The Impact of Military Life on Spouse Labor Force Outcomes

The focus of the research presented in this article is the impact of Army life on spouse (wife) employment outcomes. Spouse employment is thought to be an important determinant of a soldier's commitment to the Army, job performance, and reenlistment decision. Because of these concerns the Army has initiated a series of policies and programs directed toward the enhancement of spouse employment. Using 1985 individual-level Department of Defense survey data, we examine the underlying determinants of Army wives' labor force participation, employment, level of employment, and underemployment, with a focus on the effect of on-post spouse employment programs and other Army policies on these outcomes. The results suggest that spouse employment programs, education, length of time spent at the same location, and a continental U.S. location have a statistically strong positive influence on spouse employment outcomes. Policy implications are discussed.