Military | Southwest Careers

Enter your military occupation code and see the open opportunities.

Six branches. One Heart.

At Southwest Airlines^®, we seek to attract, hire, onboard, and retain extraordinary veterans who serve or have served our country and given our Company the freedom to fly. While our colors may be red, yellow, and blue, our Southwest^® Heart beats red, white, and blue.

If you're serving or previously served, let us know!

Southwest Airlines Chief Operating Officer smiling in front of Freedom One

"Southwest is a place where the dedicated focus honed in military life brings daily recognition and reward. We celebrate the advancement of those who can lead others in marching to the same heartbeat."

- Andrew Watterson,
Chief Operating Officer and U.S. Army Veteran

7 Southwest Employees smiling in front of Freedom One

The inaugural Crew of Freedom One

As a Company, we're grateful for our military service members who fought for our freedoms and continue to bring their unique skillset to Southwest. Our support of our military resounds with more than 10,200 Employees who self-identify as military members (one in seven Southwest Employees) and over 1,800 military spouses.

Ronald G. smiling, 18th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps

Our Warrior Hire program

In partnership with the Microsoft Software and Systems Academy (MSSA), Southwest actively supports the transition of military veterans from active duty and reserves to careers in our Technology Department. Throughout the years, dozens of Southwest Warrior Hires have successfully transitioned and received the full support of technical and career skill training, along with a "battle buddy" from a previous class, a transition mentor, and direct guidance from the Warrior Hire Steering Committee.

“You won’t find a closer family of veterans anywhere in the workforce than Southwest’s Warrior Hire program, which is comprised of every branch of service. Someone is always willing to help whenever you have a question or need support, and that’s the contagious Culture at Southwest.”

- Ron G., Senior Manager, Technology
and 18th Sergeant Major of the United States Marine Corps

U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Greg Thomas/USMC/Released

Supporting our veterans

Southwest Warrior Hire Mentor smiling at work

Military Ambassadors

Our Military Ambassadors are a Team of veterans and military spouses focused on easing the path of post-military transitioning. Based in various departments, our ambassadors cultivate a community where veterans, current military, and supporters can connect through shared experiences and learn about development opportunities.

Destination 225 Cadet in the flight deck of a training aircraft

Destination 225°^®Military Pathway

The Southwest Airlines Destination 225° Program, combined with our traditional hiring for First Officers, allows experienced, passionate, and well-trained aviators to learn how to fly The Southwest Way. Southwest Airlines designed this pathway to bridge the gap for pilots with fixed-wing turbine experience interested in launching their civilian flying career.

View of a Southwest Airlines winglet in flight

Honor Flight Network

We’re proud to honor veterans of all branches. Since 2009, Southwest has been the official airline of the Honor Flight Network, providing complimentary round-trip travel that helps military heroes visit and reflect at memorials in Washington, D.C. As of November 2022, we've donated over 12,150 tickets to veterans from all service areas.

Partnerships that matter

We're proud of our national partnerships with military-focused nonprofits. Southwest is honored to support these organizations who provide impactful services to military personnel, veterans, and their families.

Learn about our DEI partnerships and awards

Captain Ernie M. smiling in a Southwest aircraft cabin

Ernie M., Southwest Captain

Arizona National Guard (Retired)

Warrior spirits. Warrior stories.

Photo of Emily E, Network Director in the Network Operations Control Center

Managing Director Operations Control Emily E. found a career that would allow her to serve our great country while working in aviation.

Captain John G. in a Southwest flight deck, smiling behind him

Captain John G. invites a World War II pilot to sit in the flight deck before his Southwest flight.

U.S. Soldier being brought home on a Southwest plane

Captain Brian K., a USAF veteran, flew his father home to Dallas for the final time.

Our Heart starts with our People.

From evacuee to the U.S. Navy to Southwest Airlines.

“If it wasn’t for the choices and sacrifices my parents made, I would not have a story to share regarding my journey to the United States or my professional career.”

- Jeni T., Southwest Airlines University
Team Leader

Jeni's story