Employment

Employment Documentation for Relocation

If you plan to seek employment upon arrival at Holloman Air Force Base, it is highly recommended that you hand-carry or store secure digital copies of all essential employment records.

Having these on hand will significantly expedite your job application and onboarding processes:

• Updated resume and federal resume draft
• Undergraduate and graduate college transcripts and diplomas
• Professional state licenses or certifications
• References, previous supervisor contact lists and past performance reviews
• Form DD-214 and SF-50 (if prior military or federal civil service)

SpouseWorks Program

SpouseWorks is the official Department of War career and education initiative designed to help military spouses overcome employment challenges.

Spouses can access comprehensive, free resources to help them explore portable career paths, find education or licensing options, and prepare for job interviews:

• Career coaching
  • Spouses can connect with certified, specialty career coaches for one-on-one virtual consultations at no cost
• Phone support
  • Call Military OneSource at 800-342-9647 to speak with a SpouseWorks career coach
• Visit the online SpouseWorks portal for more information

Military Spouse Employer Partnership

The Military Spouse Employer Partnership connects job-seeking spouses with major corporate and federal employers:

• The MSEP Advantage
  • More than 1,000 partner employers have committed to recruiting, hiring, promoting and retaining military spouses in flexible, portable and remote roles
• How to access
  • Spouses can build an online profile, search active job listings on the SpouseWorks Job Board and submit resumes directly to hiring managers
• Visit the MSEP website for more information

Military Spouse Preference

Spouses relocating to Holloman Air Force Base may be eligible for federal civil service hiring preference.

To apply using Military Spouse Preference, you must select the "Military Spouse" hiring path filter on USAJOBS and upload the following mandatory documents with your application:

• Sponsor's permanent change of station orders
  • A copy of the active-duty sponsor's transfer orders to Holloman Air Force Base
  • Crucial: The orders must explicitly name/authorize the spouse's travel as a dependent
• Marriage certificate or license
  • Official proof of marriage to the active-duty sponsor
• Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist (DD Form 3145-4)
  • This form must be filled out, signed and dated within 30 days of submitting each application
  • Available for download on the USAJOBS job announcement or the Defense Civilian Personnel Advisory Service website
• Prior federal employee records, if applicable
  • If you have prior civil service experience, you must also upload your Standard Form 50 (SF-50) showing your highest grade held, tenure or leave-without-pay status
• College transcripts, if applicable
  • Required if you are substituting education for work experience to qualify for a specific job grade

Professional License Portability (SCRA Protection)

Under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA, 50 U.S.C. 4025a), military spouses who relocate due to military orders are legally permitted to use their out-of-state professional licenses in New Mexico, provided they meet federal criteria:

• Covered licenses
  • The professional license must be active, in good standing with the issuing state and free of any disciplinary history or pending investigations
• Scope of practice
  • Spouses must practice within the same scope of authority permitted by their original license
• Compliance
  • You must apply for portability to the appropriate New Mexico licensing board along with a copy of your spouse’s military orders
  • New Mexico state law such as House Bill 30 also provides expedited, fee-free licensing paths to ensure you can resume work rapidly

Air Force License Reimbursement Program

The Department of the Air Force will reimburse military spouses up to $1,000 for qualified occupational state licenses, certifications and exam fees incurred as a direct result of a permanent change of station move to Holloman Air Force Base.

Eligible expenses are:

• State licensing fees, certificate fees or registry costs
• Required examination fees to secure a reciprocal license in the state of New Mexico

Note: Recoupment does not cover ongoing annual membership renewals, professional organization dues or continuing education courses.

How to Request Reimbursement (Step-by-Step)

Spouses cannot file this claim themselves. The active-duty sponsor must submit the request digitally to the 49th Comptroller Squadron using the official, CAC-enabled portal:

• Gather required documentation
  • A copy of the PCS orders directing the relocation to Holloman Air Force Base (must list the spouse)
  • A copy of the newly obtained New Mexico license, certification or exam receipt
  • Proof of payment (itemized receipt showing the specific licensing or exam fees paid)
  • A copy of the previous, valid out-of-state license
• Submit electronically via the Comptroller Services Portal
  • The active-duty sponsor must log in with their Common Access Card to the Comptroller Services Portal and upload required documentation
  • For questions, contact the Holloman Finance Office at 49CPTS.FMA@us.af.mil

Program Overview

The Employment Readiness Program at the Holloman Air Force Base Military and Family Readiness Center provides comprehensive career support for service members, military spouses, transitioning personnel, retirees and family members. The program offers localized job market information, career skills development and specialized guidance for both federal and private-sector employment.

Core Services and Workshops

Customers can schedule one-on-one consultations for resume reviews, job search assistance, interview preparation and individualized career planning. Additionally, the center hosts regular employment workshops including:

• Resume Essentials (offered monthly)
• Marketing Me, LinkedIn Profiles and Career Credentials (offered on alternating months)
• Transition Assistance for Military Spouses workshops

Spouse Licensure Portability and Reimbursement

New Mexico House Bill 30 allows for expedited, fee-free professional re-licensure for military spouses for up to three years. Furthermore, spouses may be eligible for the Department of War Licensure Reimbursement Program, which covers up to $1,000 in qualifying re-licensure or recertification costs resulting from a permanent change of station.

To initiate a reimbursement claim, spouses must contact the 49th Comptroller Squadron Budget Office directly at 575-572-7016 or via email at 49CPTS.FMA@us.af.mil.

Contact Information

• Location: 749 West New Mexico Ave., Building 788, Holloman AFB, NM 88330
• Phone: 575-572-7754
• Email: 49FSS.MFRC.Services@us.af.mil

Local Job Market Overview

Holloman Air Force Base is located adjacent to Alamogordo, New Mexico. While the immediate local civilian job market is small compared to major metropolitan areas, diverse employment opportunities exist on-base through federal civil service, Non-Appropriated Fund activities, defense contractors, and remote work. The Military and Family Readiness Center provides job seekers with tailored local leads, private sector resume assistance, and remote-work resources.

Alamogordo's labor market is reflective of a small community. Many opportunities are in services and retail trade with salaries at or near minimum wage. There are a limited number of jobs available in construction, manufacturing, finance/real estate and government. Positions in nursing, medical field in general and education are also prevalent. Otero County's unemployment rate is usually about 4.7%. As of April 2026, Otero County's unemployment rate is 4.9%. New Mexico has a personal income tax which uses your federal adjusted gross income as its base. Residents and non-residents are taxed on the net income from property, employment or business in New Mexico. This tax will affect family member employment and non-resident active-duty members who have off-duty employment within the state. Exemptions may apply for military spouses claiming residency in another state.

On-Base Federal & Civilian Employment

USAJOBS is the primary, official application source for all on-base federal civilian careers. Positions at Holloman Air Force Base are split into two main funding categories:

Appropriated Fund (GS Positions): Civil service positions across various wings, squadrons, and mission partners.

Non-Appropriated Fund (NAF Positions): Positions funded by base activity revenues. NAF employment is an excellent entry point to the federal system and includes openings at the Child Development Centers, Outdoor Recreation, and Club Holloman.

How to Apply: Search for "Holloman Air Force Base" on USAJOBS to find both GS and NAF vacancies. Visit www.usajobs.gov.

Off-Base Employment & Local Job Boards
For job seekers looking for positions in the surrounding Alamogordo community, the following local job boards are highly recommended for finding active regional vacancies:

American Job Centers of New Mexico (Alamogordo): The state’s official job search and labor database.

Website: https://www.jobs.state.nm.us/

Alamogordo Chamber of Commerce Job Board: Features local job listings and career opportunities directly from Chamber member businesses across Otero County.

Active-Duty Military Tuition Assistance

Active-duty Air Force and Space Force members stationed at Holloman Air Force Base are eligible for Military Tuition Assistance to pursue voluntary, off-duty college education programs. MilTA supports goals ranging from associate to master's degrees, as well as approved certificate programs 

Local Education Office Contact

The Holloman Education Office provides educational counseling, Tuition Assistance briefings, and Air Force Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (AF COOL) support.

• Location: 596 Fourth Street, Building 224, Suite 227, Holloman AFB, NM 88330
• Phone: 575-572-3971
• Email Correspondence: 49FSS.FSDE.EducationOffice@us.af.mil

Military Spouse Tuition Assistance

SpouseWorks Scholarship (formerly MyCAA)

The SpouseWorks Scholarship is a Department of Defense workforce development program providing up to 4,000 in financial assistance to eligible military spouses.

Eligibility: Spouses of active-duty, National Guard, and Reserve service members in pay grades E-1 through E-9, W-1 through W-3, and O-1 through O-3 who have successfully completed high school.

Applicability: Funding is designed for the pursuit or maintenance of a license, certification, or associate degree necessary to gain employment in a portable career field.

Coaching & Support: Spouses receive access to certified SpouseWorks career coaches for personalized guidance.

How to Apply: Spouses can check eligibility and register through the official portal at https://mycaa.militaryonesource.mil/mycaa/.

Overview of Benefits

Unemployment Insurance is a state-administered program designed to provide temporary, partial wage replacement to individuals who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own. For transitioning service members and relocating military spouses, specific protections exist under state and federal law to bridge the gap between jobs.

Filing Location for Relocating Military Spouses

File in Your Previous State: If you are a military spouse who recently resigned from a job to accompany your sponsor on a Permanent Change of Station to Holloman Air Force Base, you must file your claim in the state where you were employed immediately prior to the move.

Why It Matters: Your previous state holds your base period wage history and will fund and administer your benefits.

Good Cause Resignation: Most states legally recognize a PCS move as a "good cause" voluntary resignation, allowing you to collect benefits while actively searching for new employment in New Mexico.

How to File a Claim (For Previous New Mexico Employees)

If you were previously employed in the state of New Mexico before separating from your job, you will file your claim through the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions: Call 575-437-9210 .

Required Documentation: When applying, you will need your Social Security number, your spouse's PCS orders, and your complete employment history for the last 18 months.

Transitioning Service Members (UCX Program)

Service members transitioning out of active-duty service may be eligible for the Unemployment Compensation for Ex-servicemembers program.

Unlike spouses, separating service members should typically file for benefits in the state where they physically reside after separation. Eligibility is determined by the state based on the nature of the member's military discharge (DD Form 214).