News 6 Report: Learning About MySTeP
Stars and Stripes recently shared information regarding a new program from the Pentagon called Military Spouse Transition Program, or MySTeP. The program will be rolled out this month and offer short videos to help military spouses through all stages of their service member’s military career.
MySTeP focuses on all stages of military life and divides spouses into categories: New spouses, mid-career spouses, and those preparing to transition. These three categories are labeled as, “Stepping In,” “Stepping Through,” and “Stepping Beyond.”
The new program aims to empower spouses from the first day they step into military life until the day their spouse transitions or separates. The MySTeP program focuses on a wide variety of topics to help spouses get their bearings and navigate military life.
How to access new video resources:
First, head to the website by clicking here. Then, find the area you’d like to explore. I started at “Stepping In.” There are 21 videos currently available.
When you click on a video link, a video page pops up, and you click play to begin. Each video has graphics, links, and a narrator who walks you through what you see on the screen. Videos are short and easy to follow. Additionally, similar subjects are linked within the pop-up page so you can explore the topic further. Links are provided in the text below the video, as well as a transcript.
According to the MySTep website, the “Stepping In,” or new spouses section, will cover topics such as how to reach educational and career goals, assist with managing finances, and help build a social network.
“Stepping Through” will have videos that focus on helping spouses connect with resources that support children, manage the stresses of military life, maintain health and well-being, and career planning.
“Stepping Beyond” will offer topics including help with financial planning, networking opportunities, and benefits after military life.
The program anticipates adding another 180 videos within the next 12 to 18 months, with more of a focus on those spouses who will be transitioning into civilian life. About 300 videos, in total, are planned.
The videos are available online and closely connected to Military OneSource’s MySECO—or Spouse Education and Career Opportunities—program, where you can explore careers, education, training, licensing, and other career connections.
Eddy Mentzer, the associate director for children, youth, and families in the Military Community and Family Policy office at the Department of Defense, told Military.com that they chose to focus the first videos on new spouses and those farthest from transition so they could test the system and ensure it was the right fit for the military community.
They also hope to have in-person lessons for new spouses in the future.
“We really wanted to have an impact on newer spouses; we also wanted to learn, knowing it was the smaller bucket,” he said. “It gave us a little bit of trial and error.”
Mentzer told Stars and Stripes that he hopes the program will empower spouses by giving them the information and resources they need, and then it’s up to the individual to “own it.”
MySTeP Website: myseco.militaryonesource.mil/portal/mystep
