Military spouse unemployment and underemployment are persistent concerns within the military community and are now a threat to military readiness and national security. For decades, military spouses have endured an unemployment rate of 20% or higher. The well-documented factors include frequent relocations, increased family responsibilities when a partner is deployed, limited employment options near military bases, and child care. This crisis has significant implications for our nation’s All-Volunteer Force, including financial instability and the decreased recruitment and retention of service members.
The Commitment
The 4+1 Commitment is a way for employers to voluntarily commit to improving military spouse employment outcomes.
Adopt at least ONE:
Adopt at least ONE:
1
Facilitate
job transferability
2
Offer remote or telework
3
Offer flexible work hours
4
Provide paid or permissive Permanent Change of Station (PCS) leave
&
+1
Consider joining an existing government spouse employment program
The Original Signatories
Starbucks is the first signer of the 4+1 Commitment and is a founding member of the Do Your Part coalition. In 2023, Starbucks bolstered support for military spouse employees by launching a transfer program to promote retention through a military move!
4+1 The Missing Link
4+1
The Missing Link
Events
Do Your Part: End The Military Spouse Unemployment Crisis
December 6, 2023
Washington, D.C.
Blue Star Families and Hiring Our Heroes (HOH) convened to announce the launch of the 4+1 Commitment: The Formula for Military Spouse Success.
The two organizations presented the 4+1 Commitment, a first-of-its-kind, nationwide effort to tackle the 21% unemployment rate among military spouses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Blue Star Families and Hiring Our Heroes, in partnership with the Department of Defense's Military Spouse Employment Partnership, will provide a unique badge of distinction for 4+1 signatories.
The 4+1 Commitment: A Formula for Military Spouse Success is presented by Blue Star Families and Hiring Our Heroes in partnership with the Department of Defense's Military Spouse Employment Partnership. The initiative is launched as part of Blue Star Families' Do Your Part campaign, made possible by craig newmark philanthropies.