civilian life is difficult, and younger veterans continue to face higher unemployment rates than older peers.
By giving veterans tools like ChatGPT, OpenAI hopes to ease that transition while offering hands-on exposure to the AI technology shaping today’s workforce.
Veteran Voices Behind the Program
The initiative was spearheaded internally by OpenAI’s own veterans. They saw how the technology helped them plan their careers and wanted to make it available to others leaving the military.
“The leadership, discipline, and adaptability veterans bring to everything they do have shaped this country,” the company said. “They deserve tools that match that strength.”
Why It Matters
The shift from a structured military life to open-ended civilian employment can feel like stepping into a new mission without a briefing. Programs like this give veterans immediate, practical support and a tool they can rely on anytime, anywhere.
ChatGPT can’t replace human mentorship or community, but it can simplify the paperwork, boost confidence, and even uncover new career paths. For servicemembers preparing for the next phase, it’s one more resource to make the transition smoother.
External sources:
OpenAI: ChatGPT for Veterans
SheerID
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
