Should the Military increase the amount for MyCAA for military spouses?

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Feb 2014 15:07:53 -0500

MyCAA provides a maximum education benefit of up to $4,000 with an annual fiscal year cap of $2,000 to assist eligible military spouses in acquiring a professional credential needed to meet their Portable Career goal. Annual cap waivers are available if there is an upfront tuition cost that exceeds $2,000 (up to the maximum education benefit of $4,000). - See more at: http://mycaa-milspouse.com/MyCAA-FAQs#sthash.uahZzM6C.dpuf

What is the Military Spouse Career Advancement Account (MyCAA) program?
The Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts Program (MyCAA) is a career development and employment assistance program...

Response by 1SG DeyShuan Shepherd made Feb 11 at 2014 3:30 PM

1SG DeyShuan Shepherd — Tue, 11 Feb 2014 15:30:13 -0500

I believe that it should increase to cove the cost of a career advancing program i.e. certifications, technical programs...etc.

Response by SFC James Baber made Feb 11 at 2014 3:45 PM

SFC James Baber — Tue, 11 Feb 2014 15:45:10 -0500

I believe not only should it be increase to cover the advanced schooling, but should also be allowed to cover more senior ranks as well, the current system unless it has changed since I retired cutoff NCOs at E6, and I think Officers were done at CPT for the spouse to utilize the benefits.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2014 7:26 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Feb 2014 19:26:45 -0500

Call me bitter, but my answer is a solid no.

We've restricted the access to tuition assistance for active duty Soldiers. They get $4,000 worth of TA after one year post-AIT and cannot use it to obtain a graduate until they hit 10 years TIS if any TA was used to obtain the undergraduate degree.
So why should we throw money at spouses? They're not the ones we seek to educate and train to become future senior leaders who have been broadened by the college experience.
MyCAA is a nice touch for spouses who have a solid civilian career that has suffered due to the vagaries of being a military spouse. It's a great retention tool for those mid-career to senior leaders who could make equivalent-or-better money on the outside and see their spouse's lack of additional credentialing as a serious issue on whether to continue their own service.
Honestly, I'd rather see an increase in Soldier benefits than spousal benefits that will be available to and utilized by the privileged few who can afford the cost otherwise.