Military Spouse Employment: DoD Should Continue Assessing State Licensing Practices and Increase Awareness of Resources
Abstract
There were over 605,000 spouses of active duty servicemembers in the U.S. military as of 2018. These spouses may face conditions associated with the military lifestyle that make it challenging to start or maintain a career, including frequent moves and difficulties transferring occupational licenses. House Armed Services Committee Report 116-120 accompanying the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 included a provision for GAO to review several matters related to military spouse employment. This report examines (1) selected employment outcomes for military spouses, (2) DOD's efforts to evaluate states' licensing policies for spouses, and (3) DOD's outreach efforts to promote awareness of employment resources. GAO reviewed DOD documentation and 2017 survey data(most recent available), relevant literature, and federal laws; interviewed DOD and military services officials and relevant stakeholders; and spoke with staff at six military installations selected based on the numbers of service members, among other factors.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2021
- Accession Number
- AD1147472
Entities
People
- Aimee Elivert
- Almeta Spencer
- Elizabeth H. Curda
- Isabella Anderson
- James Ashley
- James Rebbe
- Justin Gordinas
- Lilia Chaidez
- Mimi Nguyen
- Nyree R. Tee
- Paul Schearf
- Sandra Baxter
- Sarah Gilliland
- Serena Lo
- Shelby Gullion
- Stacy Ouellette
- Susan Aschoff
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office