Military Service and Family Life

Have you heard the buzz about SOFAs lately? And no, not the kind you sit on. The Defense Department recently clarified key points about Status of Forces Agreements (SOFAs), which impact military spouses working overseas. As a provider, you play a vital role in helping them understand these updates and make informed employment choices while stationed OCONUS.

Moving can be a stressful time for military families. There are so many things that must be managed. They may have to sell (and buy) a new house, switch their children’s school or daycare, or even learn a new language. Sometimes their hard-earned money does not move with them. It is left behind in a forgotten account or hiding place.

Military service often comes with unseen costs—not only for those who serve, but for the families they return to. A recent study by Lakdawala and Bharadwaj (2022) sheds light on how the severity of service-connected disabilities in veteran parents can profoundly shape the well-being of their children. For military service providers, understanding these dynamics is crucial for developing supportive programming and intervention strategies that help break the cycle of intergenerational hardship.

Military spouses aren’t just navigating obstacles—they’re launching businesses and blazing their own trails. Nearly 9 in 10 identify as entrepreneurs, proving that when traditional employment doesn’t fit, innovation takes its place. Many helpful resources exist that you might not know about, all aimed at helping you help them, so why not start now to support such an incredible community? To truly make a difference, we must recognize both the unique challenges military spouses face and the remarkable strengths they bring to the table.

As employers continue the search for top talent, a valuable group remains left behind—military spouses. Fortunately, more organizations are stepping up to bridge this gap. By providing military spouses with the tools to find, secure, and thrive in careers that align with the unique demands of military life, we not only empower them but also strengthen their families and open doors for those who follow in their footsteps.

Given the growing uncertainty around career opportunities and/or job security in federal employment, several organizations supporting military spouses are stepping up with timely, tailored resources. These offerings are designed to address the unique challenges military spouses face. This blog provides the latest resources to consider adding to your support toolkit.

Military spouses face many challenges in obtaining and maintaining full- and part-time employment. The federal government is committed to helping military spouses find rewarding careers.

Many researchers have looked at the connection between financial attitudes and relationship health. While these findings are well-documented in civilian populations, less is known about how financial dynamics play out in the military family context. Learn about recent research exploring the connection between financial attitudes, financial management, and relationship satisfaction in military couples.

As many military spouses are seeking out remote options, it’s important for service providers working in the employment space to stay informed on legislative changes and priorities that shape remote opportunities. In this blog, we highlight the recent Presidential Memorandum: Return to In-Person Work, and the subsequent exemption for military spouses and foreign service spouses.

Changing long-standing workplace habits can be a significant challenge for midlife professionals who have been in their careers for years. Start small and work together. In this blog, we will explore various ways to empower midlife workers who support military spouses.