Female service members are more committed and more likely to recommend service to a young family member than their male counterparts, according to a recent study.
The 2024 Military Family Lifestyle Survey conducted by Blue Star Families – a non-profit founded in 2009 to help support military families – showed that on a scale of 1-10 (with 10 being very likely), female respondents averaged 5.42 when asked if they would recommend service while males averaged 4.46.
This finding is particularly noteworthy given the disproportionate challenges female service navigate, including:
- Childcare concerns affect 34% of female service members compared to 19% of their male counterparts
- 26% of women cite childcare challenges as a potential reason for leaving service – more than double the rate of their male peers (12%)
- 76% of women who want children have delayed parenthood due to military demands
The study also found that despite these obstacles, female service members show stronger commitment to military service, with 31% intending to stay in service for the next five years compared to 24% of their male counterparts.
This higher retention intention comes alongside stronger identification with military service – 51% of female service members report that being part of the military community is an important part of their self-image, a notably higher rate than their male peers (39%).
The survey, which polled more than 5,500 respondents globally, included a mix of active-duty, National Guard and reserve service members, veterans and their families.
“The Blue Star Families Military Family Lifestyle Survey is the most comprehensive snapshot of military family life today. It’s more than data—it’s a wake-up call and a roadmap for action,” Blue Star Families’ CEO Kathy Roth-Douquet told We Are The Mighty.
Other key findings in the survey included:
Conflicts Ahead: 83% of active-duty families and 67% of Americans believe the U.S. will engage in a major conflict within the next 3-5 years.
Housing Crisis: 26% of active-duty family respondents reported their monthly housing costs were covered by BAH, dropping from 42% in 2020. Junior enlisted families are particularly impacted, with only 36% feeling financially stable compared to 62% of active-duty families overall and 72% of U.S. adults.
Spouse Employment: 54% of active-duty spouses cite spouse unemployment as the most pressing challenge their families face.
“This year’s findings are clear – four in five military families believe a major conflict is coming within three to five years, yet, only 19% feel the public truly understands their sacrifices, despite 45% of Americans thinking they do,” Roth-Douquet said. “We’ve seen the power of this research in shaping policy, such as this year’s NDAA, which secured a 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted troops and expanded child care programs. Now, we need to go further. Readiness isn’t just about military strength—it’s about ensuring those who serve and their families have what they need to get the job done. We’re here to turn these findings into action.”