Military Spouse Employment Act of 2018

Military Spouse Employment Act of 2018

This bill expands authorities, programs, services, and benefits for military spouses and their families. Specifically, the bill:

• expands the authority for noncompetitive appointments of military spouses by federal agencies to include spouses of active duty military personnel or disabled or deceased personnel,
• requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to ensure that military spouses are aware of the My Career Advancement Account program and their eligibility to participate in it,
• facilitates child care services for military families,
• expands the period of availability of the Military OneSource Program for retired and discharged members of the Armed Forces and their immediate families, and
• provides transition assistance for military spouses.

DOD must report to Congress on:

• methods to increase its participation in defense contracts that provide employment for military spouses;
• public-private partnerships to support and enhance the health, safety, welfare, and morale of military families;
• small businesses activities of military spouses on military installations; and
• an assessment of the effects of frequent changes of duty stations on employment stability of military spouses.