Spouse Education + Employment

Military spouses tell us they want to pursue their education and career endeavors compatible with the military lifestyle. Frequent moves, training missions, and the unpredictable schedule of the service member cause interruptions in the education and career of a military spouse. Specific state licensing requirements and industry tenure restrict employment opportunities for military spouses.

Our Association supports:

  • the reinstatement of the MyCAA program to include all military spouses regardless of the service member’s rank
  • a Congressional report of military spouse employment programs including an assessment of the military spouse federal internship program
  • expansion of the Work Opportunity Tax Credit for employers who hire military spouses
  • a tax credit to military spouses to offset the cost of obtaining a new license or credential when the service member is relocated to a new duty station
  • reciprocity of professional licenses or alternative license arrangements

Updates

  • March 2012: Our Association wrote support letters to both California and Hawaii supporting alternative licenses for military spouses.

  • January 11, 2012: Our Association support military spouse attorneys with a support letter to the American Bar Association House of Delegates. Through the Military Spouse JD Network, military spouse attorneys are advocating for bar membership.
    Related Article: Letter to House of Delegates - American Bar Association
  • January 13, 2012: Our Association participated in the Hiring our Heroes Military Spouse Career Forum hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
    Related Article: Career Fair Draws 1,000 Job-seeking Spouses
  • November 22, 2011 The National Military Family Association announces a new online app to connect military families to resources. The first module focuses on military spouse employment and the beta version is anticipated in the first half of 2012.
    Related Article: New Online Application Launched
  • June 29, 2011 Our Association attended the launch of the Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP), an expansion of the Army Spouse Employment Program.
    Related Article: Launch of Expanded Military Spouse Employment Partnership
  • June 14, 2011 Seven states now provide an alternative license or temporary license to working military spouses. Please note this list does not include those states which have specific reciprocity or participate in compact agreements for specific professions, such as the Nurse Licensure Compact.
    Related Article: We Asked. You Answered
  • May 17, 2011 Our Association testified before the Texas House Committee on Licensing & Administrative in Procedures in support of legislation that would permit alternative licensing procedures for military spouses.
  • April 6, 2011 Our Association testified before the Texas Senate Veterans Affairs & Military Installations Committee in support of legislation that would permit alternative licensing procedures for military spouses. This legislation will help a military spouse who requires a state license to be work-ready when they enter the state.
    Related Article: Military Spouse Employment Initiatives