Defense Video & Imagery Distribution System
QUANTICO, Va. – For military spouses who have bonded to the Corps not by oath and stripe, but by vow and band, there is a program in place to help the advancement of their education. Financial assistance through the Department of Defense is available through the Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts program.
“It’s a needed thing,” said Barbara West, family member employment assistance coordinator. “It’s a great tool offered to spouses from the DOD.”
This program is available to spouses of active duty service members between the ranks of private to sergeant, Warrant Officer1 to Chief Warrant Officer 2 and Second Lieutenant to First Lieutenant.
“The process is really easy,” said Alyssa Jackson, a service member spouse and student. “It’s very user-friendly. Everyone should take advantage of it.”
The program can provide up to $2,000 each year and a total of up to $4,000 in benefits to those pursuing associate’s degrees, certifications and licenses.
“It’s beneficial because it gives access to tools that give portable careers,” said Parisa Fetherson, program manager for personal and professional development. “It serves to create employment opportunities (for the spouse) wherever the service member is stationed.”
The program is designed to motivate spouses to embrace career training that may open job opportunities wherever their family is stationed. It also serves as a way to keep service members in the military by providing avenues where families can secure additional income and spouses can fulfill their career goals.
“It’ll open up doors,” said Jackson. “There’s nothing to lose.
For information on the program, including how to apply, call the Career Resource Management Center at (703) 784-3232 or visit militaryonesource.mil.
