Military spouses, the unsung heroes behind our nation’s service members, face a harsh reality: an unemployment rate rivaling countries in economic turmoil.
Jaime O’Bannon-Chapman
COO & Co-Founder, U.S. Military Spouse Chamber of Commerce
While the national unemployment rate hovers around 4%, a staggering number of military spouses (21%) struggle to find work. This disproportionate burden reveals a national blind spot when it comes to supporting those who support our troops.
Military spouses are a highly educated group. Many possess college degrees, with a significant percentage holding advanced qualifications. This educational attainment, however, doesn’t translate to equal career opportunities. Frequent relocations, a hallmark of military life, disrupt career trajectories. Spouses often face challenges transferring licenses, restarting professional networks, and finding jobs that align with their skills in new locations. This constant disruption leads to underemployment, with over half of military spouses working part-time when they prefer full-time positions.
The financial toll of service
The financial burden of unemployment on military families is significant. Lower household income can lead to difficulties affording childcare, housing, and other necessities. It also hinders long-term financial planning, making it difficult for spouses to save for retirement or their children’s education.
This economic hardship not only impacts the family unit but also affects the service member’s mental well-being, making military family quality of life a matter of national security. Knowing their spouses are struggling financially can create unnecessary stress and anxiety in service members, potentially impacting their focus and morale while they serve our nation.
The struggle to find employment is further amplified by a critical shortage of childcare options near military bases. Limited availability and high costs force many spouses to stay home, hindering their ability to pursue full-time careers. This creates a double bind for families, limiting their income and career advancement opportunities with a compounding effect on earning potential lasting the lifetime of the spouse.
Breaking the cycle
The solution requires a multi-pronged approach. Employers can play a crucial role by offering remote work opportunities and flexible hours, acknowledging the unique challenges faced by military spouses. Educational programs can help with credential portability and skill translation across states.
Military bases and support organizations can focus on career counseling and job placement resources tailored to the specific needs of spouses entering the workforce at new locations. Community outreach programs can help spouses build professional networks and create a more welcoming environment for integrating into the local job market.
Small businesses are a major puzzle piece in the solution as well, with small employers providing employment opportunities across the country and many military spouses turning to entrepreneurship to supplement household income.
Military spouses may not don the uniform, but they are the backbone of the military family, paving the way, providing unwavering support, and ensuring the smooth functioning of the home front so the service member can keep their head in the game in defense of our nation. Their sacrifices are essential to the success of our armed forces. Recognizing their contribution goes beyond a simple “thank you.”
By acknowledging daily hardships — including the absence of the service member, the burden as a primary parent, and the unemployment crisis they face, as well as implementing solutions that address their unique challenges — we can ensure these dedicated individuals are not left behind.
Let’s turn the tide for military spouses, ensuring their dreams of financial stability and career fulfillment are just as achievable as the American Dream they help defend.
