Biden signs Executive order at Fort Liberty, NC (Image: Defense.gov)
On Friday, President Joe Biden signed an executive order at Fort Liberty, North Carolina, aimed at strengthening economic opportunities for Military and Veteran spouses, caregivers, and survivors.
The order includes administrative actions designed to support the economic security of Military Families. It includes actions such as developing a strategic plan for hiring and job retention, expanding access to childcare, improving data collection, and providing training programs for federal agency human resources personnel. The executive order centers around three main goals: more flexibility, support, and resources.
The work of Joining Forces, an initiative spearheaded by First Lady Dr. Jill Biden and former First Lady Michelle Obama in 2011, inspired the content of the executive order. Joining Forces focuses on supporting Military Families, caregivers, and survivors. The executive order builds upon their efforts to address the economic security of Military Families.
Federal agencies are encouraged to retain Military Spouses through flexible policies such as granting leave during permanent change of station (PCS) and improving remote work opportunities, even when stationed overseas. Additionally, it provides support for Military Families by enabling spouses to seek advice on overseas employment issues and establishing new training for federal human resources personnel to better understand the needs of Military Families.
Furthermore, the executive order offers assistance to spouses facing challenges that are specific to Military Families, such as balancing childcare and work while a partner is deployed or caring for an injured loved one. It accelerates the implementation of the Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account, which allows Military Families to receive a pre-tax benefit for daycare, preschool, and summer camps. It also provides resources for Military Spouses who are entrepreneurs, including funding options like grants and loans.
During his speech at the base, Biden emphasized that supporting Military and Veteran Families is not only a moral obligation but also a matter of national security.
While the executive order is a significant step toward improving economic opportunities for Military and Veteran Spouses, caregivers, and survivors, it cannot solve every problem alone. The First Lady called on the private sector to contribute by recruiting Military Spouses and offering flexible work opportunities. Military Spouses bring unique skills and adaptability to the workforce, and supporting them benefits both their families and the nation as a whole.
The executive order and the emphasis on workforce training are part of the Biden administration’s commitment to supporting Military Families, Veterans, and all Americans in achieving economic security and success. It is part of sustaining the all-volunteer force and fulfilling the nation’s obligation to care for those who serve.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.
