Military spouses expressing frustration with PCS difficulties, according to a survey
In a recent survey, military advocates described the findings as a "sobering picture of life on the home front," expressing concern about the growing strain on military households. The survey highlighted several issues, including unemployment, underemployment, and concerns about childcare during relocations, which have been long-standing challenges for military spouses[1].
**Underemployment** among employed military spouses is a significant concern, with 41% desiring a higher position, 41% feeling underpaid, and 27% taking jobs outside their field[2]. The top reasons for not using military child care locations include lack of availability (73%) and inconvenient location (59%)[2].
One of the main causes of these issues is **frequent relocations, atypical service member schedules, and limited access to childcare**, which disrupt steady employment and career progression[1]. PCS moves, in particular, pose a challenge. About 60% of spouses described their financial situation as comfortable, a 10% drop from 2019 and lower than nearly all years back to 2006[2]. Moreover, spouses who made a PCS move were about 33% more likely to be unemployed than spouses who had not. PCS Blues: 49% of military spouses found employment a large or very large problem during PCS season in 2024[2].
The Department of Defense (DoD) recognises these issues, with Tim Dill, deputy undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, stating that the PCS move is a particular concern[1]. In fact, 43% of Active military spouses are concerned about their children changing schools, and 28% are concerned about the availability of special or educational services during PCS[2]. About 54% of Active military spouses with children under 18 flagged the lack of child care at a new duty location as a key problem during the PCS process[2].
To address these challenges, several initiatives and solutions have been proposed:
1. **Better Data Collection**: Improving the quality and timeliness of data on military spouse employment is crucial to tailor effective programs. This has been emphasised by past efforts by DoD, GAO, RAND, and Deloitte, yet gaps remain[1]. Comprehensive data would enable tracking employment patterns and assessing program success.
2. **Military Spouse Circle of Influence (MSCI)**: This peer-led initiative supports spouses via mentorship, professional development, and leadership opportunities, aiming to reduce unemployment and underemployment among military spouses across all service branches[2].
3. **Legislative Advocacy**: Organisations like MOAA are pushing Congress to incentivise the hiring of military spouses, including expanding tax credits such as the Work Opportunity Tax Credit. These advocacy efforts seek to create economic incentives for employers to hire military spouses and help close the wage gap with civilian counterparts[3].
4. **Federal and Nonprofit Programs**: Various programs focus on career training, entrepreneurship, and higher education tailored to military spouses, attempting to address barriers related to portability of licenses and skill development[4].
These efforts aim not only to reduce the unemployment rate from the persistent 20%+ but also to improve job quality and satisfaction for military spouses, recognising their vital role in military family well-being and economic stability[1][2][3][4].
Other concerns raised in the survey include difficulties with settling claims for damaged or missing household goods (35%), waiting for permanent housing to become available (31%), and increased out-of-pocket costs during the GHC (Global Household Goods) transition[1]. Defense Department officials are paying attention to these concerns and would not support remaining in the military if such issues persist.
In 2024, 32% of active-duty military spouses expressed a desire to leave the military community, the highest percentage ever reported[2]. About 13% of Active-duty spouses are on some form of nutrition assistance program, such as WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)[2].
In conclusion, addressing the challenges faced by military spouses requires a multifaceted approach that addresses employment, relocation, and quality of life concerns. The initiatives outlined above are steps towards improving the situation for military spouses and recognising their important role in military families and communities.
[1] National Military Family Association (2024). Survey Results: Life on the Home Front. [2] Defense Department's Office of People Analytics (2024). Military Family Lifestyle Survey. [3] Military Officers Association of America (2024). Advocating for Military Spouses. [4] Department of Defense (2024). Programs for Military Spouses.
- The Department of Defense (DoD) has acknowledged the challenges faced by military spouses, particularly concerning employment, with Tim Dill, deputy undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, stating that the PCS move is a significant concern.
- To improve the job quality and satisfaction for military spouses, several initiatives have been proposed, including the Military Spouse Circle of Influence (MSCI), which aims to reduce unemployment and underemployment among military spouses.
- Organisations like MOAA are pushing for legislative advocacy, seeking to incentivize the hiring of military spouses and help close the wage gap with civilian counterparts, recognizing their vital role in military family well-being and economic stability.
