DoD restructures MyCAA

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Armando A. Schwier-Morales
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  The Department of Defense announced changes to the Military Spouse Career Advancement Account Program after a compressive review that will affect approximately 743,000 spouses DoD-wide July 20, 2010.

MyCAA is a program that allows military spouses to further their education and was originally only available to all junior ranks, but in 2009 the program expanded to include spouses of military members at all pay grades.

"The program was designed to help obtain portable careers for active duty spouses, so when they permanent change of station they could take their career with them," said Takya Jones, 22nd Force Support Squadron Airman and Family Readiness Center community readiness technician. "One of the biggest advantages to this program was that in traditional classes you will have to stop, but if you're doing it online then you can take the class anywhere in the world."

However, the program was frozen in February 2010 for review. After completion of the review, the new changes reduced the number of eligible spouses to approximately 363,000 spouses DoD-wide.

The new changes are:
· Eligible spouses will receive $4,000 for their education for three years from the start date of the first class. Funds must be used in support of an associates' degree, licensure or certification.
· The funding has an annual cap of $2,000 per fiscal year. A spouse requiring an up-front fee greater than $2,000 may apply for a waiver of the annual cap up to the total maximum assistance of $4,000.
· Participation is now restricted to the grades of E1-E5, W1-W2 and O1-O2.
· The program is available to spouses of activated Guard and Reserve members within the junior ranks. However, spouses of Guard and Reserve members must be able to start and complete their courses while their sponsor is on Title 10 orders.
· Spouses are required to show successful completion of course in order to continue in the program.

Additionally, career consultants are slated to be available for all military spouses. The consultants will help identify resources for higher education and help active duty spouses with career counseling.

"I am very glad they brought it back, the program has changed a bit, but it's a program that offers great advantages to active duty spouses," said Mrs. Jones. "I think more spouses will apply for it quicker than they did before because before the guidance was cloudy and caused a few problems. However, now that it has restarted, there will be a bigger rush to lock in this opportunity for a chance to get help with their education."

Just as the program offers opportunities and support to the spouse, it also offers support to the Airmen.

"I am planning to get my degree in nursing," said Ivonne Cruz, wife of Staff Sgt. Julio Cruz, 22nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief. "It's hard especially as a military spouse but programs like MyCAA help me achieve my schooling and help me support my husband."

At McConnell the dispersal of information to spouses, like Mrs. Cruz, about the opportunities offered by the program has been a priority for the AFRC.

"We make sure to get the word out by letting people know about the program at Right Start, the child development center, flyers, brochures and word of mouth," said Mrs. Jones. "We do this because education is important. I believe that in order to further your career you need education behind you, and this program can be used to further a spouse's career and educational goals."

The program is scheduled to be reinstated Oct. 25, 2010. For eligible McConnell spouses who wish to participate in the program registration can be accomplished through www.militaryonesource.com.