Military spouses building portable businesses face a career challenge that is different from what many civilian families experience. A new duty station can mean a new job market, new childcare arrangements, new licensing rules, new networks, and another round of explaining gaps or short stays on a résumé. For some spouses, entrepreneurship can create a steadier path because the work can be designed around mobility instead of constantly being interrupted by it.
As the U.S. remains at war with Iran, the Pentagon’s fiscal year 2027 budget request has raised the prospect of a significant increase in the monthly stipend paid out to troops in regions that put them at risk of taking hostile fire or other job-related dangers.
As first reported by Stars and Stripes, Army and Air Force budget request breakdowns describe increases to the extra pays earned by troops in harm’s way. Service members can earn either hostile fire pay or imminent danger pay, but not both. The payments are based on location and are calculated by the day — $7.50 per day up to a maximum of $225 per month.