Support for Military
You’ve just found out you’re moving overseas. New possibilities, and perhaps even a new job, await. As soon as you know about your move, it’s time to start the research so that you can hit the ground running. But where to start? Here are a few things to consider as you prepare your resume and begin to explore job opportunities available to you while abroad.
As a result of Executive Order 14100, “Advancing Economic Security for Military and Veteran Spouses, Military Caregivers, and Survivors,” you can now receive free legal assistance to help you navigate complicated rules about spouse employment and telework overseas.
When U.S. forces are stationed in other countries, typically the host nations and the U.S. sign a Status of Forces Agreement, or SOFA, or another written agreement that could affect military spouse employment and how their income may be taxed.
These agreements vary by country, and the legal assistance office on your overseas installation is a great place to start. Country-specific spouse employment legal information is also available.
Note that legal assistance is limited to your personal affairs and doesn’t extend to help with establishing or keeping a small business overseas.
In additional to legal assistance, you can also take advantage of these resources:
With the help of the Military Spouse Preference program, you could be eligible for certain preferences when applying for Defense Department civilian jobs, including civil service careers overseas. Learn how to find employment overseas.
Contact the human resources office at your new duty station or visit Military OneSource’s MilitaryINSTALLATIONS for spouse education, training and career support and to apply for the Priority Placement Program for military spouses.
Depending on your interests and skills, job opportunities on your new installation could be available. Be sure to check the installation’s website for job listings.
Be open to the possibility of working a nontraditional career:
Moving overseas could open up new and exciting opportunities. Just remember to prepare, give yourself time to get settled and investigate all your options. Also, remember that the MSEP Job Search on MySECO is always available to help connect you with employers worldwide.
Learn about military bases worldwide. Get installation overviews, check-in procedures, housing, neighborhood information, contacts for programs and services, photos and more.
