One of the Exchange’s Most Important Missions: Military Family Careers
DALLAS – According to a recent Defense Manpower Data Center survey, military spouses who moved in the past 12 months have an unemployment rate of 20 percent, twice as high as those who haven’t moved. Things are more challenging for transient military spouses with children, who suffer an unemployment rate of 30 percent.
With nearly 17 percent of approximately 35,000 Exchange associates identifying themselves as military spouses, the Exchange has long been committed to offering employment opportunities to service members’ better halves.
“The Exchange and military spouses are just a good fit,” said the Exchange’s Executive VP and Chief Human Resources Officer Leigh Roop. “Their values of loyalty, professionalism and commitment are exactly what we look for when hiring. We know it’s difficult to start over with each transfer, which is why we offer special programs with spouses in mind.”
The Exchange’s spouse continuity and preference programs allow wives, husbands and domestic partners to build a career alongside their Soldier or Airman with each relocation. In 2014, more than 850 military spouses were promoted at the Exchange.
The Exchange’s commitment to spouse employment has been recognized by a variety of organizations including Military Spouse Magazine’s “Top 10 Military Spouse Friendly Employers,” G.I. Jobs magazine’s “Top 100 Military Friendly Employers” and CivilianJobs.com’s “Most Valuable Employers for the Military.”
Complete details on how to apply for a career with the Exchange, along with a listing of current available opportunities, are available at applymyexchange.com. Questions concerning the military spouse or hiring partnership programs can be directed to the Exchange’s Human Resources Support Center at [email protected].
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The Army & Air Force Exchange Service goes where Soldiers, Airmen and their families go to improve the quality of their lives through goods and services provided. Exchange earnings provide dividends to support military morale, welfare and recreation programs. The Exchange is part of the Department of Defense and is directed by a Board of Directors, responsible to the Secretaries of the Army and Air Force through the Chiefs of Staff. To find out more about the Exchange history and mission or to view recent press releases please visit our Web site at http://www.aafes.com/about-exchange/public-affairs/press-releases.htmor follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ExchangePAO.
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