When we think about the transition from military to civilian life, our thoughts often gravitate toward the service members themselves. It's a monumental shift—moving from a structured, purpose-driven existence within the military to navigating the freedoms and challenges of civilian life. Yet, another equally important transition is occurring in tandem, one that deserves equal attention—the transition experienced by the spouses of these service members.

The journey of a military spouse is profound and complex, encompassing much more than a change of address or a new job. It's about a transformation of identity, an evolution of roles, and a redefinition of personal aspirations. This transition isn't just about supporting a partner; it's about rediscovering oneself amidst the upheaval.

The COMMIT Foundation recognizes this fact and has developed the Spouse Transition Program to support this sometimes overlooked but essential community.

“COMMIT helped me identify where I was in the transition phase,” said Nija Bernard, whose husband is transitioning from the Air Force. “COMMIT gave me voice by informing me, and they helped me look forward to what is to come for both me and my spouse.”

Through tailored support services, the program encourages spouses to rediscover their passions and ambitions, empowering them to pursue their personal and professional goals alongside their partner. Commitment to the spouses of veterans is about recognizing the full spectrum of transition within a family. It's about understanding that changing routines, identities, and lives affect everyone involved.

“The demand for spouse programming was clear among our community, for too long. The narrative has positioned these spouses merely as extensions of their veteran partners,” said JC Glick, CEO of The COMMIT Foundation. "We see the transformation of spouses and families as just as crucial to a successful transition as the veteran’s own journey. Their growth and support are key to making the transition impactful for everyone involved."

COMMIT has helped nearly 300 spouses navigate their transition since the program began in 2022.

“We take great pride in supporting spouses as individuals with their unique challenges and needs," added Glick. "Transitioning out of the military is a journey that impacts everyone differently, and we must recognize the spouse's experience isn't just an extension of the veteran's. They have their path, and we're here to help them navigate it with the support and resources they deserve."

The primary goal of the Spouse Transition Program is to assure military spouses that their experiences, emotions, and aspirations are entirely valid and normal.

“The program recognizes that spouses often put their aspirations on hold while supporting their service member,” said Julie French, leader of spouse programming at The COMMIT Foundation. “The COMMIT Foundation's program is a transformative resource for military spouses seeking guidance and support during their transition to civilian life.”

The program is designed around four live online classes. The four classes cover the key topics of identity, values, values alignment, and telling one's story. Along with the virtual classes, each participant is offered 3-5 coaching sessions with an executive or life coach.

In October, COMMIT will hold a spouse transition workshop in Washington D.C. The in-person workshops are relatively new to the program but add significant benefit to the value delivered to spouses.

French added, “With the support of dedicated coaches and a comprehensive online dashboard of class assignments, this program empowers military spouses to navigate their transition with confidence and purpose. Through self-reflection and growth, military spouses can confidently navigate their transition journey and embark on a fulfilling new chapter in their lives.”

In the end, the success of transitioning veterans is intricately linked to the well-being and fulfillment of everyone involved. Recognizing and supporting these spouses as individuals is not just an act of respect—it's a fundamental component of facilitating successful transitions for those who have served our nation.

“At The COMMIT Foundation, we're not just helping individuals transition but also supporting families in redefining their futures together and as individuals,” French concluded.