Recognizing the Sacrifices of Military Spouses on Veterans Day

Serving in the military is more than just a commitment for those who serve on the front line, it is a commitment for their families as well. Military spouses are often subject to the ebbs and flow of the serving spouses’ assignments which often leaves them constantly looking for new employment.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA) recently announced it is joining forces with the Department of Defense (DOD) Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP). MSEP is a career program connecting military spouses with more than 390 affiliated employers who have committed to recruit, hire, promote, and retain military spouses in portable careers. The MSEP is part of the DOD’s broader Spouse Education and Career Opportunities (SECO) program.

Efforts like these give military spouses some relief when trying to adjust to a new home state. Military spouses have a reported 23% unemployment rate and a 25% wage gap. “By developing skills, knowledge, and abilities that can be used in high-demand industry sectors, military spouses—especially those who face frequent relocations—can achieve employment continuity and increased opportunities for upward career mobility,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie.

Military spouses are an asset to the workforce much like their spouses on the frontlines. They want career continuity and upward mobility just like civilians. These resources will hopefully make it easy for them to continue in the workforce.

Berkshire Associates extends our thanks to the men and women of the Armed Forces, and the families who support their service, on this Veterans Day.