Sharing the Journey


Book Description

"A unit's command team is the partnership among the commander, the senior noncommissioned officer (NCO), and a volunteer lead spouse. As the primary advisor, ambassador, and advocate for the spouses and families of members in the unit, finding the right person to undertake the important role of volunteer lead spouse is one of the most important decisions a commander will make. Once a spouse in the unit decides to take on the role, it can be challenging and incredibly rewarding to navigate working with military leadership, state or local government, base programs and organizations, and other military spouses to take care of families. This book captures "words of wisdom" collected by Mrs. Dawn Goldfein, spouse of the 21st Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Gen David L. Goldfein over their 37-year career. For command teams that seek to understand and leverage the military "spouse network" of command, lead, key, and key spouse mentors within their unit or their installation, it offers a treasure trove of useful ideas and stories"--




Military Spouse Employment Programs


Book Description

"Why GAO Did This StudyThe approximately 725,000 spouses ofactive duty servicemembers facechallenges to maintaining a career,including having to move frequently.Their employment is often important tothe financial well-being of their families.For these reasons, DOD has takensteps in recent years to help militaryspouses obtain employment.Moreover, the federal government hashiring mechanisms to help militaryspouses obtain federal jobs.The National Defense AuthorizationAct for Fiscal Year 2012 requires GAOto report on the programs that helpmilitary spouses obtain jobs. Thisreport examines: (1) DOD's recentefforts to help military spouses obtainemployment, (2) DOD's steps toassess effectiveness of these efforts,and (3) the hiring mechanisms to helpmilitary spouses obtain federal jobs.GAO conducted interviews with DOD,the Office of Personnel Management,and two advocacy groups; conductedsite visits; analyzed relevant data; andreviewed relevant documents, laws,and regulations.GAO RecommendsGAO recommends that DOD considerincorporating (1) key collaborationpractices as it develops its spouseemployment guidance, and (2) keyattributes of successful performancemeasures as it develops and finalizesits performance measures. DODpartially concurred with the tworecommendations, citing steps it hasalready taken. GAO recognizes DOD's"




Strengthening the Military Family Readiness System for a Changing American Society


Book Description

The U.S. military has been continuously engaged in foreign conflicts for over two decades. The strains that these deployments, the associated increases in operational tempo, and the general challenges of military life affect not only service members but also the people who depend on them and who support them as they support the nation â€" their families. Family members provide support to service members while they serve or when they have difficulties; family problems can interfere with the ability of service members to deploy or remain in theater; and family members are central influences on whether members continue to serve. In addition, rising family diversity and complexity will likely increase the difficulty of creating military policies, programs and practices that adequately support families in the performance of military duties. Strengthening the Military Family Readiness System for a Changing American Society examines the challenges and opportunities facing military families and what is known about effective strategies for supporting and protecting military children and families, as well as lessons to be learned from these experiences. This report offers recommendations regarding what is needed to strengthen the support system for military families.




Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents, and Survivors


Book Description

An official, up-to-date government manual that covers everything from VA life insurance to survivor benefits. Veterans of the United States armed forces may be eligible for a broad range of benefits and services provided by the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). If you’re looking for information on these benefits and services, look no further than the newest edition of Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents, and Survivors. The VA operates the nation’s largest health-care system, with more than 1,700 care sites available across the country. These sites include hospitals, community clinics, readjustment counseling centers, and more. In this book, those who have honorably served in the active military, naval, or air service will learn about the services offered at these sites, basic eligibility for health care, and more. Helpful topics described in depth throughout these pages for veterans, their dependents, and their survivors include: Vocational rehabilitation and employment VA pensions Home loan guaranty Burial and memorial benefits Transition assistance Dependents and survivors health care and benefits Military medals and records And more




Bleeding Talent


Book Description

Shaping the debate on how to save the military from itself. The first part recognizes what the military has done well in attracting and developing leadership talent. The book then examines the causes and consequences of the modern military's stifling personnel system and offers solutions for attracting and retaining top talent.




Silent Sacrifice on the Homefront


Book Description

Are you a military spouse struggling to keep your career going while juggling all the competing demands of military life? This book offers a glimpse into the lives of other military spouses who have faced the same challenges and reflect candidly about the good, the bad, and the ugly of their experiences. In addition to sharing these real-life stories gathered in her research, Michelle Still Mehta offers a strategy for managing the conflicts so many military spouses encounter. This 3 M framework provides practical advice in three key areas that must be balanced in order to sustain your career: - Marriage: What support do you need from your spouse to make a career possible?- Motherhood / Fatherhood: What are your expectations and needs as a parent and how do they mesh with your career plans?- Military Life: What aspects of military life need to be reconciled with your career goals (e.g., deployments, unpredictable work schedules, PCS moves)?Michelle Still Mehta, PhD, is a consultant, researcher, writer, and coach specializing in military spouse employment, the psychology of working life, and organizational change. Through her writing, Dr. Mehta hopes to promote open dialogue and positive culture change within the military community. She is also an Air Force spouse and resides with her family in the Washington, DC, area.




Military Spouse Employment Programs


Book Description

MILITARY SPOUSE EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMS: DOD Can Improve Guidance and Performance Monitoring