Department of Defense Cuts Spouse Education Program
Paul C. Kadzielski
The week of February 21st, without notice, the Department of Defense put an indefinite stop to their Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts program (MyCAA). MyCAA was launched in March of 2009 and promised up to $6,000 for the spouses of military service men and women to go towards career advancement programs such as college classes or certifications in a trade. There are currently 98,000 spouses in the MyCAA program; 38,000 applications are on hold. College students with spouses in the military should be prepared to find alternative means of funding for college. Spouses who have already been promised money will receive their cash as planned.
- Argument for cutting the program: The Department of Defense cannot afford to be spending up to $588 million on non-war related costs for non-soldiers, especially while the Department is undergoing budget cuts for weapons, armor and new technology all while fighting two wars. The program is too expensive.
- Argument for keeping the program: Military spouses are less likely to have a job and tend to make less than they would if they were married to a civilian worker. This bill is an important part of improving the financial stability of the households of our soldiers. It will encourage civilians to enlist and soldiers to stay enlisted.
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