MOAA could be a force in turning this shameful situation around.

The answer is not more money or people or priority through DOL, this is already a dismal process run by incompetent people. It has failed to help since I saw it at work in post Vietnam. It is worst now and has less respect by recruiters.

The answer lies in the motivation and use of the MOAA chapters across the country.
-a local council of veterans, some employed, some looking, and some retired and not looking.
– the combination of these talents and experiences can and will build a stronger MOAA, more employed vets, and a support network that goes way beyond the first job but into careers and neighbors.

it is all there but it will take a special effort; one that goes beyond the TOPS, which is nice for a very select few higher ranking officers who like to talk down to people and write papers. You take a colonel who has not held a civilian job in 25 years and put him or her in charge of helping military officers and or enlisted get civilian jobs, and what could you expect. You know; great programs on paper, that help raise money, and get jobs for a few elite friends.

Is it making a dent in unemployment of vets? bet it is losing ground but showing great statistics

I’m a mom too and understand the appeal of this program. I don’t disagree that it’s a nice thing to have available as a perk of being a military family.

My problem with it (and other DOD-funded programs like it) is that it comes at a time of huge budget cuts and major threats to military benefits, the very basic benefits that our men and women in uniform have been earning through their day-in, day-out service to our nation. Anyone can read about these threats on MOAA’s site and in their weekly Legislative Updates.

If we as a nation are in a financial situation where we have to think about means-testing retirees for health care (http://bit.ly/yPMJF7), then we certainly can’t afford to contract with a third-party vendor to provide coverage for all military families to choose babysitters. The Sittercity program is just one example of many non-service-related programs that are “nice to have” but not essential, which pay and health care are.

As an Army spouse, I think the pay and benefits my husband has earned through his many years of sacrifice and service — along with your spouse’s and everyone else’s in uniform — should be kept intact.

My military family is better taken care of when military pay and benefits are not under threat.