§ 2904. Education and training opportunities for Coast Guard spouses

(a) Tuition Assistance.—The Commandant may provide, subject to the availability of appropriations, tuition assistance to an eligible spouse to facilitate the acquisition of—

(1) education and training required for a degree or credential at an accredited college, university, or technical school in the United States that expands employment and portable career opportunities for the spouse; or

(2) education prerequisites and a professional license or credential required, by a government or government-sanctioned licensing body, for an occupation that expands employment and portable career opportunities for the spouse.

(b) Definitions.—In this section, the following definitions apply:

(1) Eligible spouse.—

(A) In general.—The term "eligible spouse" means the spouse of a member of the Coast Guard who is serving on active duty and includes a spouse who receives transitional compensation under section 1059 of title 10.

(B) Exclusion.—The term "eligible spouse" does not include an individual who—

(i) is married to, but legally separated from, a member of the Coast Guard under a court order or statute of any State or territorial possession of the United States; or

(ii) is eligible for tuition assistance as a member of the Armed Forces.

(2) Portable career.—The term "portable career" includes an occupation that requires education, training, or both that results in a credential that is recognized by an industry, profession, or specific type of business.