Army Families and Soldier Readiness.

Over the past decade, Army families have become more diverse and complex, reflecting parallel trends in the civilian world. Over half of Army personnel are married. Increasingly, their spouses are in paid employment, and hence have less time available for child care or other traditional activities. Simultaneously, the number of single-parent Army families headed by females has risen, and more family members have been accompanying military members in assignments abroad. As a result of these changes, family obligations for military members have broadened and are likely to continue to do so Morrison et al., 1989. As such changes have proceeded, Army families have become more vocal in calling for improved family and quality of life programs. The Army leadership, at the same time, has articulated concerns that family needs, if unmet, have the potential to reduce soldiers readiness, retention, and overall well-being. The question is, how extensive are such needs, and how much are they affected by family characteristics and Army policies Although it is easy to find anecdotal accounts relevant to these issues, the Army has had limited data with which to make systematic assessments that could guide policy. This study was undertaken to collect quantitative data relevant to Army family policy, focusing on three key areas soldiers individual readiness, their use of family services, and their overall well-being. Analyses herein describe those data and assess how family responsibilities and family structure affect the three key areas. Where the data suggest feasible changes in Army practices, the report recommends future policy directions.