Military Families Called to Speak Up: National Survey Returns to Capture the State of Military Life

Survey Aims to Strengthen Communities and Safeguard the Future of the All-Volunteer Force

Washington, D.C. — July 13, 2026

Behind every service member stands a family navigating the unseen costs of military service — and their voices matter. This July, Blue Star Families launches the 2026 Military Family Lifestyle Survey (MFLS), the nation’s most comprehensive barometer of military family life, to capture the realities shaping the future of the All-Volunteer Force.

Since 2009, the MFLS has served as a critical baseline for understanding the lived experiences of military families — shedding light on their challenges, priorities, and resilience. The survey delivers trusted, data-driven insights to national leaders, local communities, and philanthropic partners, helping shape policies and programs that strengthen military families and the communities they call home.

Military families are, first and foremost, American families. Like their neighbors in the general population, many rely on dual incomes to make ends meet, worry about their children’s education and well-being, and want to put down roots and contribute meaningfully to their communities. But military life brings unique demands — frequent moves, deployments, separations, and career disruptions — that require families to serve and sacrifice alongside their service members. 

Fielding July 13 through August 9, the MFLS offers more than data — it creates a vital bridge between the military community and the broader American public. 

Since the inception of the survey, more than 114,000 voices have shared their experiences. By elevating military family voices, the survey sparks dialogue, identifies opportunities for improvement, and helps ensure the long-term health, readiness, and sustainability of the All-Volunteer Force.

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About Blue Star Families

Blue Star Families (BSF) is the nation’s largest military and veteran family support organization. Its research-driven approach builds strong communities with a focus on human-centered design and innovative solutions. A “blue star family” is the family of a currently serving military member, including active duty, National Guard, Reserve forces, and those transitioning out of service. Since its founding in 2009, BSF has delivered more than $336 million in benefits and impacts more than 1.5 million people annually through an expansive network of chapters and outposts.

Disclaimer: To participate you must be military-connected, 18 years of age or older, have access to a device with Internet, and provide consent. The survey is for research purposes only and should take about 20 minutes to complete online. When you share your experiences, you can choose to enter a drawing for 1 of 10 $100 Amazon gift cards. If you have any questions about this research, please contact Dr. Emily Becher at [email protected]. 

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