There are one million military spouses in the global military community. They provide critical support to our Soldiers and their careers in the Army, and often, their careers suffer as a result. The Army and the Department of Defense recognize that many military Families need two incomes and that military spouses sacrifice years of education, hard work and experience in service to our nation. To ease the burden and encourage career advancement and development, programs and other support have been created to help Army spouses continue to pursue their professional endeavors.

The Spouse Education Career Opportunities (SECO) program delivers support to military spouses through four main components: MY SECO website, Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP), My Career Advancement Account Scholarship (MyCAA), and Military OneSource SECO Career Center. Together, each component enriches military spouses professionally and allows them to pursue their career dreams and ambitions. Some of the resources and services that SECO provides include:

• Help building a resume.
• Resources for finding employment.
• Career exploration and counseling services.
• Reimbursement of occupational licensing and business-related expenses up to a total of $2,000.
• Connect spouses with employers through resources like the Military Spouse Employment Partnership.
• Career advancement scholarship opportunities.

MySECO Website

The MySECO website is a comprehensive virtual tool that serves as the gateway to employment and professional support for Army spouses worldwide. If you’re unsure where to start your professional and educational journey, MySECO provides easy-to-follow first steps.

Military Spouse Employment Partnership Program

The Military Spouse Employment Partnership Program, or MSEP, has made a significant impact, assisting 250,000 military spouses since its launch in 2011. Operated by Army Community Service in connection with the Employment Readiness Program, MSEP provides resources through a corporate partnership initiative with over 700 government organizations, nonprofits, and private-sector companies. This program is open to active-duty spouses, Army National Guard spouses, Army Reserve spouses, surviving spouses, and DOD Civilian spouses, offering a wide range of support to enhance their career prospects.

My Career Advancement Account Scholarship

A workforce development initiative, the My Career Advancement Account Scholarship provides up to $4,000 in tuition for the pursuit of maintenance of a license, certification or associate degrees necessary to gain employment for eligible spouses. For additional information on eligibility, career information, programs, schools, and other information, visit their website.

Military OneSource

Military OneSource provides certified career experts who provide resources and information on employment, education and starting your own business. Career experts offer military spouses video mock interviews, personal branding, entrepreneurship resources and guidance, among other services.

More information on spouse employment and support can be found in the Spouse Employment Toolkit and the DPRR website.

By Kristen E. Murphy, Directorate of Prevention, Resilience and Readiness