Military spouses face some of the same challenges that most people do when seeking employment. Finding employment can be a difficult process, especially for first time job seekers or those who are just starting their careers. But the military lifestyle presents some other obstacles that are unique to the military community. Military families are required to move frequently, service members are often deployed for long periods of time, and service members often work long hours when not deployed. This can keep the military member from being physically available to assist with childcare and parenting. Many military installations are located in remote locations with limited employment opportunities, presenting even more challenges in the job search process.

Military spouses face some of the same challenges that most people do when seeking employment. Finding employment can be a difficult process, especially for first time job seekers or those who are just starting their careers. But the military lifestyle presents some other obstacles that are unique to the military community. Military families are required to move frequently, service members are often deployed for long periods of time, and service members often work long hours when not deployed. This can keep the military member from being physically available to assist with childcare and parenting. Many military installations are located in remote locations with limited employment opportunities, presenting even more challenges in the job search process.

The Department of Defense (DoD) has created programs to help address the challenges faced by military spouses. The three main resources are the Employment Assistance Program, the Military Spouse Career Center, and Military OneSource. These resources are designed to offer military spouses assistance in reaching their employment and career goals. These programs also provide tools to help address the unique challenges military spouses face when beginning a job search. Because military spouses are invaluable to the health and welfare of military families and to the retention of those serving, DoD provides many employment and career services to military members and they continuously strive to adapt and improve on these programs as the needs of military spouses change.

The Department of Defense (DoD) has created programs to help address the challenges faced by military spouses. The three main resources are the Employment Assistance Program, the Military Spouse Career Center, and Military OneSource. These resources are designed to offer military spouses assistance in reaching their employment and career goals. These programs also provide tools to help address the unique challenges military spouses face when beginning a job search. Because military spouses are invaluable to the health and welfare of military families and to the retention of those serving, DoD provides many employment and career services to military members and they continuously strive to adapt and improve on these programs as the needs of military spouses change.

The Employment Assistance Program is a resource offered by each of the military branches. These programs provide training and information to military spouses in order to help them to reach their employment and career development goals. Although the programs do not guarantee employment, they provide spouses with the tools and skills necessary to identify and actively pursue employment that matches well with their needs and skills. Some of the services provided include:

• personalized job skill assessment and career counseling
• resume and cover letter preparation
• internet and printer access
• information on local employment opportunities
• career seminars
• assistance with identifying career goals and job searches
• information on the impact of relocation on employment and coping strategies
• support and encouragement

The Employment Assistance Program is a resource offered by each of the military branches. These programs provide training and information to military spouses in order to help them to reach their employment and career development goals. Although the programs do not guarantee employment, they provide spouses with the tools and skills necessary to identify and actively pursue employment that matches well with their needs and skills. Some of the services provided include:

• personalized job skill assessment and career counseling
• resume and cover letter preparation
• internet and printer access
• information on local employment opportunities
• career seminars
• assistance with identifying career goals and job searches
• information on the impact of relocation on employment and coping strategies
• support and encouragement

Each military branch has a different name for the Employment Assistance Program:

Army: Employment Readiness Program

Navy: Spouse Employment Assistance Program

Air Force: Career Focus Program

Marine Corps: Family Member Employment Assistance Program

If unsure of where to go on base to locate this program, a service member or spouse can contact the local military community family center for assistance.

Each military branch has a different name for the Employment Assistance Program:

Army: Employment Readiness Program

Navy: Spouse Employment Assistance Program

Air Force: Career Focus Program

Marine Corps: Family Member Employment Assistance Program

If unsure of where to go on base to locate this program, a service member or spouse can contact the local military community family center for assistance.

Military OneSource is a comprehensive service for military members and their families who live too far away to reach installation services or for those who wish to gain additional services based on their personal needs.  In regards to employment, Military OneSource can locate local resources, perform a local search for employment agencies that specialize in personal career interests, find local newspapers that advertise job opportunities, and provide lists of online websites that contain local job opportunities. The website also includes articles and resources related to finding a job or career building.

Military OneSource is a comprehensive service for military members and their families who live too far away to reach installation services or for those who wish to gain additional services based on their personal needs.  In regards to employment, Military OneSource can locate local resources, perform a local search for employment agencies that specialize in personal career interests, find local newspapers that advertise job opportunities, and provide lists of online websites that contain local job opportunities. The website also includes articles and resources related to finding a job or career building.

The three main types of employment positions that can be found on a base are civil service, non-appropriated fund (NAF), and contracting. Civil service jobs involve working directly for the government. Applicants are often required to pass a test to become eligible for these positions. NAF positions are jobs that have to do with morale, welfare, and recreation income generating services on the installation. Income from the service is used to pay employees. Contracting refers to jobs that are provided by commercial contracting companies, private companies hired by the government to provide services on an installation.

The three main types of employment positions that can be found on a base are civil service, non-appropriated fund (NAF), and contracting. Civil service jobs involve working directly for the government. Applicants are often required to pass a test to become eligible for these positions. NAF positions are jobs that have to do with morale, welfare, and recreation income generating services on the installation. Income from the service is used to pay employees. Contracting refers to jobs that are provided by commercial contracting companies, private companies hired by the government to provide services on an installation.

There are many resources available for those who wish to learn a trade, new skills, or continue their education.  Most installations have an Education or Continuing Education Office that can provide information about local or online colleges and universities where a military spouse can pursue a certification or degree.  They also have information about community-based training programs.  Many also offer GED and college preparatory classes as well as college level classes.

In addition to the Education Office, the Employment Assistance Program at the installation family center may also offer training opportunities, either on the installation or through partnerships with civilian agencies or local businesses.

For those who live too far away from an installation to use these services, Military OneSource can locate local colleges, trade schools, or preparatory programs based on an individual’s personal preferences.  They can also locate financial assistance programs that provide funding for education and training programs specifically geared towards the military spouse.

There are many resources available for those who wish to learn a trade, new skills, or continue their education.  Most installations have an Education or Continuing Education Office that can provide information about local or online colleges and universities where a military spouse can pursue a certification or degree.  They also have information about community-based training programs.  Many also offer GED and college preparatory classes as well as college level classes.

In addition to the Education Office, the Employment Assistance Program at the installation family center may also offer training opportunities, either on the installation or through partnerships with civilian agencies or local businesses.

For those who live too far away from an installation to use these services, Military OneSource can locate local colleges, trade schools, or preparatory programs based on an individual’s personal preferences.  They can also locate financial assistance programs that provide funding for education and training programs specifically geared towards the military spouse.

For information on MyCAA and Military Spouse Education and Career Opportunities, visit Military OneSource.

For information on MyCAA and Military Spouse Education and Career Opportunities, visit Military OneSource.