Military Family Challenges - According to the annual Military Family Lifestyle Survey published Wednesday by Blue Star Families, the top five concerns in the survey were military spousal employment, time apart from the family, education of their children, family stability and lack of control. military career 2. Pay attention to practical needs in military families. The wives of the soldiers are the main ones who have to keep the "home front" operational while the soldier is deployed. This can be overwhelming for a mate who is new to a particular duty station and doesn't know where the resources are. If you know a military family that might need a little extra help finding resources, reach out to them and see what they need. "Military families are American families and therefore want similar life expectancies and family dynamics to their civilian families," says the survey's executive summary. "But these expectations are fundamentally at odds with the unpredictable and often inflexible demands of daily military work, routine relocations, and many elements of the current defense personnel system." WASHINGTON, March 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Blue Star Families, a national nonprofit dedicated to supporting military families and empowering communities, today released the findings of the 2021 Military Family Lifestyle Survey, the largest and most comprehensive survey analyzing the most pressing issues affecting them. . military- and veteran-linked families. The most recent survey found that time spent away from family, relocation/permanent job relocation (PCS), spouse incapacity, and unemployment – all affecting quality of life – are among the top concerns faced by military families. It was the first time I had climbed a fence at a military base and was arrested while protesting against nuclear weapons. I didn't know back then that military bases in the United States and around the world would be my home. Our nation's leaders are driven by the readiness of families—“the unique state of being prepared to cope effectively with the challenges of everyday life in the context of military service”4—because this has implications for military effectiveness.3 The current conflict has mobilized many governments and states. Civil society initiatives to support MVF. This policy brief describes the challenges posed by the post-9/11 conflict for families and provides examples of the efforts of the three presidential administrations to support the MVF, emphasizing the diversity of policy actions by many branches of government. This summary has been selective. There are many policy actions, challenges, and dilemmas that are not covered here, such as legislation on educational aid or transitional aid for military members. The examples described have been chosen to help readers see that there are many strategies and policy players, many ways to influence policy, and many possible ways to do it. In July 2017, President Trump announced plans to reverse Obama-era policy to ban transgender people from joining the military, and also forbid the Department of Defense from funding transitional medical care.30 In March 2019, the Department of Defense issued a Directive-type Memorandum-19. 004, to limit the conditions under which current trans military members can continue to serve.32 Advocacy groups have expressed concern that these policies pose challenges for the MVF, including financial difficulties, lack of protection from discrimination, and barriers to medical care.30 George W. Bush, He declared the Global War on Terror after 9/11. By 2005, 162,900 US troops were in the Middle East.9 Rapid increases in serious wounds, traumatic brain injury, and post-traumatic stress disorder diagnoses prompted government action. In the 2006 defense spending bill, Congress directed the executive branch to create a Mental Health Task Force. appointed the Commission of Care for America's Returning Wounded Warriors.11 This and other advisory committees have proposed major policy changes. This year we celebrate ten years of research. Since its inception, the Blue Star Families' annual Military Family Lifestyle Survey (aMFLS) has become the largest and most comprehensive survey of active service members, veterans and their families. Each year, the results help shape policy and the conversation about making the lives of military families better. Researchers and professionals who study and serve families have many opportunities to influence policy regarding military families. Researchers can frame their questions in policy-related ways and ask about military affiliations in their work. Even the way educators teach students can be effective by improving the awareness and “cultural competence” of students preparing to work with MVF. Below are some specific examples of how academics and practitioners can support MVF: Blue Star Families Applied Research Director Hisako Sonethavilay told Task & Purpose that while change takes time, surveys like this are important because "the opinion of military and military spouses of policy changers." and they prioritize their experience”. and programs.” 4. To recognize and respect the service and sacrifices of our military personnel. Many military service members return home with significant injuries or war-related stress. Many military family members have the difficult task of rehabilitating their loved ones, and this journey tends to be very long and arduous. Many veterans or active duty personnel tend to go through their lives without even hearing a "thank you" from the people they're fighting to protect. If you have the opportunity to meet veterans or active duty personnel, please take the time to thank them for their service. “Each year, we shine a light on the complex and unique challenges faced by the men and women who serve our country as well as their families, so we can strengthen what works and improve what doesn't,” said Blue CEO Kathy Roth-Douquet. Star Families. “Among the many problems facing military families, one thing is clear: a stronger and healthier military means a better future for our country. We call on all national leaders, philanthropic organizations and civil societies to recognize these challenges and take action. help those who protect us." In April 2011, Ms. Obama and Dr. Biden launched the "Join Forces" campaign.24 The campaign aimed to improve spouses' employment status, educational opportunities for spouses and children, and wellness resources for veterans and military families. Hundreds of colleges have pledged to educate future health professionals and teachers about MVF. Over 13 million hours of voluntary service have been donated.24 According to one report, more than 1.4 million veterans and military spouses are employed.25 Brittany P. Mihalec-Adkins, M.S.Ed., is a PhD student in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies at Purdue University. His research focuses on the experiences of children and parents in contact with the child welfare system and has been supported by the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship and the Doris Duke Fellowship to Promote Child Welfare. During the first moments of our marriage, when I married my Enterprise sailor under a gazebo. the roses were beautiful and peaceful, the accelerated course of military life came fast. We endured military moves that made my career nearly impossible. deployments during medical crises and an unfinished war. Shortly after the 2009 opening, management began meeting the needs of the MVF. Ms. Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden held a White House meeting of organizations serving military families to listen to each White House Office leader's commitments on what they would do to support the MVF.18 In this way, it was possible to "go on the record" for outside agencies to hold officials accountable. In January 2011, couples one and two held another White House event to announce the 50 special commitments made to the MVF by each federal government department whose leaders attended the event and signed the report, Empowering Our Military Families: Meeting America's Commitment.18 Soldier families here in the United States it forms a very special part of our society. It is important to recognize the differences as well as the common factors that make them like us. At the end of the day, they are families living a different lifestyle, but they still need love and support like any other family. Designing and implementing policy responses to large-scale problems requires balancing many conflicting interests that can lead to policy dilemmas. A dilemma arises from efforts to draw attention to the consequences of wartime deployments for the MVF, where it is tempting to highlight vulnerabilities even though most families show resilience. For example, while it is true that rates of PTSD diagnoses can be as high as 20% among soldiers deployed for OIF/OEF, it is also true that 75% do not receive such diagnoses. See if you can be a part of it. Military spouses can often feel isolated and lonely without a soldier by their side. Having a strong network of friends and family who can help them if they need to can provide a sense of security and make dealing with a breakup a little easier. Following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the US military engaged in the longest conflict in the country's history. Although less than 0.005% of the population is currently serving in the military, World War II they often withstand the rigors of military service, many experiencing significant distress, particularly during deployment cycles, relocations, and transitions to civilian life.2-4 The longest ongoing war in US history has presented many challenges for families of soldiers and veterans (MVF). The political discourse on these challenges rarely acknowledges the strengths demonstrated by the MVF, despite their capacity for resilience. Individual and familial diversity is increasing in the military, requiring adjustments in programs and policies to meet the needs of these diverse populations. Collaboration between government agencies, non-governmental organizations, researchers and practitioners can develop a well-positioned system of coordinated care to meet the needs of the MVF. But the hard work doesn't end with Blue Star Neighbors. We rely on regular service members, Reserve and Guard members, retirees and other veterans and family members to share their truths with our civilian neighbors in our annual Military Family Lifestyle Survey. That way, they can figure out how to best support this community, along with government leaders and those who make a difference. This year's survey includes more than 8,000 respondents worldwide and highlights the complex challenges posed by the military lifestyle, including rising costs of relocation, continued spousal unemployment trends, financial insecurity, mental health issues in children, and perceived discrimination in the military. At the same time, most of the regular service members state that they are satisfied with their jobs and believe that their work is meaningful. However, every policy that includes also excludes. The most recent Department of Defense Family Readiness Directive, which governs access to many programs, defines family as “a group consisting of a Service member and spouse; The Service member, spouse, and dependents of such Service member; two married Service members; or two married Service members and their dependents. To the extent permitted by law and in accordance with Service practice guidance, the term may also include other non-independent family members of a Service member. partners, extended or multi-generational families, or sexual minority families. The challenge is more significant in the VA, which is prohibited by law from providing services to family members except in very limited circumstances. is this good news? You don't have to be married to join the military to understand what we're doing. The war force and their families face off. It is enough to extend a friendly hand and a listening ear. We appeal to civilians who want to support and welcome them. military families in their communities Blue Star Neighbors. Watch the changing nature of the military, conflicts and families. Those working with families can help by being forward-looking and thoughtful about MVF's emerging needs and their policy implications. For example, what current programs, policies and practices will need to be changed, and how, to accommodate current and future transgender service members in the armed forces? What would be the consequences of not making these changes for families and the armed forces? Spousal employment also remains a top concern. According to the survey, the demands of the military profession are one of the top three reasons for working spouses not to work. This latest survey specifically identified the daily job demands of service members. By the time President Obama took office, the Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom (OIF/OEF) conflict was approaching its 10th year and more than 180,000 soldiers were still in office.9 More than 3,500 soldiers died from hostile action.15 Unemployment veterans – particularly 25 under age – doubled in the previous year16 and the military suicide rate has nearly doubled since 2005.17 The demands of military service after 9/11 revealed ways in which care systems were inadequately prepared.2 and have been attractive targets for policy makers in legislatures. To address employment opportunities for military spouses, President Trump signed the 2018 executive order Improving Military Spouses' Non-Competitive Civil Service Appointments, which supports the recruitment of military spouses across the federal government.33 In 2019, President Trump signed an executive order to address high suicide rates. The executive order established a one-year cabinet-level task force to develop a strategy to "improve quality of life, prevent suicide, prioritize relevant research activities, and strengthen collaboration across society". and the private sector.”34 Childcare is one of the top concerns for military families. More than half of the unions responding to the survey said that "the absence of childcare negatively impacts their search for employment and/or education". Second, the military lifestyle is all about frequent change. A military family can stay on duty for at least 2-3 years, or four years if they are lucky. This means that spouses have to quit their jobs and find new jobs, the kids have to go to a different school with different friends, and the family has to find a new home to live in. inevitable distributions. This forces the family to learn how to adapt to new environments fairly quickly. 37 Lack of awareness can result in ignorance, misinformation and negative stereotypes about the MVF, as well as inadequate preparation to work with the MVF. to them. A recent study found that only 13% of community-based civil providers were adequately prepared to provide culturally competent care to MVF.38
Military Family Challenges
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