January 13, 2026

2nd Quarter 2026 Updates 

Mandatory Integration of Military Spouse Hiring Authorities and Military Spouse Preference in Strategic Recruitment Discussions

 In accordance with DCPAS Message 2025158, all Department of War (DoW) hiring managers are required to familiarize themselves with Military Spouse hiring authorities and preferences to ensure their consistent and effective application. These authorities and preferences must be integrated into all strategic recruitment plans and discussions. Specifically, this includes:

1.  Providing education to hiring managers on these programs during recruitment discussions.

2.  Incorporating them into all recruitment plans and hiring actions.

3.  Reviewing the Recruiting and Retaining Military Spouses Fact Sheet to understand best practices (see #5 below).

 4.  Sharing the fact sheet with hiring managers to promote consistent application of these hiring tools. 

The overarching goal is to support military spouse employment and align recruitment efforts with organizational objectives.

 All hiring managers are encouraged to become familiar and utilize the following references:

1.  Noncompetitive Appointment Hiring Authority of Certain Military Spouses (5 U.S.C. § 3330d),

 2.  Noncompetitive Appointment Hiring Authority of Certain Former Overseas Employees (5 CFR § 315.608), 

 3.  Under Secretary of War Memorandum, “Pilot Program on Direct Hire Authority for Spouses of Members of the Uniformed Services at Locations Outside the United States,” dated June 23, 2023, 

 4.  Employment Opportunities for Military Spouses (10 U.S.C. § 1784), 

 5.  Recruiting and Retaining Military Spouses Fact Sheet, 

 6.  Information Paper “Department of War (DoW) Military Spouse Appointment Authorities”

 U.S. European Command 2025 Combined Federal Campaign - Overseas Europe (CFC-OE)

 OPM has extended the 2025 CFC-OE campaign through 31 January 2026. Each fall, the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) enables Federal employees and retirees to come together to raise money and volunteer for charities that support people and communities in need across the United States and around the world. The Department of Defense is the only Federal agency that supports the CFC-Overseas Europe (CFC-OE) and U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) is assigned as the responsible agent for the European campaign. 

 For those who are interested in participating, you can start your donation today by downloading the "CFC Giving" app on your phone (recommended way). You can also visit the following link, https://givecfc.org on a non-government network. 

 There is also a way to pledge volunteer hours to an organization you care about. Search for charities to serve at: https://cfcgiving.opm.gov/offerings.

Annual Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA) Utility Expenses Survey

Two major surveys will run simultaneously from 1 January thru 31 March 2026. 

 Annual Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA) and Move-in Expenses 

 Living Pattern Survey (LPS) 

 Both surveys are critical for ensuring our Servicemembers receive accurate entitlements that reflect their true cost of living and housing expenses.  

 Participation is essential to the integrity of this survey. The data collected directly impacts Servicemember entitlements, and responses are crucial for ensuring its accuracy. Surveys will be available online at: https://dod.go.mil/2026-LPS