A new study commissioned by ADC shows that service members and military families are proud to serve in the military but are often struggling, fearful and disoriented.
“The set of challenges facing military families are broad and structural but in many cases are heavily influenced by location-specific factors,” according to the study’s executive report, prepared by research firm Feedback. “Because of this, local installations and community programs tend to yield more immediate and impactful results compared to large-scale, national initiatives.”
The study looked into military families’ experiences in the framework of the Five & Thrive model with a focus on housing, health care, education, child care and spouse employment.
Social scientists and digital ethnographic tools reviewed more than 50,000 data points from online discussions where service members and their families have openly discussed their experiences to compile and analyze honest, anonymous comments.
The executive summary was first shared at this month’s Defense Communities National Summit.
Key Takeaways
The report outlines three key takeaways:
- Stigma and bureaucratic barriers conceal issues and people.
- Exceptional Family Member Program sentiment is the leading indicator of broader military quality of life issues.
- Individual base and community programs yield more immediate and impactful results compared to large-scale initiatives.
Tuesday Webinar to Discuss Findings
ADC and Feedback are hosting a webinar April 23 at 3 p.m. Eastern time to talk about the study’s findings, what service members and military families are saying about their service, and potential community-led solutions to the challenges they face.
Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Gavin Arnoldhendershot
