Military spouses are a key force behind our nation’s warfighting readiness. Despite national attention to employment challenges, Blue Star Families data continues to show that military spouses face unemployment (21-35%) and underemployment rates significantly higher than the national average.

Employers, universities and nonprofits have the power to turn recognition into action. We can — and must — do more. Here’s how:

Highlight spouse hiring and advancement. A military-friendly workplace supports veterans and their families. Flexible hiring practices, remote work opportunities, and recognition of volunteer leadership roles can open doors to meaningful employment.

Offer pathways to education. Universities can extend military-affiliated scholarships, create spouse-inclusive transition programs, and offer credit for prior learning or experience. Education is one of the most powerful tools we can offer for personal growth and career readiness.

Support child care initiatives. Affordable, accessible child care is a critical enabler for career continuity. Child care shouldn’t be a barrier to employment — it should be a cornerstone of it.

Encourage entrepreneurship. Providing pathways, funding and support for small-business and franchise ownership, independent services and creative enterprises can kickstart financial growth and opportunity.

Build community through mentorship and networking. Spouses often move without support systems. Mentorship programs, peer networks, and community integration events that build awareness of transition can accelerate belonging and reduce isolation.

Throughout our careers — in the military, in state government, as board members, and now in the corporate and academic worlds — we’ve seen firsthand the challenges military spouses face. They navigate relocations and deployments, raise children and serve as planners, problem-solvers, leaders and caregivers. Like service members and veterans, they are mission-focused, adaptive and strong. But too often, their talents are underutilized or dismissed.

Military spouse resumes often don’t follow linear paths, reflecting job changes due to frequent moves or periods of volunteer service in lieu of paid employment. These gaps don’t indicate failure, they reflect re-invention and resilience — as well as untapped skills.

We both know these challenges intimately. Between us, we’ve served as active-duty military, reservists, veterans — and as military spouses. We’ve moved across the country, raised families during deployments, and navigated career transitions under pressure. We’ve also worked with organizations that are getting it right. Hiring Our Heroes and Military Spouse Employment Partnership support business by connecting them with accomplished military spouses who are ready to work.

At PenFed, we recruit and hire military spouses, sponsor military spouse employment research through a partnership with Blue Star Families and support military members and spouses starting a career in real estate through PenFed Realty’s Real Heroes Program. At William & Mary, we integrate spouses into our veteran transition initiatives and create spaces where they are valued for their experiences. With PenFed Foundation support, we’re hosting a Military Spouse Symposium to focus on transition strategies for military spouses.

We need more of this. Supporting military spouses isn’t just the right thing to do — it’s a strategic imperative. We bolster recruitment, improve retention, and build a workforce powered by individuals who know how to live, learn and lead under pressure.

In every branch of service and at duty stations across the globe, military spouses play a vital role in sustaining military families. This year as we recognize 250 years of service by the Army, Navy and Marine Corps, it’s time we recognize and act on a critical truth: You retain the force when you support the family. When we invest in spouses, we strengthen the force. As leaders, let’s rise to meet this moment. Military spouses are strategic assets. Let’s treat them that way.

James R. Schenck is the president/CEO of PenFed Credit Union and CEO of The PenFed Foundation for Military Heroes. He is a U.S. Military Academy graduate and served as a Black Hawk helicopter pilot in the U.S. Army. Kathleen T. Jabs is special assistant to the president for military and veteran affairs at William & Mary. The former acting secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs for the commonwealth of Virginia, she is a U.S. Naval Academy graduate and retired Navy captain.