U.S. Military Women and Divorce: Separating the Issues

Abstract

The divorce rate for women serving in the U.S. military is significantly higher compared to their male counterparts and the civilian population as a whole. Divorce negatively affects women, their work, and their families. Like many who struggle with balancing multiple roles in life, military women may possess unique characteristics, which coupled with challenges in the military environment, lead to a high divorce rate. This article examines current literature on potential contributory factors in female service members' high marital dissolution rate. Recommendations are made for research to help understand and reverse this growing trend through prevention, intervention, and support efforts.

Keywords:

• active duty military
• divorce
• marital dissolution
• military women
• armed forces
• military family
• female Department of Defense personnel
• military environment

Acknowledgments

The views expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Department of Defense, the Department of the Air Force, or the U.S. Government.