The Military Spouse Education and Career Opportunities Program


Book Description

This report outlines a strategy for the U.S. Department of Defense Military Community and Family Policy office to track progress on initiatives that aim to provide career development and employment assistance for military spouses.




Working Around the Military. Challenges to Military Spouse Employment and Education


Book Description

Successful recruiting and retention of the active duty force relies in large part on the extent to which service members and their spouses experience both job satisfaction and contentment with life in the military. In his February 12, 2001, speech at Fort Stewart, Georgia, President Bush acknowledged the importance of caring not just for service members but their entire families, pledging, "We owe you and your families a decent quality of life. ... Service members deserve a military that treats them and their families with respect. A major challenge to ensuring familywide quality of life is overcoming the hurdles to military spouse employment. Data indicate that the majority of military spouses are in the workforce; however, research indicates that they have difficulty finding jobs and that limited career opportunities for military spouses may be a factor in military personnel leaving the service. Given its impact on service member contentment and retention, spouse employment and education is thus an area of significant concern to the military. This study seeks to (1) provide a richer and more detailed depiction of military spouse employment and earnings, (2) explore the degree to which employment is problematic for military spouses, and (3) identify policies to reconcile spouse employment issues with the military's need to retain qualified personnel.







Balancing Life and Education While Being a Part of a Military Family


Book Description

Military spouse education is an often overlooked topic. With the proliferation of service member programs and benefits, and the spotlight on them, it is not uncommon for spouses to neglect looking into their own educational opportunities and benefits. The hectic life of a military family also often complicates the process of attending an institution of higher education, for spouses. There are numerous programs and benefits that a spouse may have access to, but they are difficult to find and navigate properly. Balancing Life and Education While Being a Part of a Military Family: A Guide to Navigating Higher Education for the MilitarySpouse attempts to highlight these possibilities and inform and assure this population that attaining an education is possible regardless of location or current circumstances. Numerous programs and benefits are described, as well as the best way to go about using them. Detailed instructions are illustrated to make the process of obtaining an education easier and to give spouses more confidence in pursing their own education. In addition, the specific considerations of military family life are addressed along with these instructions. Education is really important, and a lot of times military spouses aren’t aware of the opportunities and resources available to them to pursue it. The authors of From theNavy to College: Transitioning from the Service to Higher Education and From the Army to College: Transitioning from the Service to Higher Education have put together a clear guidebook will make the process easy, accessible, and understandable. They offer clear advice and information about resources available to spouses of service members, creating a go-to guide for pursuing higher education.




Working Around the Military


Book Description

This research confirms that, while many spouses of military service members work and seek education similar to their "look-alike" civilian counterparts, they often lag these equals in terms of finding jobs and receiving comparable pay. Based on the input of more than 1,100 military spouses concerning their employment and educational pursuits as well as other data analysis, the RAND researchers offer recommendations for the Department of Defense to improve quality-of-life issues for its members and spouses, which in the long run will help the department retain the qualified personnel it needs.




The Stars Are Lined Up for Military Spouses


Book Description

Military spouses also deserve a career! The challenge for military spouses is being relocated every two to four years. Finding permanent, career positions with frequent relocations is difficult. But the one employer with positions and careers at every military base is the US Government. This book is dedicated to helping military spouses navigate the complex federal job application system. This book covers four different ways to land four different kinds of positions with the federal government: USAJOBS competitive hiring; Excepted service jobs; Non-Appropriated Fund (NAF) jobs; Military Spouse Preference (MSP) jobs. Each of these paths requires different job search techniques and tips. Kathryn Troutman, known as the Federal Resume Guru, shares straightforward strategies based on her 40+ years of expertise with resume writing and career coaching. Military spouses will be encouraged and equipped to take control of their career. This reader-friendly publication contains: Updates with the latest federal hiring changes and initiatives; Before and after resume samples; Clear step-by-step instructions.




Military Spouses with Graduate Degrees


Book Description

This volume utilizes interdisciplinary theories, methods, and approaches to study the educational and career experiences of military spouses with advanced degrees. It analyzes the unique career and educational experiences that military spouses with advanced degrees face while trying to attain their goals amidst military relocations and deployments.




Military Spouse Journey


Book Description

Military spouses: Craft your best life possible! "... This great resource is full of practical advice as well as real-world examples that will empower spouses to have a life of their own while supporting their partners in the military lifestyle ..."—Ellie Kay, author, military spouse, and CEO of Heroes at Home The unique components of military life can make it challenging for military spouses to pursue careers and other personal dreams. This encouraging book, written by two experienced military spouses, shares lessons learned, success stories of fellow military spouses, life exploration exercises, and research-based ideas that can be applied to any stage of life's journey. Although this book shares examples specific to military life, the information and approach can be used by anyone to pursue your life dreams. Ready to follow your dreams? This book will help you: • Learn five keys to happiness you can apply every day, anywhere. • Explore your passions, strengths, and goals. • Discover possibilities for the life you want to live. • Create an action plan to move forward, even when you think it’s impossible. • Build valuable friendships and support systems along the way. • Enjoy the journey! First Lady of the Marine Corps Recommended Reading List Midwest Book Awards Silver




Remote Work for Military Spouses


Book Description

"... the guide military spouses have been waiting for ... a step-by-step instructional manual ... Military spouses who pick up this book will learn the importance of knowing what they want out of remote and flexible work, how to search for and apply for remote jobs ... manage expectations with their employer, and how to excel and grow in their new work environment ..." —Danielle Lankford, milspouse employment advocate, 2020-2021 AFI Hill AFB Spouse of the Year There are many rewards in military life, but maintaining meaningful employment can be challenging when you frequently relocate for your service member's next assignment. Military spouses often experience interruptions in valuable work experience, missed advancement opportunities, recertification challenges, and what can seem like a never-ending job search. Remote Work for Military Spouses offers a practical road map for military spouses to achieve career continuity, financial stability, and fulfilling work amidst a mobile military lifestyle. Includes strategies and tips for: Discerning if remote work is right for you Assessing your skills and defining your goals Finding the right positions for your interests and lifestyle Creating effective application materials and preparing for remote interviews Establishing your home office and virtual communication processes Planning professional development to grow your meaningful mobile career "... emphasizes the importance of self-assessment, having the necessary tools to land a remote job, and how to do well in the interview process ... advice for advancing in your own career and minding the ethics around remote work situations ... spot-on and timely tips ..." —Janet Farley, EdM, author, emMission Transition: Managing Your Career and Your Retirement




Jobs and the Military Spouse


Book Description

Discusses how a military spouse can find an interest, explore their options, create a resume and cover letter, and negotiate an offer.