Hi guys,

This is to all the military spouses here. Hubbie will start his training in Alabama in March and will be commissioned in June 2008 and we'll live for six months in Vandenberg AFB and then probably Cheyenne (WY), or ND or Montana (I'm hoping big time for WY).
I know that the military offers special employment preferences for spouses, but what if I'm not a citizen? Doesn't the government employ citizens only? What are your experiences? Did you find at all jobs according to your qualifications?
I'm thinking about going back to college because I think it might be unlikely to find a job in my field in small cities such as Cheyenne. Did you maybe find a lot of opportunities through spousal networks or something similar?

I'd be very happy if you could share your experience with me Not only concerning jobs, overall, how you perceive the military life in general & as a foreign spouse.


Thanks, Anna

Hi there,

Our situation is a bit different - I'm the Green Card holder and my wife is the USC, and I'm the one seriously considering joining the military.

When we spoke to a Coast Guard recruiter and asked about jobs on base for my wife, he said that if she managed to get a "GS" position I believe it was called, then when you move, you're guaranteed the same job, pay etc at your new base. I don't know if you can get those as a non-USC however.

If you go to www.military.com and click on "Discussions" on the left hand side, there's very extensive forums there dealing with military life. There's a section for spouses, so perhaps you could ask there and see if anyone is in the same position as you.

Hope that this helps and best of luck!

Word to the wise, military recruiters don't always tell the total truth,lol They may not lie, but they do stretch things from time to time. Hope it works out for ya. I had a great 15 yrs in the Canadian Armed forces.

Well, the govt is going to pay you so you will need ssn or equivalent. If you like daycare type work there is usually a good demand for childcare providers BUT if you live on base you will have to attend a base training class. I would imagine that since you would be paid in cash, no ssn required. Good news then is that you can list yourself on base. The spouse preference is a ONE TIME thing at each base you go to. I suggest that you do not waste it on a lower job than what you are looking for. This happened to my ex--she wanted a teaching position on base, but used her spouse preference for substitute teaching...wasted it. We didn't know better but you do. The base exchange pays well, has global positions so don't overlook them. Even if you start at one of their fast food chains, you move around within AAFES for better jobs. Their hourly rate appears to be very good.

Hi Anna,

I see you are from Germany....well, my husband WAS in the military stationed in Germany. thats how we meet.

but yes, I think you should use the time to go back to college. realistically, you wont find a job close to those bases....sorry, it doesnt look to good in those areas unless you are satisfied with any job and just want to make money to pay the bills. College will definetely move you forward in your career and once you get to a city you can compete with others.

wish you all the best

mimiye