'This study examines the employment decisions of heterosexual women married to military service members, and how their decisions to work or not work evolve over time within this context of uncertainty and high demands.

'For some the pull that was exerted on the spouses was constant while for others the pull was amplified as the service member’s rank increased.

'The most common theme was that of structural constraint. Deployment and frequent relocation often made it challenging to juggle family responsibilities with employment.

'Husbands supported their wives’ decision to work outside their homes or not work, but priority was always given to the husband’s military career and wives were often left solely responsible for family during times of deployment or other travel away from home.'

Military Spouse: Toughest job in the service? Work and family decisions within a greedy institution

Christina Marie Wilson, MA Advisor: Dr. Mary Ann Powell

University of Nebraska, 2017