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I completed my college education in 2003, earning a degree in International Relations. This was right after the U.S. entered the war in Iraq, and the defense sector was thriving. I relocated to the Washington, D.C. area and took a job with a defense contractor. Although my role was essentially that of an administrative assistant with a fancy title, it granted me a security clearance and valuable experience in the defense industry, which eventually helped me secure my ideal position as an intelligence analyst. This field suited me perfectly; I have a passion for research and writing, and it allowed me to apply my education in a meaningful way. It felt rewarding to serve my country and contribute to the greater good.
A few years post-graduation, I got married. My husband, a West Point graduate, moved to D.C. for medical school before joining the Army. With him dedicating most of his time to studying, I chose to pursue my education as well, enrolling in a master’s program in International Commerce and Policy while working full-time. After he completed medical school, the Army relocated us to Georgia for his residency. I successfully applied for an intelligence analyst role 40 minutes away, where I remained for five years until my husband finished his training and we were moved once again.
However, after nine fulfilling years in my dream career, that relocation effectively ended my professional journey. There were no available intelligence positions at our new destination, and by the time we transitioned to the next duty station, my security clearance had lapsed. Job listings for intelligence analysts typically necessitate an active clearance, as the process to obtain one is both expensive and lengthy. I was heartbroken.
Regrettably, my story is not unique. Many military spouses I’ve met over the past 13 years are well-educated, with numerous holding advanced degrees. All of them had their own careers prior to meeting their partners, yet nearly all—save for a few nurses and educators—had to abandon those paths.
Military spouses face alarmingly high rates of unemployment or underemployment compared to their civilian peers. The unemployment rate among military spouses stands at 24%, a staggering 10 points higher than the peak unemployment rate during the pandemic, which hit 14.7% in April 2020. With the rising cost of living, many spouses feel pressured to accept any job available, often finding themselves in roles that don’t match their qualifications. Those fortunate enough to find work experience significant underemployment, with estimates suggesting that between 31% to 51% of military spouses fall into this category. I eventually found a part-time editing position for an online company, earning merely one-sixth of what I had previously made. While many appreciate simply having a job, the reality of underemployment can be disheartening. It’s incredibly frustrating to realize that you have skills and talents to offer, yet the demands of military life—constant relocations and deployments—hinder your ability to reach your full potential.
As we approach Military Spouse Appreciation Day this Friday, May 7th, I urge you to recognize the sacrifices made by those married to military personnel. Their contributions often go unnoticed, but many have set aside their own aspirations and careers in service to our country. This sacrifice deserves our acknowledgment and gratitude.
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- Military spouse career challenges
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In summary, marrying into the military can often bring significant sacrifices, particularly in terms of one’s career. Despite the challenges, military spouses continue to contribute to society in various ways, and their sacrifices should not go unrecognized.
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