New study reveals female service members show stronger commitment to military service
Blue Star Families' annual survey focuses exclusively on military and veteran families.
By Kait Hanson
Posted on Feb 10, 2025
Reviewed By Tessa Robinson
Women in the military
Female service members are more committed and more likely to recommend service to a young family member than their male counterparts, according to a recent study.
The 2024 Military Family Lifestyle Survey conducted by Blue Star Families – a non-profit founded in 2009 to help support military families – showed that on a scale of 1-10 (with 10 being very likely), female respondents averaged 5.42 when asked if they would recommend service while males averaged 4.46.
This finding is particularly noteworthy given the disproportionate challenges female service navigate, including:
Childcare concerns affect 34% of female service members compared to 19% of their male counterparts
26% of women cite childcare challenges as a potential reason for leaving service – more than double the rate of their male peers (12%)
76% of women who want children have delayed parenthood due to military demands
The study also found that despite these obstacles, female service members show stronger commitment to military service, with 31% intending to stay in service for the next five years compared to 24% of their male counterparts.
https://www.wearethemighty.com/military-news/blue-star-families-military-lifestyle-survey-2024/
