There is a program called the Priority Placement Program (PPP) that offers employment preference to DoD employees as well as to military spouses. Priority Programs apply to both civil service and non-appropriated fund (NAF) positions. The PPP is an internal DoD program that assists displaced employees in finding employment. The program was designed to provide the maximum opportunity for employment for those who are eligible.

The PPP includes a number of different programs, including one specifically geared towards helping military spouses find jobs after a move. It is called the DoD Military Spouse Preference Program, or Program "S." Program "S" ensures that military spouses receive preference for certain competitive service positions in the United States and its territories. This program was intended to lessen the impact on the career of the military spouse when a permanent change of duty station (PCS) move is required.

Although the program does not guarantee employment when relocating, it does give priority to military spouses in the employment selection process when they apply for certain positions. The date of marriage must precede the reporting date on the sponsor's orders in order to qualify for this program.

To be eligible for this program, a military spouse must accompany a sponsor who is:

• directed to relocate by a PCS to a different commuting area within the United States or from overseas;
• relocated to a new permanent duty station after completion of training;
• permanently assigned to the location where the sponsor received training;
• assigned by PCS to a service school;
• a prior military member who re-enlisted and has been given a new assignment; or
• assigned a new duty station on an unaccompanied tour by PCS with orders specifying the sequential assignment. (The spouse may relocate and register at the location of the sequential assignment at any time during the sponsor's unaccompanied tour.)

(NOTE: Military spouses are ineligible for Program "S" when the sponsor relocates due to retirement or separation.)

The local military family center or the human resources center can provide additional information about the program.

There is a program called the Priority Placement Program (PPP) that offers employment preference to DoD employees as well as to military spouses. Priority Programs apply to both civil service and non-appropriated fund (NAF) positions. The PPP is an internal DoD program that assists displaced employees in finding employment. The program was designed to provide the maximum opportunity for employment for those who are eligible.

The PPP includes a number of different programs, including one specifically geared towards helping military spouses find jobs after a move. It is called the DoD Military Spouse Preference Program, or Program "S." Program "S" ensures that military spouses receive preference for certain competitive service positions in the United States and its territories. This program was intended to lessen the impact on the career of the military spouse when a permanent change of duty station (PCS) move is required.

Although the program does not guarantee employment when relocating, it does give priority to military spouses in the employment selection process when they apply for certain positions. The date of marriage must precede the reporting date on the sponsor's orders in order to qualify for this program.

To be eligible for this program, a military spouse must accompany a sponsor who is:

• directed to relocate by a PCS to a different commuting area within the United States or from overseas;
• relocated to a new permanent duty station after completion of training;
• permanently assigned to the location where the sponsor received training;
• assigned by PCS to a service school;
• a prior military member who re-enlisted and has been given a new assignment; or
• assigned a new duty station on an unaccompanied tour by PCS with orders specifying the sequential assignment. (The spouse may relocate and register at the location of the sequential assignment at any time during the sponsor's unaccompanied tour.)

(NOTE: Military spouses are ineligible for Program "S" when the sponsor relocates due to retirement or separation.)

The local military family center or the human resources center can provide additional information about the program.

The local human resources office on the installation is the place to register for the Military Spouse Preference Program. If additional assistance is needed or challenges arise when applying, the local family or community center can help with the application process and any related questions.

The local human resources office on the installation is the place to register for the Military Spouse Preference Program. If additional assistance is needed or challenges arise when applying, the local family or community center can help with the application process and any related questions.

Program "S" can only be applied to competitive service positions with the United States and its territories. The Program applies to most DoD appropriated fund (APF) positions at grades GS-15 and below and to non-appropriated fund (NAF) positions at grades UA-8 and below.

For further details about this program, please visit the DoD's website outlining Military Spouse Preference Basics. It discusses applicable laws, eligibility requirements, and positions to which this program applies.

Program "S" can only be applied to competitive service positions with the United States and its territories. The Program applies to most DoD appropriated fund (APF) positions at grades GS-15 and below and to non-appropriated fund (NAF) positions at grades UA-8 and below.

For further details about this program, please visit the DoD's website outlining Military Spouse Preference Basics. It discusses applicable laws, eligibility requirements, and positions to which this program applies.

An APF position is a civil service position funded by Congress. These are typically General Scale (GS) positions providing opportunities in a wide range of career fields, such as information technology, child care, engineering, science, recreation, and customer service.

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. Examples of services that offer NAF positions are the commissary, bowling center, and the Child Development Center.

Another major difference between APF and NAF positions has to do with citizenship requirements. Potential employees do not have to be United States citizens to qualify for NAF employment. Selections for these positions are based on qualifications and priority preference. APF applicants must be United States citizens.

An APF position is a civil service position funded by Congress. These are typically General Scale (GS) positions providing opportunities in a wide range of career fields, such as information technology, child care, engineering, science, recreation, and customer service.

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. Examples of services that offer NAF positions are the commissary, bowling center, and the Child Development Center.

Another major difference between APF and NAF positions has to do with citizenship requirements. Potential employees do not have to be United States citizens to qualify for NAF employment. Selections for these positions are based on qualifications and priority preference. APF applicants must be United States citizens.

Spouse preference is applied when the potential employee is considered one of the "best qualified" among a competitive list of applicants. Although military spouses are given preference over other candidates, there are some individuals who are given a higher preference status. Disabled veterans, employees registered in the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) program, and former employees returning from overseas are some of those given higher preference than military spouses when applying for a position.

Spouse preference is applied when the potential employee is considered one of the "best qualified" among a competitive list of applicants. Although military spouses are given preference over other candidates, there are some individuals who are given a higher preference status. Disabled veterans, employees registered in the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) program, and former employees returning from overseas are some of those given higher preference than military spouses when applying for a position.

Registering for the Military Spouse Program gives military spouses an additional competitive edge in the hiring process. When an individual applies for a federal job, he or she is given points for level of education, work experience, special skills, awards, and written tests if required. The maximum points any applicant can earn is 100. If a military spouse and a civilian individual apply for the same job and they are both awarded eighty-five points due to their similar backgrounds and experiences, they are equal competitors. If they are both at the top of the list of eligible candidates because their scores are the highest, and the military spouse has registered for the Spouse Preference Program, he or she is awarded five extra points and now has a score of ninety. The military spouse is now at the top of the list and will get the job.

Registering for the Military Spouse Program gives military spouses an additional competitive edge in the hiring process. When an individual applies for a federal job, he or she is given points for level of education, work experience, special skills, awards, and written tests if required. The maximum points any applicant can earn is 100. If a military spouse and a civilian individual apply for the same job and they are both awarded eighty-five points due to their similar backgrounds and experiences, they are equal competitors. If they are both at the top of the list of eligible candidates because their scores are the highest, and the military spouse has registered for the Spouse Preference Program, he or she is awarded five extra points and now has a score of ninety. The military spouse is now at the top of the list and will get the job.

The Spouse Preference Program applies to spouses who are relocating with their sponsor due to a PCS (permanent change of duty station) move. It does not apply to spouses who are moving due to the military member's retirement or separation from the military.

The Spouse Preference Program applies to spouses who are relocating with their sponsor due to a PCS (permanent change of duty station) move. It does not apply to spouses who are moving due to the military member's retirement or separation from the military.

A DoD regulation specifically prohibits the military from preventing a spouse from pursuing an education, a career, or volunteer work. The same regulation also states that employment status or the sponsor's marital status can not be taken into consideration when determining things like promotions, performance review, or assignments. The only exception to this is if the non-military spouse's activities are lawfully opposed to the military spouse's position or duties. For example, if the military spouse was applying for a DoD contract and the service member was one of the individuals in charge of approving these contracts, it would then be the Commander's responsibility to intervene and remove the service member since this could cause a conflict. These instances are rare and for the most part, military spouses are free to pursue their educational, career, volunteer, or work goals without any interference from the military.

A DoD regulation specifically prohibits the military from preventing a spouse from pursuing an education, a career, or volunteer work. The same regulation also states that employment status or the sponsor's marital status can not be taken into consideration when determining things like promotions, performance review, or assignments. The only exception to this is if the non-military spouse's activities are lawfully opposed to the military spouse's position or duties. For example, if the military spouse was applying for a DoD contract and the service member was one of the individuals in charge of approving these contracts, it would then be the Commander's responsibility to intervene and remove the service member since this could cause a conflict. These instances are rare and for the most part, military spouses are free to pursue their educational, career, volunteer, or work goals without any interference from the military.

The services that the Employment Assistance Program provides, such as assessments, career counseling, resume preparation services, job guidance services, seminars, and personalized career assistance on career research are all services that can be found in the civilian sector. However, if a military spouse decided to independently pursue these services through civilian agencies, it would cost a significant amount of money. Instead of having to pay for these services, military spouses have unlimited access to the Employment Assistance Program for no cost at all.

The services that the Employment Assistance Program provides, such as assessments, career counseling, resume preparation services, job guidance services, seminars, and personalized career assistance on career research are all services that can be found in the civilian sector. However, if a military spouse decided to independently pursue these services through civilian agencies, it would cost a significant amount of money. Instead of having to pay for these services, military spouses have unlimited access to the Employment Assistance Program for no cost at all.

Participation is not required. Those who participate in this program are not given any higher preference for employment. Military family members may find, however, that the workshops, information, and resources are helpful in pursuing a job.

Participation is not required. Those who participate in this program are not given any higher preference for employment. Military family members may find, however, that the workshops, information, and resources are helpful in pursuing a job.

Although the Employment Assistance Program can still provide assistance, the Transition Assistance Program (TAP), which helps prepare military members for their transition into the civilian world, can also help spouses with the same concerns. TAP can assist with resume preparation and also provides seminars and personalized coaching with an emphasis on transitioning from military life. The Transition Assistance Program website includes a description of the program and a booklet used during the seminars. Participation of the military member is mandatory, but participation in the program as a military spouse is voluntary. 

Although the Employment Assistance Program can still provide assistance, the Transition Assistance Program (TAP), which helps prepare military members for their transition into the civilian world, can also help spouses with the same concerns. TAP can assist with resume preparation and also provides seminars and personalized coaching with an emphasis on transitioning from military life. The Transition Assistance Program website includes a description of the program and a booklet used during the seminars. Participation of the military member is mandatory, but participation in the program as a military spouse is voluntary. 

The first place to look would be on the installation. MilitaryINSTALLATIONS provides a directory of Child Development Centers and can assist a military family in finding the office that provides childcare closest to their location. They can also provide referrals to off-installation child care providers if there is no space at the on base Child Development Center.

The National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies can help with locating local off-installation child care providers. They can be especially helpful if installation child care is full or the military family is living in a location that is remote from the installation. They also manage a DoD childcare subsidy program that provides assistance in paying for childcare for eligible families.

Military OneSource can also assist with locating local childcare providers. They will provide a personalized search based on the parents' and child's needs and preferences and will call the providers that meet the family's requirements to see if they have any openings.

The first place to look would be on the installation. MilitaryINSTALLATIONS provides a directory of Child Development Centers and can assist a military family in finding the office that provides childcare closest to their location. They can also provide referrals to off-installation child care providers if there is no space at the on base Child Development Center.

The National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies can help with locating local off-installation child care providers. They can be especially helpful if installation child care is full or the military family is living in a location that is remote from the installation. They also manage a DoD childcare subsidy program that provides assistance in paying for childcare for eligible families.

Military OneSource can also assist with locating local childcare providers. They will provide a personalized search based on the parents' and child's needs and preferences and will call the providers that meet the family's requirements to see if they have any openings.

There are numerous other resources that provide employment support for those military spouses who are seeking a job or career assistance. Each military branch offers a family support website with an entire section dedicated to spousal employment. In addition, there are many other websites that offer information, tools, and resources devoted to the topic of military spouse employment. Information on some of the most valuable of these websites is available on the Resources page under Spouse Employment.

There are numerous other resources that provide employment support for those military spouses who are seeking a job or career assistance. Each military branch offers a family support website with an entire section dedicated to spousal employment. In addition, there are many other websites that offer information, tools, and resources devoted to the topic of military spouse employment. Information on some of the most valuable of these websites is available on the Resources page under Spouse Employment.

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.