Military Spouse Employment

Bys: Schwemle, Barbara M., Plagakis, Sofia, Kamarck, Kristy M.

Congress has constitutional authority over the armed forces, including the power to "toraise and support Armies," "to provide and maintain a Navy," and "to make Rules forthe Government and Regulation of the land and naval Forces."Congress is thusresponsible for legislating military pay and benefits, establishing personnel policies, andoverseeing the implementation of Department of Defense (DOD) family programs.Military servicemembers and their families live and work in every state in the union, aswell as in foreign nations, and military spouses and spouse advocacy groups make up alarge and vocal constituency.Servicemembers are often subject to change-of-station moves between U.S. states oroverseas, which often means uprooting family members from their jobs, schools, andprofessional and social networks. In addition, servicemembers may be called on fordeployments, travel, and atypical work schedules that can complicate spouses' ability tomaintain full employment - particularly for those with children at home. Studies havefound that while military spouses have similar or higher labor participation rates to civilian counterparts, they tendto have higher unemployment and underemployment than their non-military-connected counterparts. They alsohave challenges qualifying for job-related benefits like career development opportunities and vesting of employercontributions to retirement funds. This can lead to lower lifetime earnings, and inhibit wealth accrual for thefamily.From the federal government's perspective, higher employment rates among military spouses can have a positiveeconomic impact and contribute to economic growth. When military spouses are able to build a successful career, it can also bolster a family's financial stability during the time when a servicemember transitions out of themilitary into civilian employment. Spouses' inability to find employment or job dissatisfaction can also increasefamily and relationship stress, lower overall satisfaction with the military, and affect retention decisions.In recognition that the transient and unpredictable nature of a career in military service can impose uniqueburdens on military spouses, Congress has authorized several initiatives to provide support for military spouseeducation, employment, and career development. These initiatives fall into three broad categories: (1) directmonetary or in-kind support from DOD (e.g., scholarships, license fee reimbursement, career counseling); (2)outreach and partnerships with states and private businesses; and (3) federal government hiring flexibilities.Recent evaluations of congressionally authorized employment programs have shown some positive outcomes, including higher workforce participation by military spouses. There are also several proposals in the 116thCongress that would enhance existing programs or create new authorities to incentivize military spouse hirin

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B08HGLPZGV
• ISBN13: 9798683505486
• Release Date: January 1
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Length: 52 Pages
• Weight: 0.32 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.1" x 8.5" x 11.0"