USAA is offering a free childcare program for military spouses when they are looking for a job

PERFECT – USAA and the Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) are introducing a new child care program just in time for Military Spouse Appreciation Day aimed at addressing a growing challenge for military families – accessing affordable care amid frequent relocations that often disrupt operations.

The $1.45 million effort comes as unemployment among spouses remains much higher than the national average, with child care shortages emerging as a key driver.

“Today, the unemployment rate for non-military personnel is north of 20%, which is four times the rate of their counterparts,” Jenna Sauceto Herrera, who leads corporate impact at USAA, told FOX Business.

“If you think about the modern economy, a two-family income for military families is a necessity, not a luxury.”

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The lack of consistent child care is a national problem, but military families are facing increased pressure due to the Forward Station Shift (PCS) movement – a routine move that forces families to rebuild support systems from scratch.

“More than 7,800 military children are on the waiting list for child care assistance,” Herrera said.

For many families, each move means restarting the search for housing, employment and care – all at the same time.

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President and CEO of the Armed Services YMCA, Bill French, said military families often struggle to find childcare and maintain a job during the PCS year, calling the burden on spouses like a grandfather. (US Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Mhecaela J. Watts)

“During the PCS departure, they have to take on and find new childcare, new job opportunities for their spouses,” ASYMCA President and CEO Bill French told FOX Business.

French, a retired admiral, said the reality for military families – many of whom are young with children – is often overwhelming.

“You’re taking care of the kids during the move,” she explained, explaining the strain placed on spouses trying to juggle work.

The challenge goes beyond just unemployment.

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The ongoing PCS is forcing military families to rebuild child care and support systems from scratch, and more than 7,800 children are now stuck on waiting lists. (US Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Hannah Strobel / Unknown)

“There are many married couples who are employed, but not employed enough,” said France, noting that many are forced to take low-paying jobs after emigration due to limited opportunities and lack of childcare.

The new program, called Mission Watch, is designed to provide free, short-term childcare for military spouses who are on the move looking for jobs – especially during the PCS transition.

“This gives you the opportunity to leave your children with quality childcare and not have to pay money to go invest in a job,” French said.

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The pilot will launch at three bases and offer spouses short-term childcare breaks in the job hunt or training as part of USAA’s $500 million effort to improve military family mobility. (US Army Photo by Cpl. Marc Ramirez / Anonymous)

The pilot will launch at three locations: Fort Hood and Fort Bliss in Texas and Camp Pendleton in California.

Spouses will have access to two-hour childcare blocks during the working day, allowing time for discussions, training or networking.

“Think about the opportunity to look for a job, take an interview, go to a networking event,” Herrera said.

The move is part of USAA’s broader Honor Through Action effort – a five-year, $500 million commitment focused on improving the economic mobility and quality of life for military families.

ASYMCA, which has supported service members and their families for more than 165 years, operates across 12 branches and works with dozens of military installations across the country.

“We are supporting young enlisted members and their families,” French said, adding that childcare remains one of the most urgent needs.

For military families, access to child care is increasingly tied to financial stability and the ability for spouses to stay in the workforce.

“Affordable, enriching, and accessible child care is critical to preparing our warriors, ensuring they can stay focused on our mission and ready to achieve peace with strength,” Under Secretary of the Army for Manpower and Readiness Anthony J. Tata said in a statement to FOX Business.

“It also has negative effects on the well-being of their families, directly supporting their spouses’ employment, economic security, and forced custody.”

Without reliable care, many are forced to leave their jobs altogether, especially during the move.

“You need two sources of income, especially in a family with children,” French said.

USAA and ASYMCA say this pilot program is just the beginning, with plans to expand if successful.

“We want to start with a pilot. The idea is that we can scale,” said Herrera.

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As military families continue to navigate permanent settlements and limited child care options, the new partnership aims to provide immediate relief while testing a model that can scale nationwide.

“We are grateful to the many partners who help the Department care for our service members and their families, complement and strengthen our efforts to provide reliable child care solutions for our warriors, accelerate the employment of their spouses, and improve the quality of life of our military families,” said Tata.