Defense Department Military Spouse Preference

How to use your military spouse preference 

by Janet Farley

Your military spouse preference (MSP) can help you gain an edge for positions within the Defense Department. Authorized and was formalized in the Defense Department Authorization Act of 1986, it provides priority for military spouses who are relocating as a result of a permanent change of station. 

1. To be referred for the job, you must be ranked in the best-qualified applicant group. In other words, you aren’t guaranteed a job. Positions will not be created or made available because you are a military spouse. It doesn’t mean that you will receive special appointment authority. But if you are ranked within the best-qualified group among other military spouse applicants, you will be referred to the selecting supervisor in advance of other competitive candidates who do not have MSP. You also must be married to the active-duty member prior to the reporting date to the new assignment.

2. There are limitations. You can’t use MSP on a separation from the military or retirement move. Likewise, if you are in the military and get out of the service while your spouse is still active duty, you can’t use it on that move.

3. MSP only applies to jobs within the commuting area of the permanent duty station of the sponsor.

4. You don’t lose your MSP if you have accepted a temporary position. If you apply for permanent positions in the same commuting area, you may use your MSP to better your chances. This became effective in October 2004.

5. MSP can be used for government-service, or GS, and nonappropriated-funds, or NAF, jobs. Preference applies worldwide to most Defense Department appropriated-fund positions (GS-15 and below or the equivalent paygrade positions) in the competitive or excepted service. It also applies to NAF instrumentalities at grades UA-8 and below (or equivalent levels). NAFI positions can be found in the local military exchange systems, clubs, snack bars, recreation centers and sports facilities.

6. Once you use it, you lose it for that move. You then may use, however, your family member preference for other employment opportunities.

7. You must submit an application or résumé, a statement requesting MSP and a copy of your military sponsor’s PCS orders. If you are a former federal employee, you also may need to submit a copy of your most recent Standard Form 50 and a copy of your last performance appraisal.

8. You may begin using your MSP 30 days before your sponsor’s reporting date and for the duration of your tour, as long as you don’t decline a position considered valid for MSP under Defense Department authority. (See Point 4.)

9. If you are PCSing overseas, MSP doesn’t kick in until you actually arrive in country.

10. You may be denied use of MSP if you are within six months of your next PCS move.

For further information regarding MSP, visit the Defense Department Web site at dod.mil/mapsite/spousepref.html, or contact your local family service center.