From the Soapbox to the Archives: Why Military Spouses Earn a Place in Military History

What Started My Journey? And why?

 Several events between 2020 and 2022 pushed me toward researching military spouse history. During this time, my family transitioned from an overseas assignment back to the U.S., my husband retired, and we relocated to a new state. We also dropped our daughter off at college, and I went through multiple job interviews—each one promising but ultimately canceled due to COVID-19. By the time we settled, I was exhausted, disheartened, and searching for a new direction.

I recently read Campfollowing, a book about the history of military wives. I found the topic intriguing as a historian, veteran, and military spouse. However, instead of feeling enlightened– I felt frustrated. It was surprising how little had changed for military spouses between the 18th and 21st centuries. This realization shifted my focus—if these struggles persist today, what lessons have we and the military failed to learn? How did spouses advocate for change, and what impact did their efforts have? Understanding these questions felt essential to me.

The Unseen Role of Military Spouses

 Military spouses have long been dismissed as “camp followers” or “dependents”—passive figures in military life. Yet, history tells a different story. Military spouses have actively advocated policies that directly affect military readiness and retention.

Many of the systems the military relies on today—such as health reforms, policies, and educational initiatives for service members and their families—were not led by the military. Instead, they were hard-won victories driven by spouses who recognized gaps in support and took action. Their efforts have shaped policies that improve service members' quality of life, strengthen morale, and enhance operational effectiveness.

Why Military Spouse History Matters

Despite their critical contributions, military spouses remain an underutilized and overlooked resource in both military culture and historical narratives. Recognition often goes to high-profile award winners, active-duty spouses, or public figures. In contrast, everyday non-uniform military spouses—especially POC spouses, Gold Star spouses, male spouses, and LGBTQ+ spouses—are frequently left out.

Military spouses have demonstrated the same leadership, strength, and adaptability that define the armed forces. Their efforts have helped the military remain a fighting force and a sustainable institution capable of retaining its best talent. Recognizing their history is not about sentimentality—it’s about understanding how they have strengthened the military’s foundation, working alongside them in front of and behind the uniform.

Motivations Behind This Project

 Throughout my military journey, I have attended countless military and spouse-led workshops, events, and discussions, many of which address the same challenges year after year.

As a veteran, historian, and military spouse, my academic background has primarily focused on women in military history, Russian and Southeast Asian history, World War I, the interwar years, and leadership studies. Researching and writing about military spouses was not my original plan. However, after 26 years of military life, I recognize the urgent need to document their impact. Many of my friends, husband, and daughter finally convinced me.

This is not a memoir or a guidebook for military spouses. It is an academic exploration of their historical contributions, role in shaping military policy, and influence within the traditional military structure. I understand this work isn’t for everyone, but I believe others are just as interested as I am.

What My Project is Exploring:

•  What specific changes did military spouses advocate for throughout history?

• Who are some of the most influential but lesser-known military spouses?

• How has military spouse advocacy evolved from the 18th century to today?

• What gaps still exist in military spouse support systems?

• How can current military spouses learn from and build on past efforts?

• Are military records, documents, or archives dedicated to spouse contributions?

• And so much more! I have so many questions!!

Final Thoughts

My project is more than just research—it is a mission to reclaim historical recognition for military spouses. It is driven by my dedication, experience, and deep respect for the women and spouses who came before us. It is vital that their voices are heard, their contributions acknowledged, and their place in military history secured.

It’s time to share their stories and create a new chapter in traditional military history.

#MilitarySpouseHistory #HomefrontArchives #BehindTheUniforms  #MilSpouseHistory #HistoryMatters