By Vivian Carrasco
Military.com Contributing Writer

Rays of light from the new dawn for military spouses have broken over the horizon. In the few short years since we eagerly greeted the 21st century, we have made significant steps towards the joint goals established from the August 2000 Spouse Employment Summit. The DoD continues to report on those initiatives, and as a spouse, you are the one who ultimately benefits from all their efforts. The sun has set on the days when we hid our military spouse status to potential employers.

Although there are many hurdles to overcome and numerous goals to achieve, the true fabric of what it means to be a career-seeking military spouse has evolved to the next stage. Senior leaders recognize that you are critical to the well being of their soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, and coasties. Together as a team you achieve readiness and retention.

What does this new dawn hold for you and those that will follow in your footsteps?

First, corporations large and small know where to find you! The Military Spouse Job Search connects you with employers across the United States. Submit your resume and tell them proudly that you are a military spouse.

Secondly, you know where to find military spouse-friendly employers! The list of employers that value military spouse talents, skills and attitudes is growing. Seek them out in your local communities. A strong resume that proudly touts your military spouse status is an advantage in this new world order.

Businesses are also taking strong and deliberate steps to attract you. Human Resource processes across the globe are changing -- to your advantage. Corporations are creating new spouse outreach systems to ensure that they understand how to connect with you. Tailored web pages guide you through a variety of available opportunities. Some companies are developing employee continuity programs, virtual work from home positions, and telecommuting opportunities, as well as increasing inter-company transfers. Military Spouse networking groups are also making a mark within HR diversity groups.

The military is also adjusting its business approaches to accommodate working spouses. Nearly 85 percent of military wives work outside of the home -- a force the military works hard to support. Much of their day-to-day business is done over the Internet and via the telephone. So if you don't know they exist, or you just haven't visited your local family service center, I'd take the time to stop by. You'll find professionals that deliver services catered to you and your lifestyle. New interagency agreements continue to develop, such as the memorandum of understanding. This established a joint working group between the Department of Defense and the Department of Labor in 2003.

You're not a lone ranger -- so don't act like one. Step out or make a call. Get involved, make connections and ask questions. With all of these resources at your fingertips, there is no such thing as impossible.

This article is dedicated to Jean Marie Ward, the Senior Policy Advisor for Spouse Employment and Technology in the DoD Office of Family Policy (OFP). She will be retiring later this year, without her steadfast guidance and support the accomplishment's mentioned above would not be possible. On behalf of military spouses everywhere, please accept our sincere thanks.

© 2005 Vivian Carrasco. All rights reserved.

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