Military Spouse Employment: How T-Mobile is Setting the Gold Standard
When it comes to corporate support for the military community, few companies walk the walk like T-Mobile. While many organizations focus on veteran hiring, T-Mobile is leading a broader, more inclusive effort—placing a heavy emphasis on military spouse employment. In a recent episode of the VET S.O.S. Podcast, host Shawn Welsh sat down with Lacey Craig, Senior Program Manager for Military and Partnership Recruiting at T-Mobile, to explore the company’s mission to uplift not only veterans and transitioning service members, but also the often-overlooked population of military spouses.
Why Military Spouse Employment Matters
Military spouses face some of the highest unemployment and underemployment rates in the country. Frequent relocations, career disruptions, and employer misconceptions make it difficult for spouses to maintain stable, long-term employment. For many transitioning service members, their spouses’ career limitations add significant stress to what is already a major life adjustment.
Lacey CraigLacey Craig understands these challenges on a personal level. As the daughter of a veteran who served for 38 years, she grew up witnessing the sacrifices made not just by those in uniform, but by their families as well. Her journey into workforce advocacy started when she saw how difficult it was for her father to transition to civilian life. That experience ignited her passion to serve military families through her corporate roles—first at Starbucks and now at T-Mobile.
T-Mobile’s Approach to Military Spouse Employment
T-Mobile’s support for the military community is deeply embedded in its culture and business model. From the top down, the company has embraced the reality that hiring veterans alone is not enough. Lasting impact comes from recognizing the family unit—and that means prioritizing military spouse employment.
Here are several standout initiatives T-Mobile has implemented:
1. Portable Work Location Policy
T-Mobile introduced a policy that allows military spouses to take their jobs with them when their families receive PCS (Permanent Change of Station) orders. This level of flexibility is vital in enabling spouses to maintain continuity in their careers without needing to start over every few years.
2. PCS Paid Leave Benefit
In a move that reflects true understanding of the military lifestyle, T-Mobile offers paid time off for PCS moves. Spouses and service members receive over 40 hours of paid leave to handle the logistics and emotional labor that come with relocating. This eliminates the need to use vacation days or go unpaid during transitions.
3. SkillBridge & Fellowship Participation
T-Mobile is a proud SkillBridge employer and participates in the Hiring Our Heroes Military Spouse Fellowship Program. These programs provide real-world corporate experience for both transitioning service members and military spouses, helping them better position themselves for full-time roles.
4. Mentorship Through VAST
The Veterans and Allies Succeeding Together (VAST) mentorship program pairs military spouses and veterans with two internal mentors—one with a military background and one without. This six-month structured program offers career guidance, networking support, and helps bridge cultural gaps in corporate environments.
5. Military Spouse Internship Eligibility
T-Mobile extends internship opportunities to military spouses who are working on degrees or certifications. These roles provide valuable experience and are especially useful for spouses reentering the workforce or changing career paths.
Beyond Hiring: Building a Culture of Inclusion
For Lacey Craig and the team at T-Mobile, military spouse employment is not just about filling job openings—it’s about retention, culture, and long-term success. That’s why T-Mobile emphasizes inclusion across every step of the employment journey.
“One of the most important things we can do is help a military spouse build a sustainable career,” said Lacey. “When we support the spouse, we support the entire family. That gives the transitioning service member the freedom to focus on what’s next for them—whether it’s further education, certification, or simply a smoother transition.”
T-Mobile’s approach is proactive and human-centered. They don't differentiate between active duty spouses, veteran spouses, or those recently transitioned. Once you self-identify as military-connected, the same benefits and opportunities apply.
The Power of Policy Change
Many of the initiatives that now define T-Mobile’s military-friendly reputation came from employee-driven innovation. Lacey, for example, proposed the PCS paid leave policy herself. After seeing a military spouse struggle with time off during a move, she realized that even the most supportive company needs clear policies to truly accommodate the military lifestyle.
“These programs didn’t exist when I arrived,” she shared. “I’ve had the freedom to build them from the ground up, and that’s been incredible. It shows what’s possible when companies invest in doing this right.”
Dispelling the Myths: “I Don’t Know Tech”
A common concern among military spouses is whether they’re qualified to work at a tech company like T-Mobile. Lacey addressed this head-on.
“I came from a coffee company. I didn’t know how to retrieve old photos on my phone,” she laughed. “T-Mobile has robust training programs. We don’t expect you to be a tech wizard. We expect you to be motivated, adaptable, and open to learning.”
Most positions come with at least two to three weeks of hands-on training, and team members are encouraged to shadow different departments to understand the bigger picture. Whether you’re interested in HR, customer service, project management, or cybersecurity, there’s a path forward.
Staying Relevant Through Community Engagement
Lacey emphasized that her role is not just about hiring. It’s about listening to the community, staying connected to evolving needs, and maintaining real-world relevance.
She still volunteers regularly with veteran service organizations and hosts open office hours every Tuesday for military-connected job seekers. These sessions are an opportunity to ask questions, explore career pathways, and learn more about what companies like T-Mobile can offer—with no strings attached.
“If T-Mobile isn’t your match, that’s fine,” Lacey said. “But use this as a benchmark. There are employers out there who care—who are building programs specifically for you. Don’t settle for less.”
What’s Next for T-Mobile?
Having met their military hiring goals in 2023, T-Mobile isn’t slowing down. They’re expanding their participation in events like FourBlock treks and Honor Foundation initiatives. New SkillBridge roles are being opened in cybersecurity and government services, and more internal teams are being encouraged to host fellows and interns.
The ultimate goal? To build an enduring ecosystem where military spouse employment is not an afterthought—but a strategic priority.
Final Thoughts
T-Mobile’s dedication to military spouse employment reflects a deeper understanding of what true support looks like. By creating policies and programs that remove barriers, the company empowers spouses to thrive professionally—no matter where life takes them.
In a world where many organizations talk about military support, T-Mobile is one of the few that delivers results. And thanks to advocates like Lacey Craig, the future looks brighter for military spouses seeking meaningful, mobile, and mission-aligned careers.
