Veteran Mothers: Pulling Double Duty
For our final look at various population segments of mothers across America, I wanted to cover veteran mothers and the impact of motherhood on their wages. According to a Military Times article, there are over two million women veterans in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, with more than 30,000 women transitioning out of the military each year.
Whether you are a stay-at-home mom or work in the private sector or the military, motherhood has challenges. According to a 2020 report from the Government Accountability Office, “female military veterans cited difficulties being separated from their children for long time periods as a reason for ending military service.”
As a veteran who spent seven years in the U.S. Navy, I can attest to the unique challenges of serving in the military as a parent. Being away from my children for months at a time, along with constant moving, influenced my decision to leave the Navy.
Women Veterans
Women represent 20 percent of veterans who are also parents. Black, Hispanic, and White women make up the largest demographics in this group.
Top Six Reasons Women Leave the Military
Veteran Mothers’ Wages In The Labor Market
In the military, everyone is paid the same base pay, depending on rank, and time in service. Research by AAUW on Equal Pay suggests that pay for civilians is not so cut and dry. The median yearly wage for each demographic of veteran moms shows mostly slight differences in earnings across race and ethnicity.
Asian veteran mothers earn the highest wages, while Multi-Race veteran mothers earn the least. Black, Hispanic, and White mothers all earn similar wages.
As we close out the month of May, we have celebrated life through our invaluable mothers (Mother’s Day), and the death of those who helped protect their freedom (Memorial Day).
This week, please remember all mothers and all members of the Armed Forces around the world.
Take Care!
