Only days remain before the end of the 2021 DoD Active Duty Spouses Survey, a critical tool used by the department to shape its spouse programs and policies … and by MOAA, to ensure advocacy priorities and spouse-support efforts meet the needs of military families. 

The 15-minute survey wraps up at the end of October. A select number of spouses received an invitation via mail to participate along with a ticket number, but whether or not you were in that group, you can make your opinions known at this link. 

[RELATED: New Hiring Rule Eases Path to Federal Employment for Military Spouses]

Why bother with another survey?  

1. Proven track record. The 2019 survey highlighted difficulties faced by military spouses in finding jobs after PCS moves, according to Dr. Paul Rosenfeld, director of the Center for Retention and Readiness in DoD’s Office of People Analytics. Using that data, DoD prioritized programs targeting spouse licensure and similar assistance. For example, DoD provided grants up to $1 million for professional organizations seeking state licensure reciprocity agreements but lacking the legislative resources.
   
   
2. Expanded input. While DoD opened previous surveys to invited participants only, this year’s survey will allow all active duty spouses to have their say. It’s part of the stated goal of Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Military Community and Family Policy Patricia “Patty” Montes Barron, who told Military Times in April she wanted “make sure that the voice we use is inclusive of everyone.” 
   
   
3. MOAA’s mission. Data from this survey influences MOAA’s advocacy decisions and spouse-outreach programs, such as the “Keeping a Career on the Move” Military Spouse Symposium and the Remote Telework Grant opportunity which provides laptops and remote work documents to military spouses employed by small businesses.  

For more about MOAA’s spouse programs and advocacy efforts, and the latest military family news, visit MOAA.org/spouse.