Understanding Military Spouse Preference for Federal Jobs

The following post takes a closer look at Understanding Military Spouse Preference.

Being married to an active duty military member can be chaotic. Due to frequent relocations and the general demands of military life, it’s more difficult than normal to maintain steady employment for military spouses.

Read: Pros and Cons of Federal Employment

Related: Best Federal Resume Writing Services

That’s why the US federal government employs a non-competitive hiring process (Military Spouse Preference), specifically for helping military spouses secure jobs in federal agencies.

Here’s what you need to know.

Eligibility

Eligibility depends on several factors and does not guarantee a job. You must still apply for positions, meet qualification standards, and fulfill additional requirements such as passing a background investigation.

To be eligible for the military spouse non-competitive hiring process, you must fall into one of the following spousal categories:

1. Active Duty Member: spouses of currently serving members of the armed forces.
2. 100% Disabled Veteran: spouses of service members who were 100% disabled due to a service-connected injury at the time of their separation from military service.
3. Deceased Service Member: spouses of service members who were killed while on active duty.

Documentation

To verify eligibility for Military Spouse Preference, you will need to provide specific documents and submit them with your job applications.

• Marriage Certificate: Proof of marriage to an active duty member.
• Active Military Orders: A copy of your spouse’s current military orders.
• DD-214: Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty for spouses of separated or retired veterans who are 100% disabled.
• DD-1300: Report of Casualty for spouses of service members killed on active duty.

Pictured: Screenshot of required documentation for military spouse preference.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, Military Spouse Preference is a non-competitive hiring process that provides a leg-up for military spouses seeking federal employment. I hope this article sheds light on its existence and how it works.