The Hidden Cost of Service: How Military Spouses Keep the Homefront Strong

By Nila Thompson

When we think about military service, we often focus on the service member who wears the uniform. But behind every mission, every deployment, and every PCS (permanent change of station), there is often a military spouse holding everything together at home. While they may not have signed the check to serve, military spouses are certainly helping to pay the bills—and not just financially.

Military spouses are the backbone of military families, managing the day-to-day responsibilities, providing emotional stability, and often bearing the brunt of the challenges that come with military life. From coordinating moves to navigating new schools for children, they handle the unseen burdens that keep their families and the military workforce running.

According to the 2024 Active Duty Spouse Survey, nearly half—49%—of military spouses who experienced a PCS move reported difficulty finding new employment. This disruption in career continuity is more than just frustrating; it’s financially damaging. With each move, military families face out-of-pocket expenses that are not reimbursed, creating a ripple effect on household finances.

More often than not, military spouses are the ones coordinating the move, settling the family into a new community, and only then seeking employment. This lag in income can have serious consequences, including financial strain and even food insecurity—issues no military family should have to endure.

It’s time to recognize the critical role military spouses play not just in supporting their families, but in supporting the readiness and resilience of our armed forces. They deserve better career opportunities, improved support systems, and the chance to build financial stability alongside their service member.

Let’s work to make a difference in the lives of our military spouses.

Blogs

Learn more about the ways you can give back.