SOFA2401_SurveyInstrument 9.12

Status of Forces Survey of Active Duty Members

SOFA2401_SurveyInstrument 9.12

OMB: 0704-0624

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OMB Control Number: 0704-0624 Expiration: 8.31.2024 2024 Status of Forces Survey of Active Duty Members

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

1. Were you on active duty on November XX, 2024?

2		Yes
1		No, I have separated or retired

2. What is your current paygrade?

1	E-1	6	E-6	11	W-1	21	O-1/O-1E
2	E-2	7	E-7	12	W-2	22	O-2/O-2E
3	E-3	8	E-8	13	W-3	23	O-3/O-3E
4	E-4	9	E-9	14	W-4	24	O-4
5	E-5			15	W-5	25	O-5
						26	O-6 or above

3. What is your marital status?

1		Married
2		Separated
3		Divorced
4		Widowed
5		Never married

4. [Ask if Q3 = "Divorced" OR Q3 = "Widowed" OR Q3 = "Never married"] Do you have a significant other?

2		Yes
1		No

In the following section, you will be asked questions about your spouse's employment status in enough detail to ensure comparability with national employment surveys.

5. [Ask if Q3 = "Married" OR Q3 = "Separated"] Is your spouse currently serving on active duty (not a member of the National Guard or Reserve)?

2		Yes
1		No

6. [Ask if (Q3 = "Married" OR Q3 = "Separated") AND Q5 = "No"] Is your spouse currently serving as a member of the National Guard or Reserve in a full-time, active duty program (AGR/FTS/AR)?

2		Yes
1		No

7. [Ask if (Q3 = "Married" OR Q3 = "Separated") AND Q5 = "No" AND Q6 = "No"] Is your spouse currently serving as a member of another type of National Guard or Reserve unit (e.g., drilling unit, Individual Mobilization Augmentee [IMA], Individual Ready Reserve [IRR])?

2		Yes
1		No

8. [Ask if (Q3 = "Married" OR Q3 = "Separated") AND Q5 = "No" AND Q6 = "No"] Last week, did your spouse do any work for pay or profit? Mark “Yes” even if your spouse worked only 1 hour or helped without pay in a family business or farm for 15 hours or more.

2		Yes
1		No

9. [Ask if (Q3 = "Married" OR Q3 = "Separated") AND Q5 = "No" AND Q6 = "No" AND Q8 = "No"] Last week, was your spouse temporarily absent from a job or business?

2		Yes, on vacation, temporary illness, labor dispute, etc.
1		No

10. [Ask if (Q3 = "Married" OR Q3 = "Separated") AND Q5 = "No" AND Q6 = "No" AND Q8 = "No" AND Q9 = "No"] Has your spouse been looking for work during the last 4 weeks?

2		Yes
1		No

11. [Ask if (Q3 = "Married" OR Q3 = "Separated") AND Q5 = "No" AND Q6 = "No" AND Q8 = "No" AND Q9 = "No" AND Q10 = "Yes"] Last week, could your spouse have started a job if offered one, or returned to work if recalled?

5		Yes, my spouse could have gone to work
4		No, because of his/her temporary illness
3		No, because of state occupational licensing barriers
2		No, because child care was not available
1		No, because of other reasons (in school, etc.)

12. What is the highest degree or level of school or training that you have completed? Mark the one answer that describes the highest grade, degree, or level of training that you have completed.

1		12 years or less of school (no diploma)
2		High school graduate—traditional diploma
3		High school graduate—alternative diploma (home school, GED, etc.)
4		Professional license, accreditation, or certificate (e.g., fitness instructor, massage therapist, electrician, welder)
5		Some college credit, but less than 1 year
6		1 or more years of college, no degree
7		Associate's degree (e.g., AA, AS)
8		Bachelor's degree (e.g., BA, AB, BS)
9		Master's, doctoral, or professional school degree (e.g., MA, MS, MEd, MEng, MBA, MSW, PhD, MD, JD, DVM, EdD)

For the next questions, the definition of “child, children, or other legal dependents“ includes anyone in your family, except your spouse, who has, or is eligible to have, a Uniformed Services Identification and Privilege Card (also called a military ID card) or is eligible for military health care benefits, and is enrolled in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS).

13. Do you have a child, children, or other legal dependents based on the definition above?

2		Yes
1		No

14. [Ask if Q13 = "Yes"] How many children or other legal dependents do you have in the age group specified below? To indicate none, select “0.” To indicate nine or more, select “9.”

	5 years and younger . Please select 0 0 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 7 8 8 9 9
	6–13 years old . Please select 0 0 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 7 8 8 9 9
	14–18 years old . Please select 0 0 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 7 8 8 9 9
	19–22 years old . Please select 0 0 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 7 8 8 9 9
	23 years and older . Please select 0 0 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 7 8 8 9 9

15. What is your race? Mark one or more races to indicate what you consider yourself to be.

What is your race and/or ethnicity? Mark all that apply.

		American Indian or Alaska Native- Enter, for examples, Navajo Nation, Blackfeet Tribe of the Blackfeet Indian Reservation of Montana, Native Village of Barrow Inupiat Traditional Government, Nome Eskimo Community, Aztec, Maya, etc.
		Asian-Provide details below. Chinese Asian Indian Filipino Vietnamese Korean Japanese Enter, for example, Pakistani, Hmong, Afghan, etc.
		Black or African American- Provide details below. African American Jamaican Haitian Nigerian Ethiopian Somali Enter for example, Trinidadian and Tobagonian, Ghanaian, Congolese etc.
		Hispanic or Latino – Provide details below. Mexican Puerto Rican Salvadoran Cuban Dominican Guatemalan Enter, for example, Colombian, Honduran, Spaniard, etc.
		Middle Eastern or North African- Provide details below. Lebanese Iranian Egyptian Syrian Iraqi Israeli Enter, for example, Moroccan, Yemeni, Kurdish, etc.
		Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander- Provide details below. Native Hawaiian Samoan Chamorro Tongan Fijian Marshallese Enter, for example, Chuukese, Palauan, Tahitian, etc.
		White- Provide details below. English German Irish Italian Polish Scottish Enter, for example, French, Swedish, Norwegian, etc.

16. Where is your permanent duty station (homeport) located?

1		In one of the 50 states, D.C., Puerto Rico, or a U.S. territory or possession
2		Europe (e.g., Germany, Italy, Belgium, United Kingdom)
3		Former Soviet Union (e.g., Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan)
4		East Asia and Pacific (e.g., Australia, Japan, Korea)
5		North Africa, Near East, or South Asia (e.g., Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Diego Garcia)
6		Sub-Saharan Africa (e.g., Djibouti, Kenya, Liberia, South Africa)
7		Western Hemisphere (e.g., Cuba, Honduras, Peru)
8		Other or not sure

17. [Ask if Q16 = "In one of the 50 states, D.C., Puerto Rico, or a U.S. territory or possession"] Please select from the list below your permanent duty station location (homeport) within one of the 50 states, D.C., Puerto Rico, or a U.S. territory or possession.

18. Where do you live at your permanent duty station?

1		Government-owned barracks, dorm, bachelor quarters, or unaccompanied enlisted or officer housing, on base (e.g. run by the military service)
2		Government-owned family housing, on base (e.g. run by the military service)
3		Government-owned or leased barracks, dorm, bachelor quarters, or unaccompanied enlisted or officer housing, off base (e.g. run by the military service and outside the installation fence line)
4		Government-owned or leased family housing, off base (e.g. run by the military service and outside the installation fence line)
5		Privatized family or unaccompanied housing, on base, that you rent (e.g. run by a military housing privatization initiative company and inside the installation fence line)
6		Privatized family or unaccompanied housing, off base, that you rent (e.g. run by a military housing privatization initiative company, but outside the installation fence line)
7		Civilian/community housing, off base, that you rent (e.g. a privately secured rental with a non-military affiliated entity)
8		Civilian/community housing, off base, that you own or pay mortgage on
9		Other

[Ask if Q18 = "Other"] Please specify where you live at your permanent duty station. Please do not include any personally identifiable information (e.g., names, addresses).

SATISFACTION

19. Taking all things into consideration, how satisfied are you, in general, with each of the following aspects of being in the military? Mark one answer for each item.

	1 Very dissatisfied
	2 Dissatisfied
	3 Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied
	4 Satisfied
	5 Very satisfied

	a. Your total compensation (i.e., base pay, allowances, and bonuses)
	b. The type of work you do in your military job
	c. Your opportunities for promotion
	d. The quality of your coworkers
	e. The quality of your supervisor

20. Overall, how satisfied are you with the military way of life?

5		Very satisfied
4		Satisfied
3		Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied
2		Dissatisfied
1		Very dissatisfied

RETENTION

21. How many years of active duty service have you completed (including enlisted, warrant officer, and commissioned officer time)? To indicate less than 1 year, enter “0”. To indicate 35 years or more, enter “35”.

Years

22. Suppose that you have to decide whether to stay on active duty. Assuming you could stay, how likely is it that you would choose to do so?

5		Very likely
4		Likely
3		Neither likely nor unlikely
2		Unlikely
1		Very unlikely

23. [Ask if Q3 = "Married" OR Q3 = "Separated" OR Q4 = "Yes"] Does your spouse or significant other think you should stay on or leave active duty?

5		Strongly favors staying
4		Somewhat favors staying
3		Has no opinion one way or the other
2		Somewhat favors leaving
1		Strongly favors leaving

24. Does your family think you should stay on or leave active duty?

5		Strongly favors staying
4		Somewhat favors staying
3		Has no opinion one way or the other
2		Somewhat favors leaving
1		Strongly favors leaving

DETAILED RETENTION

25. Suppose that you have to decide whether to stay on active duty. Which of the following would be the most important factor in this decision? Select one item from the list below.

26. How much time remains until you separate or retire from the military?

5		I do not expect to separate or retire from the military in the next 2 years
4		Less than 90 days
3		3–5 months
2		6–12 months
1		13–24 months

27. [Ask if Q26 = "13–24 months" OR Q26 = "6–12 months" OR Q26 = "3–5 months" OR Q26 = "Less than 90 days"] To what extent is each of the following a reason for your leaving the Service? Mark one answer for each item.

	1 Not at all
	2 Small extent
	3 Moderate extent
	4 Large extent
	5 Very large extent

	a. Involuntarily retired or separated/not accepted for reenlistment
	b. Near maximum age
	c. Near maximum total time in grade
	d. Overall job dissatisfaction
	e. Longer than normal duty days
	f. Too much time away from home (excluding deployments)
	g. Too many deployments
	h. Too few deployments
	i. Continue my education
	j. Time to do something else
	k. The military is not for me
	l. Spouse had difficulty finding job due to frequent PCS moves
	m. Spouse had trouble finding a job that matches her/his skills, education, or work experience
	n. Family burden
	o. Financial security better as a civilian than in the military
	p. Deployment to hostile or dangerous locations
	q. Civilian salary
	r. Other

PERMANENT CHANGE OF STATION (PCS) MOVES

28. Have you ever made a PCS move?

2		Yes
1		No

29. [Ask if Q28 = "Yes"] How many months has it been since your last PCS move? To indicate less than one month, enter “0”. To indicate more than 99 months, enter “99”.

Months

30. [Ask if Q28 = "Yes"] For your most recent PCS move, to what extent were the following a problem? Mark one answer for each item.

	1 Not a problem
	2 Small extent
	3 Moderate extent
	4 Large extent
	5 Very large extent

	a. Change in PCS orders (report date or destination)
	b. Hours and/or location of offices providing PCS assistance
	c. Waiting for permanent housing to become available
	d. Selling or renting out your former residence
	e. Purchasing or renting your current residence
	f. Amount of time to prepare for PCS move
	g. Packing of household goods
	h. Shipping/storing household goods
	i. Availability of non-base temporary lodging or nearby commercial lodging
	j. Making a reservation for PCS lodging
	k. Temporary lodging expenses
	l. Costs related to security deposit(s)
	m. Costs of moving pets
	n. Costs of moving vehicles
	o. Costs of setting up new residence (e.g., curtains, carpeting, painting)
	p. Settling damage claims
	q. Non-reimbursed transportation costs incurred during the move
	r. Timeliness of reimbursements
	s. Accuracy of reimbursements
	t. Change in cost of living
	u. Transferability of college credits
	v. Time off at destination to complete move
	w. Receiving your PCS orders in a timely manner
	x. Feeling stressed by the process of moving
	y. Difficulty making new connections and/or friends

TEMPO

31. In the past 12 months, how many days have you had to work longer than your normal duty day (i.e., overtime)? To indicate none, enter “0”.

Days

32. In the past 12 months, how many nights have you been away from your permanent duty station (homeport) because of your military duties? To indicate none, enter “0”.

Nights

33. In the past 24 months, have you been deployed longer than 30 consecutive days?

2		Yes
1		No

34. [Ask if Q33 = "Yes"] Are you currently on a deployment that has lasted longer than 30 consecutive days?

2		Yes
1		No

35. [Ask if Q33 = "Yes" AND Q34 = "Yes"] Where are you currently deployed?

1		In one of the 50 states, D.C., Puerto Rico, or a U.S. territory or possession
2		Afghanistan
3		Iraq
4		Other North African, Near Eastern, or South Asian country (e.g., Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Diego Garcia)
5		Europe (e.g., Germany, Italy, Belgium, United Kingdom)
6		Former Soviet Union (e.g., Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan)
7		East Asia and Pacific (e.g., Australia, Japan, Korea)
8		Sub-Saharan Africa (e.g., Djibouti, Kenya, Liberia, South Africa)
9		Western Hemisphere (e.g., Cuba, Honduras, Peru)
10		Other or not sure

36. [Ask if Q33 = "Yes" AND Q34 = "Yes" AND Q35 = "In one of the 50 states, D.C., Puerto Rico, or a U.S. territory or possession"] Please select from the list below your deployment location within one of the 50 states, D.C., Puerto Rico, or a U.S. territory or possession.

[Ask if Q33 = "Yes" AND Q34 = "Yes" AND Q35 = "Other or not sure"] Please enter the name of the country or installation where you are currently deployed.

37. In the past 12 months, have you spent more or less time away from your permanent duty station (homeport) than you expected when you first entered the military?

5		Much more than expected
4		More than expected
3		Neither more nor less than expected
2		Less than expected
1		Much less than expected

38. What impact has time away (or lack thereof) from your permanent duty station (homeport) in the past 12 months had on your military career intentions?

1		Greatly increased your desire to stay
2		Increased your desire to stay
3		Neither increased nor decreased your desire to stay
4		Decreased your desire to stay
5		Greatly decreased your desire to stay

READINESS

39. Overall, how well prepared are you to perform your wartime job?

5		Very well prepared
4		Well prepared
3		Neither well nor poorly prepared
2		Poorly prepared
1		Very poorly prepared

40. Overall, how well prepared is your unit to perform its wartime mission?

5		Very well prepared
4		Well prepared
3		Neither well nor poorly prepared
2		Poorly prepared
1		Very poorly prepared

41. How well has your training prepared you to perform your wartime job?

5		Very well
4		Well
3		Neither well nor poorly
2		Poorly
1		Very poorly

42. How well has your training prepared you to perform your wartime job in support of joint operations?

5		Very well
4		Well
3		Neither well nor poorly
2		Poorly
1		Very poorly

STRESS

43. Overall, how would you rate the current level of stress in your work life?

1		Much less than usual
2		Less than usual
3		About the same as usual
4		More than usual
5		Much more than usual

44. Overall, how would you rate the current level of stress in your personal life?

1		Much less than usual
2		Less than usual
3		About the same as usual
4		More than usual
5		Much more than usual

FAMILY LIFE

45. [Ask if Q13 = "Yes"] Do you have any children under the age of 18 who usually live with you?

2		Yes
1		No

46. [Ask if Q13 = "Yes" AND Q45 = "Yes"] At any time during the 2023–2024 school year, how many children in this household were enrolled in kindergarten through 12th grade or grade equivalent? Please select the number of children enrolled in each type of school. To indicate none, select “0.” To indicate more than nine, select “9.”

	Number enrolled in a public school . Please select 0 0 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 7 8 8 9 9
	Number enrolled in a private school . Please select 0 0 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 7 8 8 9 9
	Number enrolled in a Department of Defense-run school (DoDEA Americas, DoDEA Europe, or DoDEA Pacific) . Please select 0 0 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 7 8 8 9 9
	Number homeschooled, that is not enrolled in public or private school . Please select 0 0 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 7 8 8 9 9

CHILD CARE

47. [Ask if (Q3 = "Married" OR Q3 = "Separated") AND (Q14 a > "0" OR Q14 b > "0")] Do you have child(ren) who are routinely enrolled in child care so you and your spouse can work?

2		Yes
1		No

48. [Ask if (Q3 = "Divorced" OR Q3 = "Widowed" OR Q3 = "Never married") AND (Q14 a > "0" OR Q14 b > "0")] Do you have child(ren) who are routinely enrolled in child care so you can work?

2		Yes
1		No

49. [Ask if (Q14 a > "0" OR Q14 b > "0") AND (Q47 = "No" OR Q48 = "No")] Do you need child care arrangements so you (and/or your spouse) can work?

2		Yes
1		No

50. [Ask if (Q14 a > "0" OR Q14 b > "0") AND (Q47 = "Yes" OR Q48 = "Yes")] During the work day, do you routinely use the following sources of child care? Mark “Yes” or “No” for each item.

	1 No
	2 Yes

	a. On-installation child care
	b. Off-installation child care

51. [Ask if (Q14 a > "0" OR Q14 b > "0") AND (Q47 = "Yes" OR Q48 = "Yes") AND Q50 a = "Yes"] How satisfied are you with each of the following aspects of on-installation child care? Mark one answer for each item.

	1 Very dissatisfied
	2 Dissatisfied
	3 Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied
	4 Satisfied
	5 Very satisfied

	a. Availability of child care
	b. Quality of child care
	c. Affordability of child care

52. [Ask if (Q14 a > "0" OR Q14 b > "0") AND (Q47 = "Yes" OR Q48 = "Yes") AND Q50 b = "Yes"] How satisfied are you with each of the following aspects of off-installation child care? Mark one answer for each item.

	1 Very dissatisfied
	2 Dissatisfied
	3 Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied
	4 Satisfied
	5 Very satisfied

	a. Availability of child care
	b. Quality of child care
	c. Affordability of child care

53. [Ask if (Q14 a > "0" OR Q14 b > "0") AND (Q47 = "Yes" OR Q48 = "Yes")] What is the total amount that you spent last month on child care arrangements for your child(ren)? If you didn't spend anything for child care arrangements last month, enter “0”.

Dollars

54. [Ask if (Q14 a > "0" OR Q14 b > "0") AND (Q47 = "Yes" OR Q48 = "Yes")] What is your preference for child care?

1		ON installation center-based care
2		ON installation home based care
3		OFF installation center-based care
4		OFF installation home based care
5		Other

55. [Ask if (Q14 a > "0" OR Q14 b > "0") AND (Q47 = "Yes" OR Q48 = "Yes")] In considering your preference for child care, what is the primary motivator for your selection? Mark one.

1		Quality of care
2		Availability of care
3		Cost of care
4		Other

56. [Ask if Q13 = "Yes" AND Q45 = "Yes"] To what extent do you feel that child care issues will impact whether you stay in the military?

5		Very large extent
4		Large extent
3		Moderate extent
2		Small extent
1		Not at all

DEPLOYMENTS IN PAST 5 YEARS

Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR) officially began 15 Jun 2014 and includes military intervention against extremists in Iraq and Syria.

Operation Freedom's Sentinel (OFS), a follow-on mission to Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), officially began 1 Jan 2015 and includes missions to train Afghan soldiers and conduct counterterrorism operations against extremists in Afghanistan.

57. In the past 5 years, for which of the following operations/contingencies have you been deployed to support (either directly or indirectly)? Mark all that apply.

		I have not deployed in the past 5 years
		Operation Inherent Resolve
		Operation Freedom's Sentinel
		Peacekeeping operation
		Humanitarian operation
		Military exercise or training
		COVID-19 Response
		Other

[Ask if Q57 h = "Marked"] Please specify the other operation/contingency for which you have been deployed to support (either directly or indirectly) in the past 5 years. Please do not include any personally identifiable information (e.g., names, addresses).

58. [Ask if Q57 b = "Marked" OR Q57 c = "Marked" OR Q57 d = "Marked" OR Q57 e = "Marked" OR Q57 f = "Marked" OR Q57 g = "Marked" OR Q57 h = "Marked"] In the past 5 years, how many times have you been deployed?

Times

59. [Ask if Q57 b = "Marked" OR Q57 c = "Marked" OR Q57 d = "Marked" OR Q57 e = "Marked" OR Q57 f = "Marked" OR Q57 g = "Marked" OR Q57 h = "Marked"] In the past 5 years, have you been deployed to a combat zone or an area where you drew imminent danger pay or hostile fire pay?

2		Yes
1		No

60. [Ask if (Q57 b = "Marked" OR Q57 c = "Marked" OR Q57 d = "Marked" OR Q57 e = "Marked" OR Q57 f = "Marked" OR Q57 g = "Marked" OR Q57 h = "Marked") AND Q59 = "Yes"] For your most recent deployment, how many months have you been or were you deployed to an area where you drew imminent danger pay or hostile fire pay? Include partial months. For example, if you were deployed to a combat zone for 2 days, and those days were in different months, enter “2”.

Months

61. [Ask if Q57 b = "Marked" OR Q57 c = "Marked" OR Q57 d = "Marked" OR Q57 e = "Marked" OR Q57 f = "Marked" OR Q57 g = "Marked" OR Q57 h = "Marked"] Were you involved in combat operations?

2		Yes
1		No

62. [Ask if (Q33 = "Yes" AND Q34 = "Yes") AND (Q57 b = "Marked" OR Q57 c = "Marked" OR Q57 d = "Marked" OR Q57 e = "Marked" OR Q57 f = "Marked" OR Q57 g = "Marked" OR Q57 h = "Marked") AND Q59 = "Yes"] Are you currently deployed to a combat zone or an area where you are drawing imminent danger pay or hostile fire pay?

2		Yes
1		No

63. [Ask if Q57 b = "Marked" OR Q57 c = "Marked" OR Q57 d = "Marked" OR Q57 e = "Marked" OR Q57 f = "Marked" OR Q57 g = "Marked" OR Q57 h = "Marked"] Were any of your deployments in the past 5 years longer than you expected?

2		Yes
1		No

FINANCIAL WELL-BEING AND EDUCATION

64. Which of the following best describes your (and/or your spouse's) financial condition?

1		Very comfortable and secure
2		Able to make ends meet without much difficulty
3		Occasionally have some difficulty making ends meet
4		Tough to make ends meet but keeping your head above water
5		In over your head

65. Compared to 12 months ago, is your financial situation better, worse, or has it stayed the same?

5		Much better
4		Somewhat better
3		Stayed the same
2		Somewhat worse
1		Much worse

66. [Ask if Q65 = "Much better" OR Q65 = "Somewhat better"] Which of the following are reasons why your financial situation is better than it was 12 months ago? Mark “Yes” or “No” for each item.

	1 No
	2 Yes

	a. Change related to your employment (e.g., new job, increase in pay)
	b. Change related to your spouse's employment (e.g., new job, increase in pay)
	c. Change in your family situation (e.g., got married or divorced, fewer children living at home)
	d. Reduction in debt and/or expenses (e.g., paid off credit card, student loan, or other debt)
	e. Better financial management (e.g., used financial education strategies, increased savings, followed budget)

67. [Ask if Q65 = "Much worse" OR Q65 = "Somewhat worse"] Which of the following are reasons why your financial situation is worse than it was 12 months ago? Mark “Yes” or “No” for each item.

	1 No
	2 Yes

	a. Change related to your employment (e.g., lost job, decrease in pay)
	b. Change related to your spouse's employment (e.g., lost job, decrease in pay, could not find job)
	c. Change in your family situation (e.g., got married or divorced, had a baby, provided financial support for family)
	d. Increased debt and/or expenses (e.g., unplanned expenses, additional loans)
	e. Financial management challenges (e.g., used savings, did not follow budget)

68. How well does each statement describe you or your situation? Mark one answer for each item.

	5 Completely
	4 Very well
	3 Somewhat
	2 Very little
	1 Not at all

	a. Because of my money situation, I feel like I will never have the things I want in life.
	b. I am just getting by financially.
	c. I am concerned that the money I have, or will save, won't last.

69. How often does each of the following statements apply to you? Mark one answer for each item.

	5 Always
	4 Often
	3 Sometimes
	2 Rarely
	1 Never

	a. I have money left over at the end of the month.
	b. My finances control my life.

70. Which of the following statements best describes your (and your spouse's, if applicable) spending and saving habits over the last 12 months?

1		Usually spend more than income—unable to save or invest
2		Usually spend about as much as income—unable to save or invest
3		Usually spend less than income—save or invest whatever is left over at the end of the month
4		Usually spend less than income—save or invest regularly by putting money aside each month

71. How much do you (and your spouse, if applicable) have in an emergency savings fund, in terms of your average monthly expenses?

1		Less than 1 month
2		Between 1 and 3 months
3		Between 4 and 6 months
4		More than 6 months
5		I do not have an emergency savings fund

72. Suppose that you have an emergency expense that costs $400/$500. Based on your current financial situation, how would you pay for this expense? If you would use more than one method to cover this expense, please mark all that apply.

		Put it on my credit card and pay it off in full at the next statement
		Put it on my credit card and pay it off over time
		With the money currently in my checking/savings account or with cash
		Using money from a bank loan or line of credit
		By borrowing from a friend or family member
		Using a payday loan, deposit advance, or overdraft
		Using a loan or grant from a military aid society (e.g., Army Emergency Relief, Navy-Marine Corps Relief)
		By selling something
		I wouldn't be able to pay for the expense right now

73. Which best describes how you (and/or your spouse, if applicable) have paid bills over the last 12 months?

1		Paid all bills on time
2		Paid most bills on time
3		Paid some bills on time
4		Paid very few bills on time

74. In the past 12 months, which of the following options best describes how you most frequently pay credit card debt?

1		Pay credit card balance in full each month
2		Pay more than minimum payment but not full balance
3		Pay only minimum payment
4		I do not use credit cards

75. In the past 12 months, did any of the following happen to you (and/or your spouse, if applicable)? Mark “Yes” or “No” for each item.

	1 No
	2 Yes

	a. Failed to make a monthly/minimum payment on your credit card
	b. Failed to make a rent or mortgage payment
	c. Had a debt referred to a collection agency
	d. Had telephone, cable, or Internet shut off
	e. Had water, heat, or electricity shut off
	f. Failed to make a vehicle payment
	g. Had a vehicle repossessed
	h. Filed for personal bankruptcy
	i. Paid overdraft fees to your bank or credit union
	j. Borrowed money from family and/or friends to pay bills
	k. Took money out of a retirement fund or investment to pay bills
	l. Had personal relationship problems with your partner due to finances
	m. Received a notification about your security clearance due to your financial condition
	n. Had adverse personnel action due to your financial condition
	o. Provided unplanned financial support to a family member who did not live with you

76. In the past 12 months, have you (and/or your spouse, if applicable) used any of the following financial products or services? Mark “Yes” or “No” for each item.

	1 No
	2 Yes

	a. Overdraft protection for bank account, loan, or line of credit
	b. Buy Now Pay Later product
	c. Payday loan
	d. Vehicle title loan (a loan where you obtain money by providing a vehicle title as collateral)
	e. Cash advance on a credit card
	f. Pawn loan
	g. Loan or grant from a military aid society (e.g., Army Emergency Relief, Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, Air Force Aid Society, Coast Guard Mutual Assistance)
	h. Other loan or advance (e.g., mobile app)

77. How often do you engage in the following activities in order to manage your finances? Mark one answer for each item.

	4 Never
	3 Sometimes
	2 Often
	1 Always

	a. Make short-term financial plans (e.g., renting a house, purchasing a vehicle, saving for vacation, medical/dental/vision expenses)
	b. Make and/or monitor long-term financial plans (e.g., home ownership, retirement, insurance, children's college education)
	c. Follow a monthly budget or spending plan
	d. Contribute to a savings account for emergency savings or other savings goal
	e. Review your Leave and Earnings Statement (LES)
	f. Contribute to a retirement account (e.g., the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), IRA, 401(k))
	g. Monitor your credit score/rating

78. From which of the following resources have you received information, training, or counseling on any financial topic? Mark “Yes” or “No” for each item.

	1 No
	2 Yes

	a. Military financial training, class, or seminar (online or classroom)
	b. Military financial counseling (in-person, by telephone, or virtually)
	c. Unit leadership or financial specialist within your unit (e.g., Command Financial Specialist, Corporal for Financial Fitness, Command Financial NCO)
	d. Military aid society (e.g., Army Emergency Relief, Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, Air Force Aid Society, Coast Guard Mutual Assistance)
	e. On-base financial institution (e.g., bank or credit union)
	f. Online military resource(s) (e.g., Office of Financial Readiness, Sen$e app, Military OneSource, Service or installation financial readiness program)
	g. Non-military financial counselor, advisor, or other resource (e.g., social or charitable organizations, online blogs and articles)
	h. Family/friends/peers

79. Please indicate whether the following are financial goals for you (and your spouse, if applicable). If a goal does not apply to you, please select “No, this is not a goal for me/us.” Mark one answer for each item.

	3 I/we have met this goal
	2 No, this is not a goal for me/us
	1 Yes, this is a goal for me/us

	a. Saving for retirement
	b. Saving for child(ren)'s education
	c. Saving for a safety net/emergency fund
	d. Paying off your education-related loans (e.g., federal or private student loans)
	e. Being free of debt, except for mortgage
	f. Buying a home
	g. Saving for a major purchase (e.g., vehicle, vacation, household items)

80. If you were to set a financial goal for yourself today, how confident are you in your ability to achieve it?

1		Very confident
2		Somewhat confident
3		Not very confident
4		Not at all confident
5		Don't know

The Department of Defense is interested in assessing the overall financial literacy and preparedness of military members. By completing the next set of items, you will help the Department determine how well military members understand a variety of financial-related topics. For each question or statement, please select the BEST response. If you are not sure about an answer, please select “Don't know.”

81. Suppose you had $100 in a savings account and the interest rate was 2% per year. After five years, how much do you think you would have in the account if you left the money to grow?

1		More than $102
2		Exactly $102
3		Less than $102
4		Don't know

82. Imagine that the interest rate on your savings account was 1% per year and inflation was 2% per year. After 1 year, how much would you be able to buy with the money in this account?

1		More than today
2		Exactly the same
3		Less than today
4		Don't know

83. Is the following statement true or false?

A 15-year mortgage typically requires higher monthly payments than a 30-year mortgage, but the total interest paid over the life of the loan will be less.

1		True
2		False
3		Don't know

84. Is the following statement true or false?

Buying a single company's stock usually provides a safer return than a stock mutual fund.

1		True
2		False
3		Don't know

85. Which of the following does not impact your credit score?

1		Paying bills on time
2		Checking your own credit score
3		The percentage of available credit used
4		Applying for new credit
5		Don't know

86. Under the Blended Retirement System (BRS), the government will contribute 1% of your base pay to your Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) account and match up to an additional ___ percent based on your TSP contribution after you are vested in TSP.

1		4% for a total of 5%
2		5% for a total of 6%
3		There is no government match
4		Don't know

FOOD ASSISTANCE

87. In the past 12 months, have you and/or your family used a commissary?

1		Yes
2		No, although a commissary was available
3		No, a commissary was not available

88. [Ask if Q87 = "Yes"] In the past 12 months, how often, on average, did you and/or your family shop at a commissary?

1		Daily
2		More than once a week
3		Weekly
4		2-3 times a month
5		Once a month
6		Less than once a month

89. [Ask if Q87 = "Yes"] On average, what percentage of commercial retail prices do you think you and/or your family have saved in the past 12 months by shopping at the commissary?

1		0%
2		1-5%
3		6-10%
4		11-20%
5		21-30%
6		31-40%
7		41% or more

90. [Ask if Q87 = "Yes"] Think about the quality of your experiences with military commissaries in the past 12 months. How would you and/or your family rate the following: Mark one answer for each item.

	1 Poor
	2 Fair
	3 Good
	4 Very good
	5 Excellent

	a. Convenience of store locations
	b. Convenience of store hours
	c. Prices for products, given the quality
	d. Variety and selection of merchandise
	e. Availability of merchandise
	f. Courtesy and helpfulness of staff
	g. Layout and cleanliness of the store
	h. Speed of the checkout process
	i. Ability to provide brand name products
	j. Frequency of sales and promotions

91. Choose the best statement that represents your home/barracks/dorm/ship TODAY (where you are living now): Mark all that apply.

		Kitchen with major appliances (e.g., refrigerator, stove, microwave) and food prep/cooking supplies.
		Shared kitchen in building with major appliances and food prep/cooking supplies.
		Shared kitchen in building with major appliances, without any food prep/cooking supplies.
		No kitchen in building, but have mini-refrigerator and microwave in room.
		Room/Rack without any food prep/cooking capability.

92. In a typical week, how many meals do you get at the military dining facility (DFAC)/galley?

Meals

93. When you don't eat at the military dining facility (DFAC)/galley, what are the reasons? Mark all that apply.

		Not applicable (I always go to the DFAC/galley)
		No DFAC/galley available or closed
		No transportation to get there
		Lines are too long to wait
		Not enough time
		Don't like the food at the DFAC/galley
		Eat at home or bring food from home
		Prefer to eat at fast food or other local restaurant
		Other

94. Are you and/or your family currently receiving support from any of the following nutrition assistance resources? Mark all that apply.

		SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program/Food Stamps)
		WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) program
		National School Lunch Program (children receive free or reduced meals at school)
		Food banks or pantries, on or off the military installation
		Grocery, commissary, or food gift cards from Chaplains or other military leadership
		Some other assistance resource
		No, I am not using any nutrition assistance resource

95. Do you have any additional feedback related to access to quality food for you and your family? Please do not include any personally identifiable information (e.g., names, addresses).

PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

This item asks about your and your family's use of services provided by your installation's Military and Family Support Center. Your installation may refer to this service provider as: Army Community Services, Fleet & Family Support, Marine & Family Support, or Military and Family Readiness.

96. How often have you and/or a family member used the following services in the past 12 months? Mark one answer for each item.

	1 Never
	2 Almost never
	3 Sometimes
	4 Fairly often
	5 Very often

	a. Transition assistance
	b. Employment readiness
	c. Relocation assistance
	d. Deployment assistance
	e. Personal financial management
	f. Workshops and/or classes
	g. Individual or family counseling
	h. Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP)
	i. Family Advocacy Program (FAP)
	j. New Parent Support Program (NPSP)

97. [Ask if Q96 a = "Very often" OR Q96 a = "Fairly often" OR Q96 a = "Sometimes" OR Q96 a = "Almost never"] How satisfied are you and/or your family, in general, with the programs or services you and/or a family member have used in the past 12 months?

	1 Very dissatisfied
	2 Dissatisfied
	3 Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied
	4 Satisfied
	5 Very satisfied

	a. Transition assistance
	b. Employment readiness
	c. Relocation assistance
	d. Deployment assistance
	e. Personal financial management
	f. Workshops and/or classes
	g. Individual or family counseling
	h. Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP)
	i. Family Advocacy Program (FAP)
	j. New Parent Support Program (NPSP)

98. Are you aware of the following resources that support military life? Mark one answer for each item.

	3 No, I am not aware of this resource
	2 Yes, but I have not used this resource
	1 Yes, and I have used this resource

	a. Military and Family Support Centers
	b. Military OneSource
	c. Personnel Office

COMPENSATION

99. How satisfied are you with each of the following? Mark one answer for each item.

	1 Very dissatisfied
	2 Dissatisfied
	3 Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied
	4 Satisfied
	5 Very satisfied

	a. Basic pay
	b. Military retirement system
	c. Your medical benefits
	d. Your dental benefits
	e. Your education benefits
	f. Family benefits
	g. Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)

100. Have you received any of the following forms of compensation in the past 12 months? Mark “Yes” or “No” for each item.

	1 No
	2 Yes

	a. Special pay (e.g., incentive, reenlistment, continuation, family separation pay, hazardous duty pay)
	b. Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS)
	c. Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH)
	d. Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA)
	e. Overseas Cost of Living Allowance (COLA)
	f. Continental US (CONUS) COLA

101. [Ask if Q100 a = "Yes"] How satisfied are you with the following forms of compensation you have received in the past 12 months? Mark one answer for each item.

	1 Very dissatisfied
	2 Dissatisfied
	3 Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied
	4 Satisfied
	5 Very satisfied

	a. Special pay (e.g., incentive, reenlistment, continuation, family separation pay, hazardous duty pay)
	b. Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS)
	c. Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH)
	d. Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA)
	e. Overseas Cost of Living Allowance (COLA)
	f. Continental US (CONUS) COLA

102. [Ask if Q100 c = "Yes"] To what extent does your Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) cover your expenses?

5		More than covers expenses
4		Covers expenses
3		Covers basic expenses
2		Requires supplement sometimes to cover basic expenses
1		Requires supplement all the time to cover basic expenses

HOUSING

103. Considering all factors, please tell us how satisfied you are with the following: Mark one answer for each item.

	60 Don't know, no opinion, or NA
	1 Very dissatisfied
	2 Dissatisfied
	3 Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied
	4 Satisfied
	5 Very satisfied

	a. Your home
	b. The health and safety of your home
	c. The affordability of your home

104. Suppose that you have to decide whether to stay on active duty. How much of a factor are each of the following in this decision? Mark one answer for each item.

	4 A significant factor
	3 A factor
	2 Somewhat of a factor
	1 Not a factor

	a. The physical condition of housing
	b. The availability of suitable housing
	c. The affordability of housing

105. In the past 12 months, how many times have you contacted the military housing office for assistance with any issue besides finding a home (e.g., to conduct a home inspection or to help resolve a dispute with a landlord, utility company, or neighbor)?

1		0 times
2		1 or 2 times
3		3 or 4 times
4		5 or more times

COMBATING TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS (CTIP) PROGRAM

Trafficking:

Victims are forced, defrauded, or coerced into trafficking. Even if victims initially offer consent, that consent is rendered meaningless by the actions of the traffickers to exploit them for labor, services, and/or commercial sex.
Human trafficking is a crime committed against an individual.
Trafficking need not entail the physical movement of a person.

Smuggling:

Individuals consent to being smuggled.
Smuggling is a crime committed against a country and its borders.
Smuggling involves the illegal transport of an individual across a national border and is always transnational.

106. Before reading the descriptions of “trafficking” and “smuggling” above, were you aware of the differences between “trafficking” and “smuggling?”

2		Yes
1		No

107. Are you aware that, under the UCMJ, sex trafficking and patronizing a prostitute are illegal, even if prostitution is legal in the region to which you are assigned?

2		Yes
1		No

108. Suppose a Service member reported an incident of another Service member engaging in sex trafficking or patronizing a prostitute to their own chain of command. How likely is it that... Mark one answer for each item.

	1 Very unlikely
	2 Unlikely
	3 Neither likely nor unlikely
	4 Likely
	5 Very likely

	a. Their chain of command would take the report seriously?
	b. Their chain of command would forward the report outside the unit to criminal investigators?
	c. Their chain of command would take corrective actions to address the factors that may have led to the individual's actions?
	d. Unit members would support the person who reported the incident?
	e. Unit members would retaliate against the person who reported the incident?

“Off-limits” establishments: Places that the command has determined its personnel should not patronize. Some examples include commercial establishments that have indicators of TIP, such as bars, brothels, dance clubs, strip clubs, massage parlors, spas, escort services, and private parties.

109. Are you aware of your command's current list of “off limits” establishments?

2		Yes
1		No

110. How much do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements based on how well your unit/organization addresses these areas related to combating trafficking in persons (CTIP)? Mark one answer for each item.

	1 Strongly disagree
	2 Disagree
	3 Neither agree nor disagree
	4 Agree
	5 Strongly agree

	a. My unit/organization and leadership take TIP seriously.
	b. My unit/organization publicizes reporting options for TIP.
	c. My unit/organization encourages reporting of TIP incidents.
	d. My unit/organization actively discourages patronizing a prostitute.
	e. My unit/organization provides information about current laws and policies related to TIP.
	f. My unit/organization communicates that CTIP is relevant to warfighter readiness.

TAKING THE SURVEY

111. Military members are sometimes asked to complete exit interviews or exit surveys when they leave commands or are about to leave their Service. In the past 5 years, have you been asked to complete a military exit interview or a military exit survey? Mark one answer.

1				Yes, an exit interview only
2				Yes, an exit survey only
3				Yes, both an exit interview and an exit survey
4				No, neither an exit interview nor an exit survey
5				Don’t know Please describe your exit interview and/or your exit survey? Please do not include any personally identifiable information (e.g., names, addresses).

112. Thank you for participating in the survey. There are no more questions on this survey. If you have comments or concerns that you were not able to express in answering this survey, please enter them in the space provided. Your comments will be viewed and considered as policy deliberations take place. Do not include any personally identifiable information (PII) in your comments. If OPA or its data collection contractor perceives comments as a direct threat to yourself or others, out of concern for your welfare, OPA may contact an office in your area for appropriate action. Your feedback is useful and appreciated.

113. [Ask if Q1 = "No, I have separated or retired"] Based on your answer to the previous question, you are ineligible to take this survey. If you feel you have encountered this message in error, click the Previous button and check your answer(s). To submit your answers, click the Submit button. For further help, please call our Survey Processing Center toll-free at 1-800-881-5307 or e-mail [email protected].

OPA 55

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File Title	Tab Order
Author	Padilla, Mary F CTR DMDC
File Modified	0000-00-00
File Created	2024-11-04