Spouse Education and Career Opportunities Department of Defense Legislation

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

Public Law 107-107, “National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2002,” §571, “Improved Financial and Other Assistance to Military Spouses for Job Training and Education,” 28 December 2001 This legislation directs the DoD to examine the current military spouse employment assistance programs and evaluate whether direct financial assistance to military spouses for employment training would be beneficial for the retention of military service members. It also directs the DoD to review current military spouse employment policies and states that the DoD shall seek partnerships with other federal agencies, private sector employers and defense contractors to seek ways to incorporate hiring preferences for qualified spouses of members of the armed forces.

Title 10 United States Code (USC) §1056, “Relocation Assistance Programs,” 3 January 2012 This legislation directs the secretaries of the military departments to provide relocation information, preparation and acclimation services to military service members and their families receiving permanent change of station orders. It further states that the relocation services will be provided with an emphasis on information regarding spouse employment opportunities.

Title 10 USC §1144, “Employment Assistance, Job Training Assistance, and Other Transitional Services,” 3 January 2012 This legislation directs the secretary of labor, in conjunction with the secretaries of defense, transportation and Veterans Affairs, to establish and maintain a program to furnish counseling, assist in identifying employment, provide training opportunities and provide other related information and services to members of the armed forces who are being separated from active duty and the spouses of such members.

Title 10 USC §1784, “Employment Opportunities for Military Spouses,” 3 January 2012 This legislation authorizes the secretary of defense to provide employment opportunities for military spouses in the same geographic area as their sponsors’ permanent duty station (Military Spouse Preference Program).