Program funds portable careers for military spouses

Military spouses often have to put their careers on hold, or start from the beginning every time they move from post to post. These frequent moves can hurt career and educational goals.

Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts may put those aspirations back on track for military spouses worldwide.

DoD expanded MyCAA for military spouses of active-duty and activated Guard and Reserve servicemembers to receive up to $6,000 of financial assistance.

Military spouses who are military members themselves are not eligible since military members have education benefits provided through the Military Voluntary Education Tuition Assistance Program.
For eligible spouses, MyCAA financial assistance pays for expenses such as post-secondary education and training, tuition, licensing, and credentialing fees.

This includes degree programs, continuing education classes; Bar, CPA and other similar exams; state certifications for teachers, medical professionals and similar licensed professionals; and services, such as finger printing, security checks and drug tests, required to become employed in portable career fields.

MyCAA does not pay for computers, school application fees, graduation fees, student activity cards, child care, parking, transportation, medical services or testing fees. Costs for books, supplies or other necessary equipment are also covered.

For the best job opportunities, spouses are recommended to pursue portable careers. Portable careers are those that are likely to provide job opportunities in most locations where military
servicemembers are stationed.

These might include, but, are not limited to, business management, construction trades, education, financial services, health services, homeland security, hospitality management, human resources, information technology and real estate.

To begin, visit www.ca reeronestop.org to take self-assessments, analyze skills, and explore careers and industries. The site gives information on in-demand occupations and industries with a high growth rate.

Once a portable career goal matches your career interest, go to MyCAA's Web page https://aiportal.acc.af. mil/mycaa/default.aspx. Click on "School Search" on the left navigation bar. If the school you are interested in attending is not on the list you can submit a request for DoD approval by clicking the "Can't Find School" link.

The next step is to meet with a school or program counselor to determine course and study requirements. This will become the basis for your MyCAA Career Plan to which MyCAA financial assistance will be applied.

Do not sign any financial documents until after your MyCAA plan is reviewed with a career/education consultant. The consultant can answer any questions about career fields, salary ranges, relevant courses, and information on licensing and certification.

For a consultant appointment call 1-800-342-9647.

For more information go to www.MilitaryOneSource.com/MyCAA.