Each April, the United States observes the Month of the Military Child, a time to honor the resilience and sacrifices of children growing up in military families. While service members wear the uniform, their families (especially their children) also serve in their own ways. These young people navigate a lifestyle marked by frequent moves, long separations from parents, and the emotional toll of military life.
This month serves as a reminder that military life affects the entire family, not just the individual in uniform…
Military Families Serve Together
According to the U.S. Department of Defense:
- There are approximately 1.3 million active-duty service members and over 800,000 reserve and National Guard members.
- These service members are part of more than 4 million military family members, including 1.6 million children.
These families often face repeated relocations, extended separations, and uncertainty that most civilian families don’t encounter.
Children in particular are asked to be resilient beyond their years, adjusting to new schools, making new friends over and over, and coping with the absence of a parent during deployments.
Challenges Faced by Military Children
Military children move frequently-six to nine times before graduating high school, on average. That’s three times more often than their civilian peers. These frequent transitions affect education, friendships, mental health, and emotional development.
The Department of Defense, RAND Corporation, and the National Military Family Association report that military-connected children often face:
- Disrupted education due to frequent moves, school transfers, and differing academic standards.
- Emotional strain during and after parental deployments, including anxiety, depression, and behavioral changes.
- Increased mental health risks, particularly when a parent is deployed for 18 months or longer.
Despite these challenges, military children often develop greater adaptability, cultural awareness, and resilience than their peers.
Government Resources and Support for Military Families
Military families can find additional support via several government-funded programs and services aimed at easing the emotional and logistical burdens of military life. These resources help ensure children have the tools they need to succeed:
Military OneSource
- Website: www.militaryonesource.mil
- Offers: Free, confidential counseling; relocation support; parenting resources; financial guidance; and more.
Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA)
- Website: www.dodea.edu
- Offers: Academic programs for children of military families and resources for school transitions and special education needs.
TRICARE Health Insurance
- Website: www.tricare.mil
- Offers: Health coverage including mental health care for children and adolescents in military families.
How Communities Can Support Military Children
Caring for our nation’s military families is a shared responsibility. Community members, educators, and local organizations can make a powerful difference:
- Teachers and school staff can learn about military family challenges and accommodate student transitions.
- Neighbors can lend support to solo parents or include military kids in social activities.
- Employers can offer flexibility for military spouses who shoulder additional responsibilities during deployment.
- Civic groups and nonprofits can volunteer or donate to organizations like the USO or Operation Purple Camp.
Serving Military Families
At INvets, we understand that service to the country is a family affair. That’s why our mission extends beyond helping veterans transition into civilian careers; we actively support the entire military family.
Spouses and children face their own set of challenges during and after military service, from navigating new communities to finding stable employment, quality education, and emotional support. Our programs and partnerships are built with the understanding that when families are strong and supported, service members are more successful in their transitions. Whether it’s career counseling, connection to local resources, or building community across Indiana, INvets is here for the whole family because they all serve, and they all deserve support.