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!
Photo of Southwest Military pin
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
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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 9,800 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
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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 allows experienced, passionate, and well-trained aviators to learn how to fly The Southwest Way. Southwest Airlines designed the military pathway to bridge the gap for rotor or power lift pilots 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
Team Rubicon logo
 Help Heal Veterans logo
PTSD Foundation of America logo
Honor Flight's logo
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
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Network Director 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
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Captain John G. invites a World War II pilot to sit in the flight deck before his Southwest flight.

Our Heart starts with our People.

Photo of Jeni T's family

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
Ron G. speaking to audience

The few, the proud, and now part of the Southwest Family.

"Many stars aligned to make it possible for me to be on the end of this computer right now."
- Ron G., Senior Manager, Technology


U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Melissa Karnath/Released

Ron's story
Photo of Ro smiling at a Southwest event

I'm an Advocate for Positivity.

"I wake up every day with one mission in mind: to advocate for positivity."
- Ro T., Supervisor Inflight Standards Audit
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Ro's story
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Cultivating Camaraderie beyond the Marines.

"Southwest provided the People and Culture that I was used to having around me while serving."
- Juan B., Senior Software Engineer
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Juan's story

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Southwest Airlines® is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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