MSCAP: Standing Together for Coast Guard Spouses’ Equal Opportunities

As a proud Coast Guard spouse, I’ve experienced firsthand the unique challenges that come with supporting our service members. Like spouses of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps, we live with frequent relocations, the uncertainties of duty, and the complexities of balancing family life around service commitments. Yet, unlike other military spouses, Coast Guard spouses often find ourselves excluded from certain career and support programs due to the Coast Guard’s affiliation with the Department of Homeland Security rather than the Department of Defense. This distinction shouldn’t limit our access to resources essential for our families’ stability and growth.

One notable example of this exclusion is the Military Spouse Career Accelerator Pilot (MSCAP) facilitated by Hiring Our Heroes, which is currently available only to DoD-affiliated spouses. Coast Guard spouses could greatly benefit from this kind of support, as we face similar challenges in pursuing stable, meaningful careers amidst relocations and other service-related disruptions. However, due to our unique affiliation, we’re left without this valuable resource.

Sign the Petition to Support Equal Benefits for Coast Guard Spouses!

Why This Matters

Access to career resources isn’t just about job placement; it’s about family well-being, financial stability, and honoring the commitment Coast Guard families make. Coast Guard spouses live parallel lives to DoD spouses, supporting our members through deployments, training, and more. Exclusion from career development programs places Coast Guard families at a disadvantage and sends a message that our sacrifices are less acknowledged. While we proudly stand by our spouses, all we ask is for fair and equal opportunities to Coast Guard families as with other military branches.

A Call to Action

I am calling on fellow Coast Guard spouses, service members, and advocates to support a petition urging for the inclusion of Coast Guard spouses in programs like MSCAP. Additionally, I encourage you to share feedback on the MySECO portal, requesting that Coast Guard spouses receive equal access to career support resources. Every voice counts, and by standing together, we can amplify our message that Coast Guard families deserve equal support and opportunities.

Submit Feedback to MySECO Here!

Let’s unite to ensure our voices are heard and that future Coast Guard families won’t face these same barriers. Sign the petition, share your thoughts on MySECO, and spread the word. Together, we can create meaningful change.