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In-Person Training

Jacksonville

Face-to-Face Learning - Apply Now

Join Us In Person in Jacksonville, FL!
Next Event: January 20 – 28, 2026

Experience the Operation New Uniform (ONU) Career Readiness Program live in Jacksonville, Florida. This immersive course equips veterans and servicemembers with the mindset, skills, and connections needed for meaningful success after the military.

Upcoming Sessions:

  • January 20 – 28, 2026 (Apply Now!)
  • July 27 – August 5, 2026
  • November 2 – 11, 2026
  •  
Apply Now - It's Free!
What To Expect

A Journey of Growth, Confidence, and Connection

  •  Hands-On Learning: Say goodbye to “death by PowerPoint.” Each day is filled with role-playing, real-world exercises, discussions, and team-building activities designed to keep you engaged and learning by doing.
  • Expert Guest Speakers: Hear directly from employers, recruiters, and ONU alumni who share their stories and insights to help you navigate your next chapter with clarity and confidence.
  • Comprehensive Curriculum: Explore topics such as self-awareness, networking, communication, goal setting, interviewing, and personal branding, all designed to help you stand out in the civilian workforce.
  • Career Coaching & Support: Receive personalized feedback and guidance from instructors and mentors who understand your transition journey.
  • Graduation & Networking Ceremony: Conclude with a formal graduation event attended by local employers, community partners, and ONU alumni, providing an incredible opportunity to showcase your growth and expand your professional network.
  • Community & Connection: Build lasting relationships with fellow veterans, ONU graduates, and community partners who are invested in your long-term success.
Apply Now - It's Free!
Key Highlights

The Experience That Changes Everything

Designed for impact, this two-week journey delivers hands-on learning, professional growth, and lasting connections that prepare you for long-term success.

Start Your Journey

In-Person Experience

Engage face-to-face in an encouraging and motivating classroom environment.

Short, Powerful Format

Engage in a two-week program that is held Monday–Thursday, 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM.

Real Results

Develop the mindset, communication skills, and professional readiness to thrive in any industry.

Multiple Locations

Attend in Jacksonville, FL, Tampa, FL, or Memphis, TN, each offering local networking and employer engagement opportunities.

Graduation & Celebration

End the program with a graduation ceremony featuring employers and community partners, the perfect opportunity to network and make lasting career connections.

Donate to ONU.

You have the power to change lives. Your generous donation ensures that our nation’s heroes and their spouses receive life-changing services— at no cost to them.

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Learn about ONU's impact.

Watch the heartwarming journey of Willie and discover how Operation New Uniform transformed his future.

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Apply for a class.

Are you a Servicemember, Veteran, or Military Spouse? Apply today to start your journey with Operation New Uniform and take the first step toward a brighter future,

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Graduates Trained

$ 0 K

Average Starting Salary

$ 0 M+

Total Economic Impact

Hear From Our Graduates

Real People, Real Stories

The true measure of our success isn’t just in the numbers—it’s in the lives we’ve transformed.

    WILLIE SANDERS, III

    U.S. ARMY VETERAN

    As a Veteran of the Army, and a father of two boys, connecting with Operation New Uniform was life-changing. From day one, I felt respected—not just as a Veteran, but as a man reclaiming his purpose. ONU isn’t just about career transitions; it’s about restoring confidence, dignity, and direction. They stood with me during one of the hardest chapters of my life and helped me remember who I am; a "Shooting Star.” I’m proud to be part of a community that truly gets it. ONU doesn’t just support veterans—they empower us to rise, rebuild, and lead with strength and honor.

      NICOLE BLOCKER

      U.S. MARINE CORPS SPOUSE

      Operation New Uniform gave me the space and support to explore and hone my personal and professional strengths in a transformative way. It was more than just a career development program—it was a chance to connect with other military spouses who are equally committed to growth and forward momentum. Through the process, I gained the confidence to not just tell my story but also truly own the value of my journey. The incredible staff and volunteers who surrounded us made all the difference —they brought energy, insight, and encouragement every step of the way. They helped me see clearly how my strengths and my story connect to then step confidently into the next chapter of my career with a renewed sense of purpose and direction.

        KOI MUHORO

        U.S. NAVY VETERAN & MILITARY SPOUSE

        Before Operation New Uniform, life felt like a constant balancing act. I was a mom, a military spouse, and a veteran trying to make sense of what came next. After transitioning from active duty, I believed I had the skills, experience, and qualifications to step confidently into the civilian business world—but I quickly realized that knowing your worth and communicating it are two very different things. I knew I had more to give, but I didn’t know how to take that first step. I felt caught between the person I was in uniform and the person I hoped to become. Then came ONU—and it felt like a lifeline. They didn’t just help me build a resume or prepare for interviews. They saw me. They reminded me that my voice, my story, and my value still mattered. They gave me the tools—but more importantly, they helped me reclaim my confidence and believe in my future again. The journey is still unfolding— but thanks to ONU, I no longer walk it alone.

          CONNER CRISAFULLI

          U.S. AIR FORCE VETERAN

          I completed the Operation New Uniform program at the end of 2024, and it played a pivotal role in ensuring a smooth transition from military to civilian life. The program equipped me with the skills and experiences I needed to confidently market myself in the job market. The various methodologies we learned—especially the upfront contract —have been instrumental in both my previous job search and my current role. I still use the upfront contract to kick off every meeting, and it consistently sets the right tone.

            STUART WOODFIN

            U.S. COAST GUARD VETERAN

            Operation New Uniform is perfect for any servicemember or veteran preparing to enter the civilian workforce. As a Coast Guard veteran, I understand how complex that transition can be—and ONU has been instrumental in helping me navigate it. Their dedication, expertise, and supportive community create a truly transformative experience that empowers veterans to achieve their professional goals. For any veteran seeking to navigate the complexities of entering the civilian workforce, ONU is more than a program—it’s an invaluable resource and a beacon of hope.

              FELIX RODRIGUEZ

              Z, ARMY NATIONAL GUARD VETERAN

              The Operation New Uniform program is simply a cut above and it is an outstanding resource to all those making the transition following military service. The program forces you to think about your strengths and weaknesses and it teaches you how to own the interview process while laying the framework for your responses. This approach increases your confidence and at times flips the roles between interviewer and interviewee. Lastly and most importantly, the core ONU team and those under their umbrella absolutely have your best interest and future success in mind, leaving no doubt they are there to support you.

              Support Our Mission

              Join Our Loyalty Brigade

              Join the monthly Loyalty Brigade, by becoming a monthly donor, now and ensure Servicemembers, Veterans, and Military Spouses never have to pay for ONU’s life-changing program.

              Join Today
              Get In Touch

              We're Here to Serve

              Ready to start your career transformation or have questions about our programs? Send us a message and our team will get back to you within 24 hours.

              Visit or Call Us

              Prefer to speak directly with our team?

              Phone Number

              (904) 328-1600
              Email Address

              [email protected]
              Our Office

              4215 Southpoint Blvd, Suite 100, Jacksonville, FL 32216

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              (904) 328-1600

              Michele McManamon

              Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder
              Operation New Uniform

              Media Contact:
              Char Miller, Chief Marketing Officer
              Operation New Uniform
              [email protected]

              Michele McManamon is the Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Operation New Uniform (ONU), a nonprofit organization headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida. ONU is a free, comprehensive Career Development program dedicated to addressing the challenges of unemployment, underemployment, and career transitions faced by Servicemembers, Veterans, and Military Spouses.

              Before founding ONU, Michele and her husband operated Sandler Training franchises. While sponsoring a veteran through Sandler’s training in Jacksonville, she identified a gap—veterans lacked a clear path to civilian careers. To fill that need, she co-founded Operation New Uniform in 2014 and, by 2019, stepped away from Sandler to lead ONU full-time. ONU’s curriculum is based upon the globally recognized Sandler training methodology.

              ONU has graduated over 700 servicemembers, veterans, and military spouses across 28 states and Europe through in-person and online career readiness programs. Based on Blue Star Families’ Military Family Lifestyle Survey, which finds the average military family size to be 4.5 individuals, ONU’s work has positively impacted an estimated 2,482 lives.

              A passionate community leader, Michele was the third woman ever selected to serve as a Blue Coat (Vice Chair) for THE PLAYERS Championship in 2010 and became the tournament’s third female Chair in 2016. She is a Trustee with the JAX Chamber, a member of the JAXUSA Partnership’s Military Issues Committee, and a board member of the Community Veterans Engagement Board (CVEB). Her accolades include being named Woman Business Owner of the Year and Small Business Leader of the Year for South Council by the JAX Chamber, as well as one of Jacksonville’s Top 25 Influential Women. ONU, under her direction, was named a Top 50 Business of Influence by the Jacksonville Business Journal.

              In 2023, Michele was selected to participate in the prestigious Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses (10KSB) program, further highlighting her innovative leadership and commitment to empowering veterans and their families. She still actively participates with this global group and was recently a 10KSB panelist.

              In the fall of 2024, Michele was honored on the field during the Jacksonville Jaguars’ nationally televised Military Appreciation game as the Veteran Community Champion of the Year. This special recognition, presented by Florida Blue, took place during the third quarter and spotlighted her leadership at Operation New Uniform, highlighting ONU’s crucial role in supporting veterans and their families across the nation and overseas.

              A New Jersey native and proud granddaughter of Greek immigrants, Michele now lives in Northeast Florida with her husband, Pat, and their dog, Willow. She’s the mother of two grown children and a devoted grandmother.

              Michele in the News: