After requesting feedback, the Military Spouse Commission says it has already influenced policies concerning medical appointments and child care access.

The new center nearly doubles the number of spaces of the center it replaced, with 16 classrooms for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years old that will open in three phases starting Oct. 1.

Adm. Daryl Caudle has prioritized work-life balance through a “Sailors First” initiative, focused on life challenges that can be exacerbated by the nature of military service.

Securing safe child care is “a big” point of stress for soldiers preparing for deployments, making it a primary focus for the service. Only 22 of the Army’s 68 installations are staffed at 90% or higher.