Employment

Employment opportunities are limited at Kunsan Air Base. Due to the Status of Forces Agreement to work on or off base, anyone seeking employment must be authorized by the Korean government. Additional SOFA restrictions for personnel desiring employment off the installation and opportunities are limited. Civilian Personnel Flight must see all interested parties in working on the military installation. Only U.S. Citizens can apply for employment opportunities at Kunsan AB.  Kunsan AB has approximately 32 civil service positions, three non-appropriated fund positions and few Defense Commissary Agency along with Army and Air Force Exchange Service positions. Command-sponsored family members seeking GS or NAF employment opportunities must apply through the Civilian Personnel Office at 315-470-4750. For jobs with AAFEEs you may contact 315-782-5456 or DECA at 782-5437.

Regardless of a family member’s command-sponsored status, they can seek employment assistance through the Military and Family Readiness Center by calling 315-782-5644. Walk-ins are welcome at MFCR in Building 755, 1^st Floor.

The Transition Assistance Program (TAP) is designed to provide retiring, separating, and demobilizing members the information, skills, and knowledge needed for successful transition to civilian life. Through the mandated components of TAP, service members have access to an array of workshops, assessments, and services to prepare them for the transition. Service members are required to initiate TAP no later than 365 days from the date of separation or retirement.  The recommended start time is within 24 months from retirement or within 18 months from separation. You can find a comprehensive timeline for the entire process here:

TAP components include:

Step 1: Initial Counseling

This first step is an individual appointment where members’ goals and transition needs are discussed and assessed. Members are assigned to a Tier level (1, 2, or 3) based on individual goals and preparedness for transition. Members learn what must be accomplished and are provided resources and information. This first step must be accomplished NLT 365 days from date of separation/retirement.

Step 2: Pre-Separation Counseling/Briefing

The Pre-separation Counseling appointment or briefing provides information on entitlements and benefits members may be eligible for and reviews the transition process. Pre-separation counseling/briefing should be accomplished early in the transition process but NLT 365 days from separation. May be accomplished in a group setting or individual appointment on a needs basis.

Step 3: Transition Workshop

All members complete at minimum the 3-day Core Curriculum which includes:

DoD Day (Managing Your Transition, Military Occupational Code Crosswalk, Financial Planning for Transition)

DoL Employment Fundamentals of Career Transition

VA Benefits and Services

Additional Two-Day Tracks include:

Managing Your (MY) Education Track

Career & Credential Exploration (C2E)

Department of Labor Employment Track

Entrepreneurship Track (Boots to Business)

Step 4: Capstone

The Capstone is an individual appointment where members’ Career Readiness Standards (CRS) are reviewed and documented. CRSs are the Department of Defense’s tangible measurements of a service member’s preparedness for a civilian career. CRSs capitalize upon skills and experience and are aligned to employment, technical, and/or education competency areas. Member should refer to the checklist for their designated Tier for a list of the applicable CRSs to provide for review at the Capstone appointment.

Please contact the Kunsan AB M&FRC at 315-782-5644 to inquire about what path or opportunities are available as you develop your transition plan.

Spouse information 

Spouse Tuition Assistance Program (STAP): Provides partial tuition assistance for spouses of Active-Duty airmen or officers who accompany members to overseas locations and will be attending college programs

AFAS Spouse Employment Program: Pays for tuition, instructor fees, and course materials to help Air Force spouses obtain jobs within their community or on base
Education Center Tuition Assistance: Available for spouses of active-duty Air Force enlisted members and officers who accompany their military spouses to overseas locations, with a focus on degree completion or certificate programs

The Department of Defense Spouse Education and Career Opportunities (SECO) Program provides expert education and career guidance to military Spouses worldwide. SECO offers comprehensive information, tools, and resources to support career exploration, education, training, licensing, employment readiness and career connections. The four main components of service delivery for the SECO program are: the MySECO website which provides a comprehensive set of virtual tools and resources to assist military Spouses in the pursuit of their educational and employment goals; the Military OneSource SECO Career Center where certified career coaches provide comprehensive counseling services at no cost; the  My Career Advancement Account Scholarship, which is a workforce development initiative that provides up to $4,000 (with an annual fiscal year cap of $2,000) of tuition assistance for licensure and education to eligible military Spouses; and the Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP), which is an employment and career partnership connecting military Spouses with more than 600 partners who have committed to recruit, hire, promote and retain military Spouses in portable careers. Online, in the community, or on the phone, SECO ensures military Spouses have all the opportunities and connections they need to find a career that fits their mobile military life.
All Spouses of activated Air Force Reserve Service members are eligible for DoD Spouse Education and Career Opportunities services. Eligibility for the My Career Advancement Account scholarship is restricted to Spouses of active-duty Service members, who are serving on Title 10 orders, and in the pay grades E1-E5, W1-W2 and O1- O2.

For information on MyCAA and Military Spouse Education and Career Opportunities, visit Military OneSource

Unemployment benefits vary by state in the United States. Each state manages its own unemployment insurance program, and the eligibility rules and benefit amounts differ. Remember to check your specific state’s unemployment website for the most up-to-date information on eligibility and how to file for benefits. If you’ve worked in multiple states, file in the state where you worked. Stay informed and take advantage of the resources available to you. There are no unemployment benefits available at Kunsan AB.