New DoD military spouse career accelerator opens for applications

On January 12, the Department of Defense (DoD) announced the launch of a 12-week paid fellowship program aimed at helping qualified military spouses find employment opportunities.

DoD created the Military Spouse Career Accelerator Pilot (MSCAP) program for military spouses of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Space Force, including active, Reserve, and National Guard components. This program will pay for fellowships at various industries and locations within the civilian sector.

The program is free for employers to participate in and spouses are paid by DoD during the program. Military spouses who meet or exceed expectations can then be hired directly by the employers, a win-win for both the companies and the spouses.

Patricia Montes Barron, deputy assistant secretary of defense for military community and family policy, said, “The military spouse career accelerator pilot is a game changer for career-ready military spouses.”

“The department has partnered with Hiring our Heroes to provide robust and meaningful fellowship placement that could lead to full-time employment. Military spouses have made it clear that meaningful employment is essential to their quality of life. We hope this program provides them a strong start to solid employment opportunities,” she added. Hiring our Heroes is a U.S. Chamber of Commerce program that connects the military community with the civilian sector to increase employment opportunities.

The program aims to tackle the unique challenges faced by military spouses

Airmen from the 341st Missile Security Operations Squadron tactical response force and military spouses pose for a photo during a tour May 7, 2021, at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont. (U.S. Air Force photo by Heather Heiney)

According to DoD, employers who are accepted into the fellowship program will reap many benefits, including a free opportunity to connect with a diverse pool of highly skilled, educated, and versatile workforce.

The MSCAP program for military spouses is a first for the DoD, and the funding was included in the 2022 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Fellowships can be done either in person or remotely.

Registration for the program began on December 23, and thus far, 800 spouses have begun the process, with 500 already completing the application.

Because of the frequent moves that the military conducts, military spouses have extremely high unemployment rates that are much higher than the civilian community. Currently, the unemployment percentage for military spouses hovers around 21%.

Crystal Cochran, Senior Director of Programs and Events at Hiring Our Heroes, said, “Since the program’s launch, Hiring Our Heroes received an influx of more than 800 MSCAP applications from spouses struggling to find meaningful careers.”

“Fellowships may offer a foot in the door with an employer and a professional network. A network is key to securing employment, but due to the military lifestyle, many spouses struggle to develop professional connections,” Cochran added.

Hiring Our Heroes has been offering a six-week paid fellowship program since 2017. The program grew to eight different locations in 2019. The current job offer rate is 91% for spouses in that program and the average starting salary is $70,000.

Military spouses who are interested in MSCAP can find information about the program, frequently asked questions, and instructions on how to apply at the Military OneSource Spouse Education and Career Opportunities website. MySECO has a variety of resources and programs to help spouses. The application can be done online.

Feature Image: Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola School Liaison Carissa Bergosh (left) and NAS Pensacola FFSC Services Facilitator Carmen Alexander talk with military spouses during the FFSC, Navy Exchange and Navy Lodge-sponsored Military Spouse Appreciation Day event May 10 at the Navy Exchange Shopping Mall onboard NAS Pensacola Corry Station. (Photo by Bruce Cummins/Naval Air Station Pensacola)