When a military spouse applies under an OPM announcement or delegated examining or direct hire procedures, spouse preference operates much like Veterans Preference. However, current Federal employees within DoD who previously held positions at or above the grade level of the vacancies being filled, may be placed noncompetitively into the higher level vacancy despite the availability of spouse preference candidates. In addition, NAF employees separated as a result of a business-based action enjoy priority placement rights in the NAF activity from which separated. The also receive priority consideration over other eligible candidates, including spouses, at other NAF activities in the commuting area. Registration Assistance Local human resources offices serve as the registration points for the Military Spouse Preference Program.
Information regarding spouse preference is also available at installation family centers.
Spouses in the U.S. may apply for the Military Spouse Preference Program 30 days prior to the sponsor s reporting date to the new duty station. However, spouses traveling to overseas areas cannot receive preference until they actually arrive. A spouse remains eligible for preference throughout the sponsor s tour until the spouse accepts or declines a job offer that is considered valid under DoD policy. Spouses applying for Program S or overseas preference must indicate whether they are interested in temporary positions. PCS orders documenting sponsor s assignment Preference and Temporary Employment Military spouse preference applies to temporary positions expected to last one year or longer.