In a recent USO-Metro Needs Assessment, it was determined that there is a need for programming aimed at assisting military couples with the need to reconnect after years of being separated due to deployments from the war. With the number of deployments that have affected military families over the last 10 years, it is vital for military couples to sustain a healthy relationship. Military couples are facing huge challenges as they are asked to serve and protect around the world. Military Couples tend to put duty first, not their marriage. Married service members often can't share details of their work with their spouses, which can be frustrating to both partners. Homecomings are happy occasions but aren't easy on either spouse. Couples need time to reconnect, especially after a deployment. Studies show that within three to four months following deployment, problems start to arise as previous roles and responsibilities change. Frequent moves can also put stress on a military couple.
The Facts:
1. There are approximately 726,500 spouses of active duty service members. 29% are under the age of 25 and 95% of this number are spouses of enlisted service members.
2. The average age of a military spouse is between 19 and 22.
3. 80% of spouses have had their partner deploy at least once during their marriage. 26% of spouses have endured deployments totaling between 13 and 24 months in duration. There are times when the service member has deployed four times in a six-year period.
4. 95% of respondents in a recent Blue Star Families survey felt that the general public did not truly understand or appreciate the sacrifices made by service members and spouses.
5. The military divorce rate in 2012 was at 3.5 percent, according to Pentagon statistics. Military officials and divorce experts are hopeful that the overall rate, which had crept slowly up from 2.6 percent in 2001 to 3.7 percent in 2011, is starting to move downward.
6. Enlisted female soldiers and Marines, however, continue to experience the highest rate of divorce -- 9.4 percent and 9.3 percent respectively. In the Army, the female enlisted divorce rate is more than triple that of enlisted males. Still, those rates are down from the 2011 rates of 9.6 percent in Army and 9.8 percent in the Marine Corps.
Why is USO-Metro poised to make a difference here?
The USO has long been a bridge between the civilian and military communities. It is uniquely positioned to foster greater understanding between these populations and to assist couples during stressful and challenging times because of regular support that is provided to both of these populations during deployment. If you take a look at the history of the USO and our origins in 1941, many couples met through at USO dances. So USO has been bringing couples together for decades.
