Federal Support for Military Spouses: A Leadership Priority

Military spouses face unique challenges. Federal leaders have a key role in support. This blog offers actionable steps.

Military spouses, who often serve as the backbone of their families while their partners are deployed, face unique health challenges. As members of the federal workforce, they bring unparalleled resilience and diversity to their roles, yet they encounter obstacles that require thoughtful support from federal leadership. Understanding and addressing these health challenges is not just a matter of policy — it’s a commitment to the well-being of those who serve our nation indirectly.

Unique Health Challenges of Military Spouses

Military spouses often experience stressors including frequent relocations, anxiety over deployed partners, and the struggle to maintain consistent healthcare coverage. These challenges can lead to increased rates of mental health issues, stress, and other health concerns. Recognizing these is vital.

Creating a Supportive Federal Workplace

Federal leaders have both the opportunity and the responsibility to support military spouses in their workforce. Leaders can significantly impact military spouses’ well-being. Here’s how:

• Promote Awareness: Educate yourself and your staff about the unique health challenges military spouses face. Awareness is the first step toward empathy and support.
• Facilitate Access to Mental Health Resources: Ensure that military spouses have easy access to mental health services and support, including counseling and stress management programs.
• Offer Flexible Working Arrangements: Flexibility in work schedules and the option for remote work can help alleviate some of the stress associated with balancing work, family care, and the uncertainty of military life.
• Encourage Peer Support Networks: Foster the creation of support groups, employee resource groups, or networks within the workplace for military spouses. A community of peers who understand firsthand the challenges faced can be incredibly beneficial.
• Provide Continuous Health Care Information: Offer information sessions or resources about navigating health care changes, especially concerning transitions between military and civilian health care systems.

Leveraging Federal Programs and Policies

Several federal programs and policies are designed to support the health and well-being of military spouses. Federal leaders can:

• Highlight Available Resources: Ensure easy access to support. Make sure military spouses are aware of health benefits, programs, and resources available to them. Some include the Military Health System, TRICARE, and mental health support services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
• Advocate for Policy Enhancements: Offer varied schedules and remote work. Work to improve policies that support the health and well-being of military spouses. Advocate for continuous coverage and access to care regardless of location or employment status. A great example is the implementation of PCS Administrative leave encouraged in Executive Order 14100. 
• Integrate Health Support into HR Practices: Human Resources departments can play a crucial role. Offer guidance on healthcare options for military spouses into recruitment, retention, and support programs.

Key Takeaways

• Understanding and empathy are crucial: Recognizing the unique challenges military spouses face is the first step toward providing meaningful support. Educate teams on spouses’ challenges.
• Supportive policies make a difference: Flexible schedules and mental health resources matter.
• Community and peer support are invaluable: Encouraging the development of support networks within the workplace. Support networks can offer much-needed emotional and practical support.
• Education and advocacy are key: Ensure spouses know about resources. Advocate for improvements.

As federal leaders, supporting the health and well-being of military spouses in our workforce is not just a duty but a privilege. It’s an opportunity to honor their service and sacrifice by ensuring they receive the support and care they deserve.

Vertical photo by SasinParaksa

Marquiesha Gillispie, BSBA, MPA, is the Director of the Federal Military Family Network within the Interagency Veterans Advisory Council, a role supported by the White House’s Joining Forces Initiative. A military spouse and advocate for the military-connected community, she is deeply committed to serving those who have served. Her career trajectory showcases a profound commitment to enhancing the lives of the underrepresented and underserved. This includes a dedication to ensuring that small businesses have fair access to federal procurement opportunities, as Senior Acquisition Professional with the U.S. General Services Administration and previously with the U.S. Small Business Administration.