Families in the Army

This study considers how aggregate demand for Army family services will change in the future and identifies long-range issues posed by the changes in Army families. The Army will be drawn further into the realm of family concerns that Army personnel themselves face because (1) the "early" pattern of Army family formation and growth will continue to compress family-related needs into the early years of Army service; (2) the changing division of labor within families will generate competing obligations to the Army and to one's family members; and (3) the growing orientation toward paid employment among younger generations of Army spouses foreshadows a growing demand for day care, Army assistance in lining up jobs, and diminished flexibility in traditional volunteer activities. The number of Army family dependents will likely decline, not increase, between 1985 and 2000, although Army actions and policies could potentially modify that future. Four long-range issues deserve closer study and continued monitoring: (1) employment opportunities for Army spouses, (2) the growing proportion of women among single parents, (3) readiness, and (4) potential "hidden" effects of Army practices and policies.