A survey released Thursday found that more military families feel their standard of living has worsened due to financial hardships under the Biden administration.
Just 27% of respondents said their family members' health was “good,” compared with about 41% in 2021, according to the Military Family Advisory Network. study. Among the top concerns of military families were financial stress, poor living conditions and the cost of living. (Related article: Inflation remains high, and rising prices continue to plague Americans.)
According to the survey, more than 55% of respondents said their financial situation was bad or very bad, while 43% said their financial situation was good or very good. Military families and enlisted service members are the most negatively affected, with 60% reporting less financial security.
Surveys show that moving, housing and child care costs are the biggest contributing factors to poor family health, and one in five military families report experiencing food insecurity.
WASHINGTON, DC – APRIL 18: U.S. President Joe Biden disembarks from Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, DC on April 18, 2024. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
“The cost of living is so high and the pay is so mediocre,” one military family member told the Military Family Advisory Network. “Everywhere you look, prices are going up, nothing is cheap.”
More than a quarter of respondents said their salaries and benefits have not kept pace with the civilian job market, according to the survey. Low pay coupled with rising military costs has long been a thorn in the side of most soldiers in the military, especially the lower ranks, who are paid less.
In the survey, respondents said the cost of living and inflation were the biggest obstacles to saving, which has soared to 9% under Biden and never dipped below 3% since. Inflation has hovered between 1% and 2%, but never topped 3% during former President Donald Trump's term. according to To the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
According to the survey, more than 80% of respondents reported feeling very, moderate or some stress due to financial reasons, and more than 70% said increased pay compensation would be a driving factor in their decision to stay in the military.
U.S. President Joe Biden attends the USCG change of command ceremony at USCG Headquarters in Washington, DC, June 1, 2022. (Photo: SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images)
“They need to be able to provide for their entire family while they're serving,” said Shannon Razadin, executive director of the Military Family Advisory Network. Said In an interview with Military.com on Thursday.
According to the survey, only 57% of respondents said they would recommend that others consider joining the military, up from about 62% in 2021 and 74% in 2019. The military has seen steadily growing recruitment and retention issues in 2021 and beyond. according to To the Institute of Modern Warfare.
Several chapters missed their affiliation goals at various points in 2023. according to From a Department of Defense press release in November.
Respondents included active duty military personnel, military families and veterans. The survey was conducted between October and December among more than 10,000 respondents.
“The Department of Defense is aware of the report and is currently reviewing it, but has no information to release at this time,” a Pentagon spokesperson told the Daily Caller News Foundation.
As an independent, nonpartisan news service, all content produced by the Daily Caller News Foundation is available free of charge to any legitimate news publisher with a large readership. All republished articles must include our logo, reporter byline, and affiliation with the DCNF. If you have any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact us at licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.
