Troy Thompson of New Hampshire is an Army veteran noting that in the tapestry of military service, the unsung heroes are often the steadfast companions standing in the shadows—military spouses. Troy Thompson of New Hampshire sheds light on “The Silent Sacrifice,” a poignant exploration of the crucial role played by these dedicated partners, delving into the unspoken challenges, resilience, and untold stories of military spouses, and discovering how recognizing and supporting their sacrifice is paramount in fostering a strong and united military community.
Military spouses are unsung heroes.
The nation never fails to acknowledge, appreciate, and celebrate the sacrifices of our military service members. However, their better halves are often left on the sidelines – their commitment, courage, and sacrifice go unnoticed and unrecognized.
Troy Thompson of New Hampshire discusses the crucial role of military spouses and the sacrifices they make, shedding light on some strategies for supporting military families.
Troy Thompson of New Hampshire Explains the Partners’ Journey: Sacrifices of Military Spouses
According to the U.S. Department of Defense, there are almost 1 million military spouses in the United States. Several factors shape each military spouse’s experience, including their age, number of children, geographical location, and branch of service.
However, many are subject to the “typical” military spouse experience of frequent relocations (because of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders), deployments, and separation from their spouse and other sources of support. Other major issues that they face include unemployment, lifestyle adjustment, and extended periods of separation.
In addition, the success in recruiting and retaining active-duty forces largely depends on the satisfaction of service members and their spouses with the military lifestyle. Research has found that the most satisfied military families are those with an employed spouse.
Troy Thompson of New Hampshire takes a closer look at the significant sacrifices of military spouses:
Career Disruption
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, unemployment in the United States is remarkably low at the moment, hitting 4.3 percent. However, the unemployment rate among military spouses is 74 percent.
Troy Thompson of New Hampshire says that among those who are employed, about 90 percent are working jobs that they are overqualified for and for which they are underpaid, as per the Military Spouse JD Network (MSJDN). In addition, partners of service members earn less compared to civilian wives on average.
They have difficulty finding and retaining jobs due to deployment uncertainties and frequent relocations.
Frequent Relocation
The U.S. Department of Defense says that military families relocate about every two to four years, sometimes more.
Due to deployments, transfers, and assignments, military families often need to relocate, which means that they get stuck in a cycle of uprooting their lives, adjusting to new environments, and rebuilding relationships. Troy Thompson of New Hampshire says that oftentimes, the partners need to leave behind their education or career.
Deployments
Deployments mean that military spouses will be separated from their partners for long periods. As a result, the spouses of service members are left to raise their children (if any) alone and manage household responsibilities, all while trying to find or maintain a career.
On top of that, most spouses will suffer from mental and emotional distress from worrying about their partner’s safety while on deployment. According to a report by Blue Star Families, 25 percent of military spouses currently have a diagnosis of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), about 8 percent reported having Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and about 6 percent have a sleep disorder.
Showing Support: Strategies for Supporting Military Families
Troy Thompson of New Hampshire reports that military families have unique needs that need to be addressed. Here are a few strategies to show support:
Employment Opportunities
One of the best ways to show support to military families is to encourage businesses to create employment opportunities and provide flexible job policies for spouses. This can greatly help with their financial situation and their overall mental health.
To avoid career disruptions, remote work opportunities and portable careers are great options for families that frequently relocate. Work initiatives centered around recognizing the spouses’ experiences and skills will also be of great help.
Support Networks
Military spouses need a strong support system, especially when their partner is deployed. Community initiatives such as childcare assistance, counseling services, family support groups, and even regular social gatherings can go a long way in supporting military families, particularly the spouses.
Easily Accessible Resources
Troy Thompson of New Hampshire says that navigating military life is difficult, that’s why easy access to information and resources is essential. Guidance on navigating different aspects of military life, financial counseling, mental health support, and educational opportunities for spouses are a must.
Online or offline centralized platforms can help military families easily access information about their healthcare, education, benefits, and other important resources.
In conclusion, military spouses sacrifice a lot in their lives – it’s just right that we all show support to their families by doing our part.
