Joint Base Charleston  Military and Family Support Center

As of May 2020, the Bureau of Labor Statistics for South Carolina reports that South Carolina's unemployment rate is 12.5%.

Due to the current pandemic posture with the national unemployment rates higher than what they have been in recent years, the Military and Family Support Center is still available to assist. The center has employment specialists who assist with resume writing and cover letters, pursuing federal employment and military spouse preference enrollment for those who have identified specific career goals. For those still unsure, staff members can also assist with providing career exploration through personal interest inventories, identifying personal and career goals and exploring spouse education opportunities. 

Also be advised that both centers at Joint Base Charleston currently hold monthly job fairs with local and national companies. Contact our office for more information.

The Transition Assistance Program is designed to provide support and resources for members and their families while planning for or going through a separation or retirement. Whether members are pursuing employment, education or business ownership, TAP can assist. The program is an interagency collaboration providing a large variety of benefits and entitlements, skills, resources and information to assist members in planning their path to success. Information is also provided on best practices for seeking new employment, resume writing, etc.

Transitioning from the military is comprised of a three-step process, coordinated by the TAP program manager. It begins with a mandatory pre-separation counseling (target dates are 12 months for separating members; 24 months for retiring members) now provided by the Military and Family Readiness Center on a monthly basis. The second step in the process is an essential three to five day Transition, Goals, Plans, Success workshop. Lastly, the program culminates with a one-on-one capstone appointment to verify all career readiness standards required for separation are completed. If you have any questions regarding the transitioning process please contact our Military and Family Readiness staff.

Our employment consultants are available to assist newcomers with their job search, provide information about the local job market and assess their work history and job skills. The employment team offers various classes or one-on-one appointments regarding resume writing, LinkedIn networking, seeking federal employment. The team also provides professional development classes to help prepare you for new employment.

The Military and Family Readiness Centers at Joint Base Charleston currently holds a monthly hiring fair with local and national companies.

Please contact the main office for more information. These opportunities are open to all Department of Defense identification card holders, including DOD civilians and their family members.

Unemployment benefits are managed through the South Carolina Employment Commission. Select Online Claims Process and Job Registration on the homepage. Spouses who are leaving South Carolina on a permanent change of station move must be on the active-duty member’s orders and continue to work until 14 days or less before you make your move to qualify for South Carolina unemployment benefits. 

Please go directly the SCEC website for further information.