MyCAA, the popular military spouse employment program will resume Oct. 25, but with some significant changes, including a reduction in financial aid and an eligibility change that makes the program open only to spouses of junior service members.

The program was launched in November 2007 for spouses of junior service members, and was expanded to all pay grades and programs of study in March 2009. The program awarded a lifetime benefit of $6,000 to all military spouses. Enrollment was so overwhelming that it nearly reached its budget threshold in a few months, so it was put on hold pending review.

Under the new parameters, spouses of junior service members can apply for a maximum financial benefit of $4,000 for up to three years from the start date of the first class, with a $2,000 annual cap.

Financial aid will be limited to spouses of active duty service members in pay grades E-1 to E-5, W1 to W-2 and O-1 to O-2, as well as the spouses of activated Guard and Reserve members within those ranks. Spouses of Guard and Reserve members must be able to start and complete their courses while their sponsor is on Title 10 orders.

Spouses currently enrolled in the program can continue their participation through Oct. 21, when MyCAA will ramp down and prepare for the new launch.

As of Oct. 25, spouses within the eligible pay grades can continue their program participation. Spouses who no longer are eligible for financial aid can still participate by accessing career and education counseling services, which is one of the big advantages of the program.

This program can be a phenomenal tool for succession planning and recruiting in the MHS.

For more on MyCAA, read my American Forces Press Service article "Spouse Jobs Program to Relaunch in October," visit the MyCAA website or contact Military OneSource online or by calling 1-800-342-9647.