Addressing Military Spouse Career Gaps

A number of new advancements might impact the employment of military service members and their households and companies' compliance responsibilities in 2026. Changes vary from proposals to increase rewards for hiring military spouses to improved employment defenses for service members while on responsibility. Military spouse employment chances and support remain a focus for pending legislation.

, presented previously in 2025.

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Regular Relocations Frequent relocations continue to strain military households and can make it more tough for employers to work with and retain military spouses. Broadening the WOTC might develop brand-new rewards for employers to hire military partners and tap into this underutilized skill swimming pool.

Accessing New Financial Relief Resources

The U.S. Congress has actually not yet used up the STAY Act this year, but if it is eventually enacted, it might result in lowered PCS moves that might affect recruiting, retention, and remote-work policies for military partners. Military Re-Employment Protections Federal law already provides civilian employment leave defenses for veterans and service members who are involuntarily or willingly released for military service.

The Dole Act reinforced anti-retaliation protections and enabled plaintiffs alleging USERRA infractions to seek minimum liquidated damages of $50,000 and attorneys' charges. Agencies and courts might continue to translate and use the Dole Act's USERRA-related provisions.

New Company Resources In January 2025, the U.S. Department of Labor's Veterans' Work and Training Service (DOL/VETS) launched a program for companies to look for guidance for guaranteeing compliance. The Assistance and Help for Leaders in USERRA Training and Employment (SALUTE) program is an opportunity for companies to request technical guidance on USERRA-related questions or specific problems in their workforce before the onset of a DOL/VETS complaint or claim.

Top priority actions include evaluating USERRA compliance programs and training, upgrading military leave and reemployment policies, verifying health-benefit extension treatments, and aligning hiring and tax-credit screening procedures to rapidly record new incentives for military spouses. Ogletree Deakins' brand-new Armed force Workforce Practice Group unites a team of lawyers, a number of whom are veterans or currently serving in the Reserves or National Guard, who routinely recommend on USERRA compliance, policy development, multistate execution, and examinations and litigation.

Patton, Jr. cochair the group. In addition, the Ogletree Deakins Customer Portal covers brand-new laws and advancements in Armed force Leave. All client-users have access to Pictures and Updates. Premium subscribers have access to information, updated templates, and other resources. For additional information on the Client Portal or a Client Portal membership, please connect to .

Addressing Military Career Gaps 2026

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For 10 years, Hiring Our Heroes has actually championed military spouse employment, creating paths to opportunity and driving systemic change. As we commemorate this milestone, the 10th Yearly Armed Force Spouse Work Top will honor the tradition of development while charting a bold course for the future. This year's top concentrates on Leadership & Legacy as we acknowledge the spouses, employers, and supporters who have actually changed the employment landscape and prepared the next generation to thrive in a progressing workforce.

Together, we will develop on a years of service and success to produce a future where military spouses lead with strength, vision, and purpose.

Military partners deal with one of the most consistent employment spaces in the American labor force., military spouse joblessness has hovered around 20% or higher in current years.