Spouse Education and Career Opportunities Department of Defense Service Regulations and Orders

Military programs are governed by federal law, Department of Defense policy and additional policies specific to the branches of service. Below are service-specific policies that govern the Spouse Education and Career Opportunities program in the military.

Army

Army Regulation 215-3, “Nonappropriated Funds Personnel Policy,” August 29, 2019 This regulation provides uniform policies governing personnel management and administration for nonappropriated fund instrumentalities’ employees of the Army. Paragraph 2-11 specifically addresses the rules and restrictions associated with the Spouse Employment Program for nonappropriated fund positions.

Army Regulation 608-1, “Army Community Service,” 19 October 2017 Chapter 4, Section IV, “Employment Readiness,” provides policies for Army spouse employment assistance including services that must be made available to spouses.

Marine Corps

SECNAVINST 1754.1B, “Department of the Navy Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) Program,” 5 November 2007 This instruction provides policy and assigns responsibilities for the implementation of Navy and Marine Corps family support programs and key functions and ensures that employment assistance for family members is delivered by the family support program units.

MCO P12000.11A, “Marine Corps Nonappropriated Fund Personnel Policy Manual,” 27 December 2011 This order provides detailed personnel administrative procedures and provides the primary reference for the overall administration and utilization of employees of Marine Corps NAFIs. Paragraph 2106 of the order specifically addresses military spouse preference for employment in Marine Corps NAFIs.

Navy

OPNAVINST 1754.1B, “Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) Program,” 5 November 2007 This instruction provides policy and assigns responsibilities for the implementation of Navy and Marine Corps family support programs and key functions and ensures that employment assistance for family members is delivered by the family support program units.

SECNAVINST 1754.6A, “Relocation Assistance Program for Department of the Navy Personnel,” 8 November 2005 This instruction provides policy for the Department of the Navy Relocation Assistance Program. Information concerning spouse employment opportunities is a required component of the predeparture information provided by the Relocation Assistance Program.

Air Force

Air Force Manual 36-203, “Staffing Civilian Positions,” 30 July 2019 Chapter 4 of this manual implements DOD Instruction 1404.12 and provides Air Force policy and procedures for military spouse preference employment in appropriated fund positions.

Coast Guard

Commandant Instruction 1900.2B, “Transition Assistance Program,” November 3, 2021 This instruction provides policy and procedures for the Transition Assistance Program in the Coast Guard, including employment assistance for separating personnel.