Survey: Most Spouses Underemployed

Ninety percent of the military spouses who responded to a recent survey say they are under employed. The survey, conducted jointly by the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) and the Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University, indicated that the respondents have more formal education and real-world job experience than they need to fill the jobs they currently hold. Other data support the contention that military spouses are underpaid. Results of the 2012 American Community Survey show that military spouses are 30 percent more likely to be unemployed than their civilian counterparts, and earn an average of 38 percent less as well. Those who conducted the survey attribute the discrepancies to permanent-change-of-station (PCS) moves, licensing requirements in different jurisdictions, and an overall lack of career opportunities. Results were unveiled at MOAA’s Military Spouse Symposium in San Antonio Feb. 12.