Military and Veterans Studies Commons^™

Where Military Spouses Work: Industries & Occupations, Rosalinda V. Maury, Jenna-Lyn R. Roman, Brice Stone, Jeanette Yih Harvie

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

This research brief explores where military spouses work, analyzing industries, occupations, and wage trends. It also highlights employment disparities between military spouses and their civilian counterparts and identifies high-opportunity career paths for military spouses seeking stable employment. This is the first in a series of briefs that will examine the challenges, opportunities, and actionable strategies needed to advance military spouse employment and long-term economic mobility.

Military Spouse Employment Landscape: Trends, Barriers, And Opportunities, Rosalinda V. Maury, Jenna-Lyn R. Roman, Brice Stone, Jeanette Yih Harvie

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

Military spouses remain a uniquely positioned but persistently underleveraged segment of the U.S. labor force. Despite being well-educated, resilient, and highly mobile, their employment outcomes continue to lag behind civilian peers. This report draws primarily on data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS), offering a comparative view of active-duty spouses alongside veteran and civilian spouses across industries, occupations, and geographies. To provide a more comprehensive perspective, these findings are considered alongside other national research efforts that offer deeper insights into the lived experiences, household dynamics, and employment challenges specific to military-connected families.

How Veterans Can Benefit From Skills-Based Hiring, Adam Pritchard, Rosalinda V. Maury

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

There are many advantages for veterans when employers enact a skills-based employment strategy. Veterans bring unique skills and attributes to the workforce, many of which are critical today and expected to be increasingly sought after in the future of work. Skills-based employment opportunities can benefit both employers and veterans. This data brief summarizes key insights from the IVMF report The Skills-Based Business Case for Hiring Veterans.

Planning To Pivot: Employment Lessons From A Military Spouse, Jennifer Barnhill, Rosalinda Maury, Jeanette Harvie

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

This narrative profile is part of a companion series to the Reimagining Military Spouse Employment research initiative. While the data briefs provide statistical analysis of employment patterns, industries, and outcomes, this series puts a human face on the data by following military spouses through the career pivots the research describes.

The profile follows a new military spouse as she navigates early career disruptions, PCS moves, and the compounding effects of short-term decisions on long-term career outcomes. It is written for a dual audience: military spouses seeking practical insight, and employers and policymakers looking to understand the lived experience behind the …

The Employment Situation Of Veterans: April 2025, Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

In April 2025, the U.S. added 177,000 jobs, with the national unemployment rate holding at 4.2%. Veteran unemployment declined to 3.5% from 3.8% in March, while Post-9/11 veterans saw a drop to 2.9%. Male veteran unemployment fell to 3.1%, but female veteran unemployment rose to 5.9%. Black and Hispanic veterans experienced significant improvements, with rates falling to 4.8% and 2.9%, respectively—both lower than their nonveteran peers. Younger veterans (25–34) and those aged 45–54 saw notable declines, while veterans aged 55–64 experienced a slight increase. Despite gains, disparities remain, especially for female and older veterans.

The Employment Situation Of Veterans: March 2025, Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

In March 2025, U.S. employment rose by 228,000, with notable gains in health care, social assistance, and transportation, while the overall unemployment rate held steady at 4.2%. Veteran unemployment declined overall, though trends varied by age, gender, and race, with some subgroups—such as older veterans and Black veterans—experiencing increases.

The Ins And Outs Of Procurement Contracting: Opportunities And Challenges For Military-Affiliated Entrepreneurs, Adam Pritchard, Rosalinda V. Maury

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

This research brief explores the ins and outs of procurement contracting from the perspective of military-affiliated small businesses, examining the differences between the government and corporate procurement landscapes. Using data from the 2024 National Survey of Military-Affiliated Entrepreneurs, this brief investigates the return-on-investment (ROI) from procurement contracting, summarizes effective strategies that military-affiliated entrepreneurs have used to maximize their ROI, and leverages these experiences to guide entrepreneurs and business ecosystems towards effective approaches to improve the procurement capabilities of military-connected small businesses.

The Employment Situation Of Veterans: February 2025, Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

In February 2025, the U.S. added 151,000 jobs, maintaining the unemployment rate at 4.1%. Veteran unemployment decreased slightly to 4.1%, with significant drops among younger veterans (18-24) and those aged 65 and older. However, unemployment rates varied across veteran demographic groups, with some experiencing increases and others decreases.

The Skills-Based Business Case For Hiring Veterans - Report, Adam Pritchard, Rosalinda V. Maury

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

This report explores the current state of skills-based hiring, examining trends, challenges, and future predictions. It focuses on how military veteran jobseekers can identify and communicate their skills. The report includes expert insights and offers recommendations for employers to develop skills-first frameworks and for veterans to navigate the employment landscape and maximize career prospects through upskilling.

Research Review: "United States Army Reserve/National Guard Soldiers’ Healthcare Experiences, Attitudes, And Preferences: Differences Based On Deployment Status", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

This research review highlights findings from a recent study aimed at better understanding health care preferences of National Guard and Reserves service members. The authors found that found that among 430 USAR/NG service members, the overwhelming majority (83%) reported that their community/private provider has never asked how their military service impacts their health despite 39% of participants indicating that their current health concerns are related to their military service. Additionally, there is no difference between USAR/NG servicemembers who were previously deployed overseas and those who were not in their perception of whether community/private providers can address their military-related health concerns. …

The Employment Situation Of Veterans: January 2025, Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

In January 2025, the U.S. added 143,000 jobs, lowering the unemployment rate to 4.0%. However, veteran unemployment rose significantly, with notable increases among younger veterans and those aged 65 and older. Unemployment rates also varied across different veteran demographic groups, with some seeing increases and others decreases.

Research Review: "Veteran Affairs Disability Compensation: Likely The U.S.’S Largest Disability Program, But What Do We Know About Its Impacts On Service-Disabled Veterans?", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

This research review highlights the complexities of estimating the causal impacts of the Veterans Affairs Disability Compensation (VADC) program. The authors suggest that reliable estimates of the causal impact of VADC on labor market outcomes requires estimates of the causal impact of other programs available to veterans with service-connected disabilities. Currently, there is limited evidence of the causal impact of these programs, pointing to several opportunities for practice, policy, and future research.

The Employment Situation Of Veterans: December 2024, Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

In December, employment increased by 256,000, with the unemployment rate remaining steady at 4.1%. Veteran unemployment showed mixed trends, with post-9/11 veteran unemployment rising to 3.9% and significant variations across different age and demographic groups. Notably, the unemployment rate for veterans aged 25-34 and Black or African American veterans saw substantial increases.

The Employment Situation Of Veterans: November 2024, Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

In November, employment increased by 227,000, with the unemployment rate remaining steady at 4.2%. Veteran unemployment showed mixed trends, with post-9/11 veteran unemployment slightly decreasing to 3.1% and significant variations across different age and demographic groups. Notably, the unemployment rate for Black or African American veterans decreased significantly, while the rate for veterans aged 18-24 increased.

Veteran Certification: Debunking Myths And Streamlining Processes, Misty Stutsman-Fox, Barbara Carson, John Perez, Rosalinda V. Maury

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

This paper affirms the continued intent of the IVMF and CVOB to demystify and help streamline the VOB certification process by advocating for the establishment of either one nationally recognized certification, or a unified verification process where all certifying bodies work together towards a reciprocal solution.

The Employment Situation Of Veterans: October 2024, Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

In October 2024, U.S. employment grew modestly by 12,000, and the unemployment rate remained steady at 4.1%. Veteran unemployment slightly increased to 2.8%, with post-9/11 veteran unemployment rising to 3.2%, though trends varied across different age and demographic groups. Notably, the unemployment rate for younger veterans (18-24) dropped significantly, while Black or African American veterans saw a sharp rise, and Hispanic veterans experienced a decline.

Veteran Health Equity: Reflecting On Patient Experiences And Unmet Health Needs Among Veterans Of Color, Mariah Brennan, Jeanette Harvie, Deborah Bradbard, Rosalinda V. Maury

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

Research has consistently demonstrated the presence and severity of racial health disparities in the U.S., particularly for Black Americans. Many of the root causes of these disparities are complex and are associated with various forms of structural discrimination. This study examines the health experiences of veterans of color, particularly their interactions in the VA and Military Health system to better understand racial/ethnic disparities across disease burden, mortality, and indicators of patient healthcare experiences. This mixed-methods study included an online survey (n=219) and virtual focus groups and one-on-one interviews (n=17). Overall, a majority of study participants had positive patient experiences from …

Research Review: "Military Service And Political Participation In The United States: Institutional Experience And The Vote", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

This research review highlights findings from a study of U.S. veteran voting participation. This study finds that military service is associated with greater voter participation. Holding socioeconomic and demographic characteristics constant, veterans are more likely to vote than non-veterans. Non-Hispanic white and African American veterans are more likely to vote than their non-veteran peers and Hispanic veterans with lower educational attainment are more likely to vote than Hispanic non-veterans but the effect of military service on the propensity to vote decreases as educational attainment increases. The effect of military service on increasing voter participation is strongest among those with less …

The Employment Situation Of Veterans: September 2024, Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

In September 2024, U.S. employment rose by 254,000, with the unemployment rate holding steady at 4.1%. Veterans experienced notable improvements, with overall unemployment dropping to 2.7% from 3.5% in August, and specific age and demographic groups seeing varying trends—such as a decrease in unemployment for younger veterans and a significant drop for female veterans. While some subgroups, like Hispanic veterans, had higher unemployment rates than their nonveteran peers, Black veterans saw lower unemployment than their counterparts.

Overview Of The Advancing Military-Connected Entrepreneurship Summit, Rosalinda V. Maury, Adam Pritchard

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

This infographic highlights key findings from The Military-Connected Entrepreneurship Ecosystem: Growth, Empowerment & Connectivity Summit, funded by Walmart. The summit addressed key challenges faced by military-connected entrepreneurs, including access to corporate procurement, ecosystem integration, capability development, and corporate engagement strategies. Held at the Veteran EDGE Conference in Dallas, TX, the summit brought together 13 corporate and business ecosystem partners and 51 military-connected business owners to discuss opportunities and challenges in the private sector.

Military-Connected Entrepreneurship Ecosystem: Advancing Military-Connected Entrepreneurship, Rosalinda V. Maury, Adam Pritchard

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

This report provides detailed findings from the Military-Connected Entrepreneurship Ecosystem: Growth, Empowerment & Connectivity Summit, funded by Walmart, that brought together military-connected business owners and corporate partners to discuss ways to support military-connected businesses seeking corporate procurement opportunities. The goal of this summit and report is to foster collaboration and improve opportunities for military-connected entrepreneurs.

Brief -- Tennessee Board Of Regents: Veteran Reconnect Grant Researching Student Veteran Academic Success, Linda Euto, Erica M. Hawvermale, Gilly Cantor

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

The Veterans Education Task Force, funded by the Veteran Reconnect Grant and led by Syracuse University's IVMF with guidance from the Tennessee Board of Regents, evaluated veteran education strategies from 2020-2023. Their assessment, involving surveys and data from 39 TBR institutions, found strong institutional commitment but highlighted issues with identifying and supporting student veterans. Many institutions are developing veteran-focused programs but still lack comprehensive plans and resources. Key needs include better faculty/staff training and improved systems for identifying and supporting veterans.

The Employment Situation Of Veterans: August 2024, Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

In August, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a rise in overall employment by 142,000 and a stable unemployment rate of 4.2%. However, veteran unemployment rates increased slightly, with notable variations by age, gender, and ethnicity; for example, female veterans saw a significant rise to 7.0%, while veterans aged 25-34 experienced a decrease to 4.3%. Despite these fluctuations, veteran unemployment rates often remain lower than their nonveteran peers in most age and ethnic groups.

Veteran Health Equity: Key Highlights For Understanding The Unique Health-Related Needs Of Veterans Of Color, Mariah Brennan, Rosalinda V. Maury, Jeanette Harvie

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

This brief provides highlights from Understanding the Unique Health Related Needs of Veterans of Color study, a study that examined barriers to care, patient experiences, and cultural competence in veteran health care settings. Specifically, researchers seek to understand the challenges veterans of color face, including difficulties in accessing timely and appropriate care, experiences of discrimination, and varying levels of cultural competence among healthcare providers, and provide actionable policy suggestions to improve veteran healthcare experiences.

Research Review: "A Novel Mind-Body Podcast Program For Military And Veteran Caregivers", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

This research review discusses how mind-body interventions can alleviate stress and enhance health for caregivers, but they are not widely accessible in many communities. To overcome this limitation, a study converted an 8-week mind-body program into a 28-day daily podcast series featuring education on stress response, relaxation techniques, and self-compassion exercises. The program was tested with 55 military caregivers, all cisgender women averaging 42.3 years old, and evaluations at the start, halfway through, and at the end of the program revealed notable reductions in stress, depression, and physical issues, along with improved social role performance, indicating that a daily mind-body …

The Employment Situation Of Veterans: May 2024, Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

In May 2024, overall employment increased by 272,000 with a stable unemployment rate of 4.0%. Employment gains were notable in health care, government, leisure and hospitality, and professional services. Unemployment rates among veterans varied by age and demographic groups, showing disparities compared to nonveterans, such as higher rates among veterans aged 25-34 and lower rates among veterans aged 18-24 compared to their nonveteran peers.

The Employment Situation Of Veterans: April 2024, Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

Veteran employment trends and statistics among various demographics during April 2024.

Research Review: "Evaluating The Kidcope For Children In Active Duty Military Families", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

The study aimed to replicate the factor structure of the KidCOPE in children from military families (N=2256, ages 7–12). However, no prior factor structure could be replicated. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses revealed a 2-factor model, but it was not confirmed. This suggests limitations of the KidCOPE as a valid measure of coping style among military children.

2022 National Survey Of Military-Affiliated Entrepreneurs: Military Spouse Entrepreneurs, Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

The 2022 National Survey of Military-Affiliated Entrepreneurs provides detailed insights into the experiences and challenges of military spouse entrepreneurs. In this brief, “military spouse” includes spouses/partners of active duty, National Guard, and Reserve servicemembers, as well as spouses/partners of veterans and retirees. However, we acknowledge that the differences between all of these groups are great, and their unique circumstances vary greatly. These findings are based on the data collected from 243 current business owners who self-identify as a military spouse. The findings highlight robust entrepreneurial activity among military spouses, while also pointing to the critical support needed to ensure their …

Research Review: "Veteran Single Parents, Surviving But Not Thriving", Institute For Veterans And Military Families At Syracuse University

Institute for Veterans and Military Families

This IVMF research review underscores the growing importance of veteran parents, especially mothers, within the changing military demographics. Despite projections indicating a significant increase in female veterans by 2035, research on the impact of veteran status, gender, and parenthood remains scarce. This study investigates the demographics and well-being outcomes of post-9/11 veteran single parents, offering insights into their financial stability, health, and access to care, with implications for policy, practice, and future research.