Command Priority #3 and Family Member Employment (Sharp Point # 30-10)

  • Published
  • By Gen. Walter Sharp
  • United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command and U.S. Forces Korea commander
YONGSAN GARRISON, Republic of Korea --  1. Enhancing the quality of life for service members, DoD civilians and family members is one of my highest priorities. I believe it's important to hire USFK family members into the workplace when a position is available and a qualified and well-suited individual is available for that position.

2. Therefore, commanders and managers should use family-friendly programs such as Military Spouse Preference, the non-competitive appointment authority for military spouses authorized by Executive Order 13473, and other family member and youth employment programs to enhance the quality of life for our service members and their families. These programs were designed to lessen the employment and career interruptions of family members that relocate with their sponsors to new duty stations around the world.

3. This initiative plays an important part in the tour normalization process by providing employment opportunities and a measure of economic stability to those who transfer with their sponsors. Other advantages to the command include significant savings in overseas allowances, transportation, and other entitlements, which are not necessary when an individual is hired locally.

4. I expect commanders and leaders at all levels to consider these programs when selecting employees to fill their civilian job openings. Every family member hired contributes to keeping Korea as the "Assignment of Choice" for service members, DoD civilians and families.

5. Point of contact for this message is the Civilian Personnel Directorate, Labor and Performance Management Division, DSN 724-3293.

6. We Go Together!