Addressing Military Career Barriers 2026

Several brand-new developments could affect the employment of military service members and their families and employers' compliance responsibilities in 2026. Modifications vary from propositions to increase incentives for employing military spouses to boosted employment securities for service members while on duty. Military partner employment chances and support stay a focus for pending legislation.

, introduced earlier in 2025.

apfsc.org

Frequent Relocations Frequent movings continue to strain military families and can make it more tough for employers to employ and maintain military spouses. Broadening the WOTC might create new rewards for employers to employ military partners and tap into this underutilized skill pool.

The Modern Outlook on Military Debt

The U.S. Congress has actually not yet taken up the STAY Act this year, however if it is ultimately enacted, it might result in decreased PCS moves that could impact recruiting, retention, and remote-work policies for military spouses. Military Re-Employment Protections Federal law already provides civilian work leave protections for veterans and service members who are involuntarily or voluntarily released for military service.

The Dole Act reinforced anti-retaliation securities and permitted plaintiffs alleging USERRA violations to seek minimum liquidated damages of $50,000 and lawyers' fees. Agencies and courts might continue to interpret and use the Dole Act's USERRA-related arrangements.

New Employer Resources In January 2025, the U.S. Department of Labor's Veterans' Work and Training Service (DOL/VETS) released a program for employers to seek guidance for making sure compliance. The Assistance and Support for Leaders in USERRA Training and Employment (SALUTE) program is an opportunity for employers to request technical guidance on USERRA-related concerns or specific issues in their workforce before the onset of a DOL/VETS complaint or suit.

Priority actions consist of evaluating USERRA compliance programs and training, updating military leave and reemployment policies, confirming health-benefit extension procedures, and aligning hiring and tax-credit screening processes to rapidly record brand-new incentives for military spouses. Ogletree Deakins' new Military Labor force Practice Group brings together a team of attorneys, a lot of whom are veterans or currently serving in the Reserves or National Guard, who frequently encourage on USERRA compliance, policy development, multistate implementation, and examinations and lawsuits.

All client-users have access to Photos and Updates. Premium subscribers have access to details, updated design templates, and other resources.

What Are the Best Employment Paths for Spouses ?

Tax day is. Have you filed with MilTax? Whether you're simply getting your documents together, hit a snag or need to apply for an extension, we've got your back with complimentary filing software and tax pros ready to assist.

For 10 years, Employing Our Heroes has championed military spouse employment, developing paths to chance and driving systemic change. As we commemorate this milestone, the 10th Annual Military Spouse Employment Summit will honor the legacy of development while charting a vibrant course for the future. This year's top concentrates on Leadership & Tradition as we acknowledge the spouses, employers, and supporters who have transformed the employment landscape and prepared the next generation to grow in an evolving workforce.

Together, we will build on a decade of service and success to produce a future where military partners lead with strength, vision, and purpose.

Military partners face among the most relentless employment gaps in the American workforce. According to data from the US Department of Labor, military partner joblessness has hovered around 20% or higher in current years. This far exceeds the nationwide average, which normally falls listed below 5%. An interview with Sarah Roder, Director of Partnerships & Member Engagement at Army Mutual and a military partner herself, shows how those obstacles play out in practice and how partners can navigate them better.