Employment prospects in the Washington DC metropolitan area are generally very good. While the unemployment rate for the District of Columbia itself is somewhat higher than the national average, the unemployment rates for the surrounding areas of Maryland and Virginia are usually lower. Persons with clerical and office skills, computer skills and retail experience should find work without much difficulty. Prospects are particularly good in computer technology, security and law enforcement, communications, healthcare, banking, administration and service businesses.

As a general rule job opportunities and wages increase in proportion to how far away from Andrews you are willing to travel each day. Washington DC is a commuter city and regional commutes of 30 to 60 minutes one-way are not at all uncommon. Many spouses working downtown drive to a METRO Rail station and take the train to work. Consider using navigation apps to see what your commute might be from different locations in the area, as the commute can be radically different depending on your starting and ending location.

Remember to hand carry or bring electronically your employment and educational records, as well as resumes and other pertinent information to assist in getting started on your job search upon your arrival. You can get more information and assistance by contacting the JB Andrews Military & Family Readiness Center's Employment/Spouse Employment program at 301-981-7087.

The economic and business climate of Prince George's County is stable and growing. Among the top employers are the University of Maryland, JB Andrews, Digital Equipment, and the Goddard Space Flight Center. These entities account for more than 30,000 of the county's jobs.

The Transition Assistance Program provides information, resources and tools to service members to help them successfully prepare for the transition from military to civilian life, whether pursuing additional education, finding a career or starting your own business. TAP begins 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 and those separating to begin the process at least 18 months prior to separation.

For more information and to get the process started, visit our TAP page at https://www.andrewsfss.com/tap. 

Seminars/Workshops/Services Offered:

• Step 1 initial counseling: You’ll learn what to expect from the TAP process and build a plan for getting the most out of the program. During this appointment, service members complete their personal self-assessment and begin the development of their individual transition plan to identify their unique needs in the transition process and post-transition goals.
• Step 2 pre-separation briefing: Service members will be signed up for this briefing during their one-on-one initial counseling appointment. This briefing covers information including benefits, entitlements and resources for eligible transitioning service members.
• Step 3 TAP three-day workshop: Service members will be signed up for a TAP workshop after they attend a pre-separation briefing and sign their DD Form 2648. The workshop is comprised of:
  • Department of Defense transition day: This portion of TAP includes curriculum modules on building resiliency by managing your own transition, a military occupational code crosswalk to help define and translate military skills, and financial literacy to assist you with your financial plan.
  • The Department of Veterans Affairs will brief about VA benefits and services available to service members and veterans.  
  •  The Department of Labor will provide information to prepare you for employment, such as resumes, interviewing and networking skills.
• Two-day track workshops: Based on your path after separation/retirement, service members may also attend an additional two-day class (Employment Track, Education Track, Entrepreneurship Track or Vocational Track) to receive more in-depth information regarding their career path after the military. 
• Step 4 Capstone: After you’ve gone through the TAP appointments and briefings, this appointment will certify that you have completed all of the requirements and career readiness standards. Upon completion of this appointment and commander’s signature, your DD Form 2648 will be complete and ready for your final out-processing appointment.
• Other TAP-related classes: If you are planning on filing for disability compensation and want to learn more about the process, we offer monthly classes on VA Disability Claims filing, the VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment program, and heath care benefits from TRICARE and Johns Hopkins. There are no pre-requisites to attend this workshop and it is open whether you are separating or retiring.

Military personnel may apply for tuition assistance and obtain information on Veterans Administration education benefits and federal grants or loans. For more information please visit https://www.andrewsfss.com/education-training.

For information on Spouse Employment supports and training opportunities visit MyCAA and Military Spouse Education and Career Opportunities visit Military OneSource.

For Maryland, visit the Department of Labor website for information on unemployment benefits.

For Virginia, visit the Virginia Employment Commission’s website or call 800-897-5630.

For Washington D.C., visit the Department of Employment Services website or call 202-724-7000.