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Military Spouse Preference Program

The Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Program is derived from Title 10, United States Code, Section 1784, "Employment Opportunities for Military Spouses", and applies to spouses of active duty military members of the U.S. Armed Forces (including Coast Guard), who relocate to accompany their sponsor on a permanent change of station (PCS) move. The program is intended to lessen the career interruption of spouses who relocate with their military sponsors. MSP is a Department of Defense (DoD) program. Consequently, it applies only to DoD vacancies. Military spouses are eligible to request MSP regardless of current employment status.

If you are a spouse of an active duty military member, you may be eligible for Military Spouse Preference (MSP). The MSP Program applies only if:

• The spouse was married to the military sponsor prior to the reporting date to the new assignment;
• The relocation was based on PCS move and not for separation or retirement;
• The vacancy is within the commuting area of the sponsor's permanent new duty station; AND
• The spouse is among the "best qualified" group and is within reach for selection.

MSP applies if you are ranked among the "best qualified" for this vacancy, and the list established from this announcement is used to fill the vacancy. To be rated "best qualified", MSP applicants must attain an eligibility rating on this examination of 80 or higher, not including points for veteran’s preference. MSP does not apply, however, when preference would violate statutes or regulations on veterans' preference or nepotism.

NOTE: Applicants claiming military spouse preference will be required to produce a copy of military sponsor's PCS orders to substantiate eligibility prior to appointment in the Federal Service. Failure to provide these orders may result in the cancellation of any pending appointment to a Federal service position.