Written by: T. Cohen

A new survey conducted by Blue Star Families and Syracuse University's Institute for Veterans and Military Families has shed light on the declining likelihood of military families recommending military service.

The survey, which received over 7,400 responses, revealed that only 32% of military family respondents would recommend serving in the U.S. military, a significant drop since 2016.

Quality-of-life issues were cited as the main reasons behind the decline in recommendations for military service. Concerns such as poor job opportunities for military spouses, housing issues, and inadequate physical and mental health care services were among the top issues highlighted by survey respondents.

Blue Star Families noted the decline in the likelihood of recommending military service, stating, "The proportion of active-duty family respondents who were likely to recommend military service has dropped by nearly half from 2016 when it was 55%, to just 32% in 2023."

According to the survey, the amount of time spent away from families was a significant concern for active-duty service members. Additionally, the impact of inflation on military families was highlighted, with respondents expressing low military pay as a major issue leading to food and housing insecurity.

One active-duty Army spouse shared their struggles, saying, "We are still in credit card debt from our PCS. Cost of living is rising. My children are young and need balanced meals. I spend my entire civilian paycheck on childcare. We buy cheap food and skip where we can."

Housing costs also emerged as a significant financial stressor for military families. The survey revealed that 73% of active-duty-affiliated respondents had to pay over $200 per month out-of-pocket for civilian housing, while 48% of active-duty military families experienced financial stress due to the cost of housing.

Veterans and veteran spouses expressed concerns about access to Veterans Affairs health care systems, while civilian understanding of veteran issues and employment difficulties were also cited as top concerns.

Jessica Strong, the senior director of applied research at Blue Star Families, highlighted the need to address these persistent quality-of-life issues faced by military families.

She emphasized that military families hold the potential to solve the national recruiting crisis and save the All-Volunteer Force. Strong stated, "To save the All-Volunteer Force, we have to address military families' concerns and the stories they shared with us through this research."

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The survey's findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive reforms and support to address the challenges faced by military families. As we honor the sacrifices made by our service men and women, it is crucial that we prioritize their well-being and ensure that they and their families receive the resources and support they deserve.