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Unpacking boxes, making new friends, and traveling thousands of miles across country starts to become second nature over the years as a military spouse, but one aspect of the PCS that never seems to become easier for employed spouses is the process that occurs between first hearing “we have orders” and the final notification from human resources saying “you have been selected” for a job at your new duty station.
For career-minded spouses, the ideal career path offers upward mobility that can withstand relocation, the ability to transfer upon notification of PCS orders, and a position that values your experiences as a military spouse while capitalizing on your work experience. Federal employment often offers this ideal career path.
While the federal hiring process can be highly competitive, the Military Spouse Priority Placement Program (PPP-S) offers one of the most effective ways for military spouses to enter the federal government system.
The Military Spouse PPP-S Program:
A Gateway to Federal Employment for Spouses
What is the Military Spouse PPP-S program?
While one can spend countless hours reading Executive Order 13473 (which establishes spousal preference), the program can generally be described as the pathway for best qualified spouses relocating on permanent PCS orders to a new duty assignment to compete for government service positions with priority. This means that if you are highly qualified for a position, the Military Spouse PPP-S program can give you a competitive edge over other applicants.
By Emily D., MSEJ Writers Guild Participant
Does Military Spouse Priority Placement happen automatically?
No. You must register for the program, and to do so, you need to speak with your local civilian personnel office. They will complete your paperwork and enroll you in the program. Please note that your paperwork can be processed prior to departure or upon arrival at your new duty station.
How long does eligibility last?
As a spouse eligible for the priority placement program, you are eligible for two years from the date your orders are processed. For example, your spouse receives orders on June 1, 2015; however, you will not actually PCS until January 1, 2016. Your eligibility will expire June 1, 2017, regardless of the date you actually relocate to the new area.