Pentagon resumes MyCAA program

WASHINGTON (WAVY) - The Department of Defense announced Thursday it will partially resume the Military Spouse Career Advancement Account - also known as MyCAA - program Saturday. Beginning at Noon EST, the 136,583 military spouses who are already enrolled in the program will once again be able to receive tuition assistance.

The program, however, will not be immediately accepting new applications.

"We made a commitment to our military spouses when they established a career advancement account and we will be true to our promises," said Tommy Thomas, Deputy Under Secretary of Defense, Military Community and Family Policy.

Arkesha Moses, a Family Readiness Officer for Marine Forces Reserve, is glad the program is being reinstated.

"I am particularly grateful that the program will be started up on March 13 again because my classes start on March 15th," said

Moses said the need for a program that helps military spouses advance their careers, despite having to constantly move with their loved ones.

"I just want the DOD to understand these sacrifices and recognize these sacrifices," she previously said.

Officials say the first phase of the reinstated program will enable the Defense Department to continue to pay up to $6,000 in tuition assistance for spouses currently enrolled. The department says it is working hard to adjust and meet the demands of the program and develop a long-term solution for spouses not yet enrolled who would like to establish an account.

The program was launched March 2, 2009, to assist military spouses in attaining portable careers in high-demand, high-growth occupations. An unexpected spike in enrollment prompted the Defense Department to pause the program on Feb. 16. A thorough review began immediately to assure the program was accomplishing its intended goals.

"Once we make a commitment to our military spouses that we're going to help them with an education benefit we need to follow through with that commitment," said Rep. Glenn Nye, D-Virginia Beach.

Nye pushed back when the DOD halted the program. He says he'll continue to work to get the same benefit for new applicants.

"If there is a question about the funding then we'll work on getting additional funding provided by Congress," said Nye.

"When we determined that an operational pause in the program was critically needed, we failed to notify our spouses in a timely and appropriate manner," Thomas said. "As a result of our failure, we know we will have to work hard to restore their faith in us. We are committed to earning that trust through improved communication and by delivering services."

The Defense Department says it is currently developing options for the long-term management of the program and expect to be able to announce the details soon. Until new accounts can be created, officials say Military OneSource Spouse Education and Career Consultants will continue to be available to provide education and training, career exploration, assessment, employment readiness and career search assistance.