Since many issues surrounding quality of life and family well-being can only be addressed by states, the USA4 Military Families initiative, worked through the Department of Defense-State Liaison Office (DSLO), seeks to engage and educate state policymakers, not-for-profit associations, concerned business interests, and other state leaders about the needs of Military members and their families. By developing state/military partnerships, DoD seeks to work with the states to remove unnecessary barriers, and significantly improve the quality of life for military families.
The USA4 Military Families initiative has been very successful and much progress was made on several of these key issues during FY2009: 26 states have adopted the Interstate Compact, covering 81% of students; 35 states provide eligibility for unemployment compensation covering 79% of spouses; and 28 states can enforce the DoD predatory lending regulation, covering 59% of members and their families. Since many state leaders share our concern for the welfare of our Active Duty, Guard, and Reserve service members and their families living within their borders, we look forward to continuing to make significant progress in the future.
Below are the ten priority issues identified by the Department of Defense as having a strong impact on military families at the state level. A one page overview of the 10 key quality of life issues is available. View Best Practices and News about what states are doing to address them at the links below.
Common key benefits that support Guard and Reserve members and their families
