As a military spouse currently living overseas, I’ve experienced firsthand the challenges that come with finding meaningful employment abroad. In countries like Germany, where local nationals occupy the majority of positions on U.S. military bases, the opportunities for military spouses to work are severely limited. This leaves many spouses with few options and often forces them to make difficult decisions about their careers and families.
While military spouses can seek employment in the host nation’s economy, doing so typically requires paying into both the host nation’s tax system and the U.S. tax system, creating a financial and bureaucratic burden that deters many from pursuing this path. Meanwhile, local nationals often have greater access to jobs on U.S. bases—positions that could instead provide much-needed employment opportunities for the spouses who move overseas in support of their service member.
No spouse should be forced to sacrifice their career because of an overseas relocation. Yet, many spouses I know have faced this harsh reality, with some making the heartbreaking decision to move back to the U.S. while their service member remains overseas, just so they can maintain employment.
It’s time for policies to prioritize the employment needs of military spouses. Reducing the reliance on local nationals for on-base positions and creating more accessible opportunities for spouses would not only provide stability for military families but also strengthen the overall community. Military spouses should not have to choose between supporting their family abroad and pursuing meaningful work.
We must advocate for change to ensure that military spouses are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally, no matter where their journey takes them.