Thursday, May 16, the Blue Star Families organization released the results of its fourth consecutive comprehensive survey, reflecting 2012. The survey is intended to take the pulse of the country's military families and pinpoint areas of strength, need and concern.

Topics of interest ranged from suicide to the effects of the Don't Ask, Don't Tell repeal. With regard to DADT, a majority of respondents felt that the repeal has had no impact on a Servicemember's ability to do his or her job, on their desire to re-enlist or stay in the military, or on overall morale levels or mission readiness. Spouses also stated that it had little impact on their desire to attend social functions or be a part of the family readiness groups.

Questions about Post Traumatic Stress were also featured. Twenty-four percent of spouse respondents reported PTS symptoms in their Servicemember, regardless of diagnosis, whereas 19 percent of Servicemembers reported having a PTSD diagnosis and 21 percent reported symptoms regardless of diagnosis. Sadly, of those who'd experienced PTSD symptoms, more than half reported not seeking treatment through a military provider.

In an interesting twist, the survey also concluded that military families utilize social media more frequently than their civilian counterparts. In fact, 96 percent of respondents, aged 18 to 54, use Facebook, compared with just 67 percent of civilians.

Financial hardship and stress was also an area of concern; 65 percent of respondents said they experienced stress related to their family's current financial condition and listed the top three issues as frequent moves/relocations, general uncertainty of a military lifestyle and spouse employment. In fact, 68 percent of spouses reported that being a military spouse had a negative impact on their ability to pursue a career, citing job market alignment.

Similarly, 35 percent of respondents listed pay/benefits as their top military family life issue while 22 percent of respondents cited changes to retirement benefits as their top concern.

Finally, and most overwhelmingly, 92 percent of the respondents admitted that they feel the American public at large does not understand the level of sacrifices made by Servicemembers and their families. The number is actually inline with the Pew Research Center's 2011 survey results, which showed 84 percent of modern-era veterans felt that the general public does not have an understanding of the problems that those in the military face.

In light of those findings, the report's authors have declared that their findings are intended to bridge the civilian-military gap by creating awareness about ‘the strengths and contributions of the military service culture'.

The survey, which is available online, was completed by 5,125 military family members and Servicemembers from Nov-1-Dec. 3, 2012. Of those who took the time to complete the questionnaire, the breakdown is as follows: 73 percent of the respondents were military spouses, 16 percent were Servicemembers themselves, six percent were the parents of Servicemembers and four percent were the children of Servicemembers. Finally, 65 percent of the respondents were connected to enlisted Servicemembers, as opposed to officers.

BSF is a national, non-profit network of military families from all ranks and services, including the National Guard and Reserves, which works to provide support and empowerment for those who serve and their dependents.

To view the entire survey results or to get involved with BSF, visit www.bluestarfam.org.