Employment

Spouse Employment

The focal point for spouse employment is the Military and Family Readiness Center. If your spouse is interested in employment assistance, please contact the M&FRC at 660-687-7132.

Employment Resources

The local Chambers of Commerce are very supportive of the Whiteman AFB community. If you wish to receive materials from a specific chamber, don't hesitate to contact them and ask that information be sent to you. Chamber representatives are very receptive to having the military be a part of their community. The military spouse who has been a frequent mover is well aware of the necessity of networking. If you are new to the military and plan to work, you will find that networking is a very effective way to locate employment. The Employment/Volunteer Program manager at the M&FRC offers practical networking techniques and specific workshops to help refine your employment skills. Word-of-mouth referrals will get you employed almost as fast as your own job searching skills.

American Job Centers

The nearest American Job Center (Sedalia Job Center) located within 20 miles of Whiteman AFB in Sedalia, Missouri. Information for the American Job Centers be accessed at www.servicelocator.org

Local Economic Climate

The most recent unemployment rates in the three-county area were as follows:

• Johnson County, 4.0%
• Pettis, 3.6%
• Henry, 3.6%.

Employment Prospects

Employment prospects in the local area vary. The top fields of employment currently include health fields, manufacturing, labor, and education. Applications for many of the jobs on base can be completed at USAJOBS.GOV .

Transition Assistance Program (TAP)– For those separating or retiring in two years or less, this mandatory process guides you through building a resume, interviewing skills, financial planning, networking and more. 

TAP starts no later than 365 days prior to transition for those who are separating or retiring. It is recommended that retirees begin the transition process at least two years prior to retirement. In the event of an unanticipated separation or retirement, or when a member of the reserve component is demobilized within less than 365 days, TAP must begin as soon as possible during the remaining period of service.

• Individualized Initial Tap Counseling (ITC)- Individualized initial counseling between the service member and a TAP counselor is the official start of the transition process. During the ITC session, service members complete their personal self-assessment and begin the development of their Individual Transition Plan to identify their unique needs for the transition process and post-transition goals.
• Pre-Separation Counseling – This session is mandated by law for all separating or retiring service members to ensure personnel are aware of benefits and entitlements available to them.
• Three-Day TAP Workshop – TAP is provided through the M&FRC to assist personnel and family members when they separate from the military. This process begins when you visit the M&FRC's Transition Office to schedule your mandatory pre-separation counseling and sign up for the mandatory three-day TAP workshop. The TAP workshop includes information on job search techniques, resume writing, interviewing skills, financial assessment and a full VA benefits briefing.
• Two-Day Workshops – Two-day workshops are available for post-military endeavors such as education, vocational careers, entrepreneurship and employment.
• Capstone – This is the conclusion of the TAP program. This is a culmination of what service members have learned in the other classes and certification for their transition readiness. 

The Airman and Family Readiness Center has information on scholarships and programs available for spouses and family members. Visit the Air Force Aid Society website for information on the Hap Arnold Scholarship offered through AFAS. You may also contact local colleges and universities for information on scholarships and Pell Grants.

The Whiteman Spirit Alliance (WSA) and the Base Community Council (BCC) also offer scholarships. Watch for announcements of these scholarships on the Whiteman AFB website or Facebook page.

The My Career Advancement Account Scholarship is a workforce development program that provides eligible military spouses with financial assistance for licenses, certifications or associate degrees to pursue an occupation or career field. For more information on MyCAA, visit the Military OneSource website.

Missouri law allows spouses of active or reserve military personnel to be eligible for up to 20 weeks of unemployment insurance benefits if leaving their job to relocate with their spouse. You should file in the state where you last worked to determine your eligibility for military benefits. Visit the Missouri Department of Labor Military Unemployment Benefits website for a list of states that have similar laws.

Visit the Missouri Department of Labor website or call one of the Regional Claims Centers at 800-320-2519. If filing online, click the box Quit-Resigned as the reason for separation from your last employer. Register with a Career Center in the state in which you are looking for work or will be living in to find current job openings. Search for work. Even if you are moving, you must continue to look for work and make a number of searches as required by the Division of Employment Security to remain eligible for benefits. File a weekly request for payment each week you are unemployed. You can file online or call a Regional Claims Center.

Update your address if you move during this process by visiting the Missouri Department of Labor website or by calling us. We will not be able to send you notices or important documents if we do not have your current contact information.

For additional unemployment resources and a list of free public programs and services, visit the Missouri Department of Labor website.

Regional Claims Centers:

Jefferson City: 573-751-9040

Kansas City: 816-889-3101

St. Louis: 314-3340-4950

All other callers: 800-320-2519