Military families are getting a boost from the federal government, thanks to new hiring guidelines issued Wednesday by the Office of Personnel Management.  

Under the new rules, spouses of some servicemembers will be eligible to bypass the traditional hiring process when applying for federal jobs, thereby making it easier and faster to obtain employment when relocating. Active-duty military members relocate on average every three years, which poses challenges for spouses seeking jobs or trying to advance their careers. Roughly 200,000 active-duty troops are married, and surveys suggest that as many as 70 percent of military spouses want to work. 

"This family-friendly policy provides employment opportunities from individuals and a measure of economic stability to military families who must deal with a multitude of issues arising from one spouse serving their country," said OPM Director John Berry. 

The guidelines are specifically aimed at helping husbands and wives of active-duty servicemembers who must relocate for a new assignment. Federal agencies will have the option of hiring them without going through the regular channels, though the applicants still must be qualified for the position. Some physically-disabled spouses will be eligible for preferences, as will widows or widowers of servicemembers killed in the line of duty, provided they find the job prior to remarrying.

As OhMyGov! reported previously, the benefit was authorized in an executive order signed by President George W. Bush in September 2008. The guidelines were held up by the Obama administration pending a review of all regulations not implemented prior to transition. The rules will take effect on Sept. 11.

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