The Truth Behind the Stats: What the 2024 DoD Spouse Survey Tells Us—and Why It Matters
Posted on: May 21,2025Every two years, the Department of Defense asks military spouses to share the reality of life behind the uniforms, deployments, and PCS orders. The 2024 Active Duty Spouse Survey results are in, and they paint a familiar—but still urgent—picture of the challenges and resilience woven into military family life.
This year’s survey had spouses from every branch, every rank, and every corner of the world. And what they shared matters. Not just for policy makers and researchers, but for all of us navigating this life right now.
One of the biggest takeaways? Only 48% of spouses said they were satisfied with military life—the lowest level since 2006. And yet, it’s not just about satisfaction. The data shows that when a spouse supports their service member staying in the military, that member is 7 times more likely to stay. In other words: spouse satisfaction directly impacts force readiness and retention.
Another key finding: unemployment remains stubbornly high. The spouse unemployment rate held steady at 20%—four times the national average. More spouses are entering the labor force, but many are underemployed, working below their qualifications, or simply can’t find work after a PCS. Add the high cost and limited availability of childcare, and it’s easy to see why employment remains a top issue.
The survey also highlighted rising concerns around mental health and financial stress. While 60% of spouses described their financial condition as comfortable, that’s a full 10 percentage points lower than in 2019. More families are relying on nutrition assistance, and nearly 30% said their financial situation had worsened over the past year. Spouse distress levels—linked to anxiety, depression, and hopelessness—also ticked upward.
And yet, there are bright spots. Expanded access to career coaching, community-based childcare, and Military and Family Life Counselors (MFLCs) are making a difference. Programs like SECO and Military OneSource are providing real support to real families—and the Department of Defense is paying attention to the feedback.
Here’s the bottom line: this survey gives us a voice. It tells the truth of our experiences—and gives shape to the programs that aim to support us.
If you’re looking for tools, community, or clarity on what this data means for you, visit our Behind the Camouflage website. We’ve created a resource hub for military spouses that reflects exactly what the data shows: that we need connection, support, and opportunities to thrive.
Whether you’re job-hunting after a PCS, juggling child care, or just trying to stay steady through the chaos, you are not alone. The numbers prove it.
Let’s use them to make change.
Listen to the Behind the Camouflage Podcast breakdown of the 2024 Active Duty Spouse Survey for more information!
Resources:
Behind the Camouflage PCS Podcast
Behind the Camouflage Podcast Series
Pivot with a Purpose: Navigating Career Change with Confidence Webinar
OneOp – Free and open-access resources and courses
Military One Source Training and Online Courses
