Has everyone heard about this?? It sounds really nice and it should be a big help to a lot of families, but I was curious as to whether anyone had heard why the rank restrictions were put in place?
Everything becomes a little clearer, I realize what life is all about. It's hangin' on when your heart has had enough, It's giving more when you feel like giving up. ~ In My Daughter's Eyes, Martina McBride
Speaking of restrictions, it appears that military survivors (widows/widowers) of Line of Duty Deaths like myself are also not included. I have no idea why that would be..we also sacraficed supporting our husbands military careers and now we have the additional heartbreak of a life without them and the loss of most of the income we depended on. I will have to look into this. I hope I am wrong. Michelle Fitz-Henry
husband was stationed overseas and we got married, so to the military i am a local national before being a military spouse. that means that i am not entitled to almost every job they offer on the base, except food court. i don't believe it is fair. the official excuse is that " you can find a job off post" which is not true, otherwise, why would i look for a job on the post? they prefere to hire incompetent people from any other country but mine, or pay perdiem rates and all that to americans coming here. so, while i AM a military spouse, for some matters, the army doesnt consider me as such... upsetting some.
I am a little upset about this new initiative!! Being the spouse of an E-7, I do not qualify!! The reason I am a little miffed over this is I spent the first 15 years of my marriage supporting my husband and raising our kids. Now that our children are older and I am just getting started on my career, that window of opportunity is not there for me!!! I am really confused on why one spouse should have more opportunity then others!!! Shouldn't we all be treated equal? Good luck to those who can use this opportunity and I wish you the best at a successful career!!! Soni
Well, since it is a pilot program, they are probably starting out with certain ranks as NavyWife said for those that may need it the most. They may include the higher ranks at a later point should the funds be available.
I don't qualify either but I am happy for those that do and hope everyone that qualifies takes advantage of this wonderful opportunity. It is a step in the right direction.
The Secret in Happiness is not doing what one likes, but in liking what one does. ~ James M. Barrie
An 01 is higher than an E7. But here we go again, now the miitary itself is putting ranks on wives. What does the rank of your spouse have to do w/ you(in general) getting an education?
Mustang....GENERALLY, (yes I'm making a generalization and hope not to get slammed for it); the lower ranking soldiers are younger and starting out in their career, not bringing home as much money. And GENERALLY, the younger soldiers have spouses that are just starting out in getting an education for a career, so GENERALLY, these families are less able to afford college or trade school. Which would make them more in need of this benefit.
I know, my statement above does not account for many of soldiers and families that are entering military life at a later stage in life or who are transferring to a different branch and starting over, etc.
We should be glad that this benefit is being presented instead of complaining about it. I feel this is the beginning of the government's awareness of providing opportunities to military spouses. Many states have now passed a law that military spouses can claim unemployment benefits due to being frequently moved.
The Secret in Happiness is not doing what one likes, but in liking what one does. ~ James M. Barrie
Yes, it is a wonderful thing that this opportunity was given to military spouses. Those of us who do not qualify are happy for those who do but don't tell us we don't have the right to be disappointed. We have dreams we want to fulfill also. When we think about the fact that 01 thru 03 qualify and we still don't, its just a little upsetting.
The guidelines read: "Those eligible for the MSCA Initiative have military spouses in paygrades E1-E5, and 01-03 and have completed some college, or have earned a high school diploma or GED. So lets see how much this 'completed some college' outweighs those w/ a diploma. How many E1 spouses do you think have had the opportunity to complete some college, can afford that vice an 01 spouse?
Originally posted by 14509342: Yes, it is a wonderful thing that this opportunity was given to military spouses. Those of us who do not qualify are happy for those who do but don't tell us we don't have the right to be disappointed. We have dreams we want to fulfill also. When we think about the fact that 01 thru 03 qualify and we still don't, its just a little upsetting.
I'm not telling you not to be disappointed. I am disappointed myself as I am in college right now educating myself for a mid life career change. There is a difference between being disappointed and being downright complaining.
The Secret in Happiness is not doing what one likes, but in liking what one does. ~ James M. Barrie
People just want to express their opinions and sometimes vent a little in the process. No one wants to be lableled a complainer. You did start out by telling us "we should be glad". It seems its not okay to voice here without being called a complainer. Whats done is done anyway. Maybe there will be opportunities for all in the future. That would be great. I don't have anything else to say on this matter. Good luck to all military spouses!
Originally posted by 14509342: People just want to express their opinions and sometimes vent a little in the process. No one wants to be lableled a complainer. You did start out by telling us "we should be glad". It seems its not okay to voice here without being called a complainer. Whats done is done anyway. Maybe there will be opportunities for all in the future. That would be great. I don't have anything else to say on this matter. Good luck to all military spouses!
Oh my God. You are getting a bit defensive here. I was not signaling anyone out as a complainer. Even a simple topic like this is turning into a massive mud fest. When I said "we should be glad", I meant that in a good way.
Considering this is the only thread you posted on the site and you are a newbie, maybe you should get to know the members before trying to pick a fight with them. If you knew me better, you would know I am not in the habit of labeling people nor picking fights. And I did not "label" you.
Happy Thanksgiving.
BTW: How about getting back on topic instead of nanny nanny boo boo'ing each other.
The Secret in Happiness is not doing what one likes, but in liking what one does. ~ James M. Barrie
I would like to see people who can 'really' use it take advantage of it. I know it is being tested in several areas. I hope the young spouses do take advantage of it. Lord knows they could use it.
I am a little upset about this new initiative!! Being the spouse of an E-7, I do not qualify!! The reason I am a little miffed over this is I spent the first 15 years of my marriage supporting my husband and raising our kids. Now that our children are older and I am just getting started on my career, that window of opportunity is not there for me!!! I am really confused on why one spouse should have more opportunity then others!!! Shouldn't we all be treated equal? Good luck to those who can use this opportunity and I wish you the best at a successful career!!! Soni
You are getting a bit defensive here. I was not signaling anyone out as a complainer. Even a simple topic like this is turning into a massive mud fest. When I said "we should be glad", I meant that in a good way. 
