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Date
State
South Carolina
Category
Joint
Type Draft
New Resolution
State Association First Name
Lawrence
State Association Last Name
Crowson
Resolution No.
21
Item No
G
Fiscal Year
2028
State Association Email
State Association Phone Number
8033601918
Relating To
Enhancing the Army and Air National Guard by Providing Support for all Personnel Missions - Family, Community, and International Programs
SME Email
SME Phone
8033601918
Task Force
Personnel-Medical
State Association Title
South Carolina
Proposal Statement
National Guard and Reserve component spouses whose service members are not on active duty are unable to obtain federal employment in a similar pathway to their active-duty counterparts.
Recommendation Information
Military spouse employment is a key factor in family well-being and military readiness. Research consistently demonstrates that stable employment improves family financial security, reduces stress, and enhances retention among service members (Sonethavilay et al., 2022). Despite these benefits, National Guard spouses face unique obstacles that distinguish their experiences from those of active-duty spouses. Limited access to federal hiring pathways, regular family separations, inadequate childcare options, and the absence of on-base employment opportunities are among the most significant barriers (Blue Star Families, 2021; Kamarck et al., 2020). National Guard families often live far from major employment hubs, making it difficult for spouses to secure stable jobs (Winkie, 2020; Woolf, 2021). Additionally, the lack of active-duty installations in the region means that National Guard families do not have access to the robust employment networks and support services available to active-duty families (Woolf, 2021). This geographic isolation limits career advancement opportunities and contributes to the financial hardships experienced by National Guard families.
The exclusion of National Guard spouses from the MSP program creates systemic inequities that disproportionately affect this population. Without access to federal employment opportunities, many National Guard spouses are forced to take jobs that are below their qualifications, accept lower wages, or leave the workforce altogether (Kamarck et al., 2020). These challenges highlight the urgent need for targeted policies that address the unique circumstances of National Guard families and ensure equitable access to employment resources.
The exclusion of National Guard spouses from the MSP program creates systemic inequities that disproportionately affect this population. Without access to federal employment opportunities, many National Guard spouses are forced to take jobs that are below their qualifications, accept lower wages, or leave the workforce altogether (Kamarck et al., 2020). These challenges highlight the urgent need for targeted policies that address the unique circumstances of National Guard families and ensure equitable access to employment resources.
