The Employment Readiness Program (ERP), operated through Army Community Service (ACS) centers, helps Soldiers, Spouses, surviving Spouses, DoD Civilians, and Family members gain the competitive edge needed for employment by providing employment information in the areas of job search skills, education, training, transition, and volunteer opportunities.

The Employment Readiness Program (ERP) provides services to military Spouses, active duty Military, Reserve and National Guard, Wounded Warriors, Retirees, DoD Civilians, and all Family Members. A professional job search trainer at the ACS center will help identify skills and assist in every step of the way during the job search. The ERP gives access to an unlimited number of automated databases on the Internet that list employers and employment opportunities. The ERP also provides access to actual vacancy announcements and employment information from state, local and government agencies. Visit the Employment Readiness Program Manager at your local Army Community Service Center.

Assistance is offered in the following areas:

• Up-to-date resource information on available local, national and international employment opportunities, job market trends, and education and volunteer resources

• Information on Spouse licensure reimbursement

• Classes and seminars on self-assessment and career exploration, resume writing, interviewing techniques, dressing for success, networking and entrepreneurship

• Resume critiques

• Career counseling and individual career assessments

• Information on Job fairs (in person and virtual) and other hiring events

• Entrepreneurial opportunities for Home Based Businesses (HBBs) allow Families to work from their Army quarters, developing rewarding careers that follow them through PCS moves

• Virtual Career Library access

* Not all programs and classes available at all ACS facilities

ERP works with the installation Civilian Personnel Office, community agencies, and the Army Transition Assistance Program (TAP) to provide a full range of employment-related services and assistance to Family members during their job search and career development. There are ACS Centers at Army installations worldwide. Call or visit the closest ACS office to make an appointment to begin the job search process.

The ERP Manager can provide information to the following Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) programs offered to military Spouses:

Spouse Education and Career Opportunities (SECO): A program offered to all military Spouses through Military OneSource, which offers employment assistance with exploring portable career options; education, training, financial aid and state occupational license/credential requirements; career readiness to include interview skills, resume building, etc.; and links to employment sources such as the Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP) and https://www.opm.gov/about-us/careers-at-opm/

Military Spouse Career Advancement Account (MyCAA): A program offered to eligible military Spouses as part of the OSD, Spouse Education and Career Opportunities (SECO) program.

• Eligibility restricted to Spouses of active duty E1-E5, W1-W2, and O1-O2 serving on Title 10 orders

• Financial assistance limited to $4,000

• Financial assistance must be used three years from the start date of the first class

• Financial assistance may only be used for an associate degree, occupational license or credential

For more information go to https://mycaa.militaryonesource.mil/mycaa/

Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP): An expanding partnership between military Spouses seeking employment and corporate businesses committed to providing meaningful and portable careers. Military Spouses are encouraged to visit the MSEP website at https://msepjobs.militaryonesource.mil/msep/ to find employment opportunities and post resumes.

For more information about ERP, please visit:
https://www.armymwr.com/programs-and-services/personal-assistance/employment-readiness-program

In addition, the link to the Employment and Readiness Program on Army installations may be located on the Resource Locator Library on MyArmyBenefits:
https://myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/Benefit-Library/Resource-Locator

Army Regulation 608-1: Army Community Service:
https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/pdf/web/ARN6228_AR608-1_Web_Final.pdf

For more information about Army Family employment programs please see the following fact sheets:

Army Transition Assistance Program

Military Spouse Education and Career Opportunities (SECO)

Troops to Teachers

Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP)

For information on government civil service jobs, visit:
https://www.usajobs.gov/