b'New Policies inPlace for MilitarySpouses to GainFederal Employmenthttps://usmc-mccs.org/articles/new-policies-in-place-for-military-spouses-to-gain-federal-employment/Military spouses know all too well the struggle to find employment. Whether they are dealing with frequent PCS moves, minimal employment opportunities near their installation, or a myriad of other challenges, spouses have carried the lack of employment and underemployment burden in support of the military family for many years. In an effort to support the hiring of more military spouses in the federal workforce, The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has announced new hiring policies that take effect October 21, 2021. (https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2021-20308.pdf)U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Joel Hernandez, and Pfc. Cyarah Byrd, Postal Clerks with Headquarters and Headquarters New regulations will give federal agencies more flexibilitySquadron, pose for a photo inside the post office at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point (MCAS), North Carolina.in hiring military spouses. With the new regulations, federal(U.S. Marine Corps photo illustration by Cpl. Tylor J. Camfield)agencies are now able to non-competitively appoint spouses Career planning through Kuder Journeys research-based to vacant federal positions, and geographic restrictions forinterests, skills, and work values assessments can assist hiring have been removed. The new regulation also updatesfamily members in self-awareness and informed decision the Priority Placement Program so that a recent relocationmaking about their future.or PCS is no longer required. Those eligible for the new hiring Comprehensive education and career exploration policies include spouses of Active Duty and 100 percentservices are available at no cost to all eligible militarydisabled service members as well as widows of those killedspouses through the Spouse Education and Career in the line of duty.Opportunities Program. The career center will assist The updated hiring rules shared by OPM will make thewith information on portable careers, resume composition, process of obtaining federal employment less challengingeducation planning and career planning.for spouses. Military spouses bring unique skillsets and Military Spouse Employment Program is a partnership experiences which will enhance any agency. The changeswith employers who agree to offer transferrable, portable create a winning scenario for both military families andcareer opportunities to relocating military spouse employees.federal agencies. Military spousescan engage in long-term, rewarding employment, and federal agencies have has Military Spouse Career Advancement Accountincreased their talent pool of highly-qualified spouses(MyCAA) offers up to $2000 per year (maximum offor hiring. $4000) for military spouses (E-1 to E-5, W-1 & W-2, and Interested in finding out more about the changes in theO-1 & O-2) to pursue licenses, certificates, certifications federal hiring process? Your installation Family Memberor Associate Degrees necessary for gainful employment Employment Assistance Program (FMEAP) team is there toin high demand, high growth portable career fields and assist with all of your career and employment needs. occupations. Spouse Transition and Readiness Seminar (STARS) Family Member Employment Assistance addresses the transitional challenges and opportunities https://usmc-mccs.org/services/career/family-member-employment-assistance/ specifically for spouses as they prepare to transition with Services their Marines into the civilian world. Provides access to equipment and tools to supportLearn Moremilitary spouses and dependent family members Contact your local Family Member Employment Assistance employment related needs. Program office to get started.18 Military Appreciation Resource Magazine HOctober 2021H Thank You For Your Service'