Over 55% of military families said their well-being has declined under the Biden administration, citing financial strain, stresses of military life, and loneliness, according to a survey published Wednesday by the nonprofit Military Family Advisory Network.
"None of these issues live in a vacuum. These issues are all connected, and they impact each other," said Military Family Advisory Network CEO Shannon Razsadin, reported 13NewsNow.
In the survey of over 10,000 active-duty military personnel, National Guard, and Reserve members, veterans, retirees, and their family members, "the results provide an in-depth look into the military community's recurring and emerging support needs," said MFAN in a news release.
Some findings include:
- 27.7% of active-duty service members were experiencing food insecurity.
- 21% of military spouses said they're unemployed.
- 59% of military members said they're lonely while 11% said they have considered suicide.
- 80% of families said they face a housing burden and just 20% said they can comfortably afford rent and utility payments.
- Just 57% said they would recommend joining the military, compared to 62% in 2021.
- 51.8% said they had experienced barriers to saving money in the past two years, including cost of living and inflation (37.8%), income constraints (29.5%), and lack of financial resources (15.1%).
"The cost of living is so high, and the pay is mediocre. Everywhere you turn there is something going up in price; nothing is cheap," said one respondent.