In a significant move to bolster educational support for military-connected families, the Department of Defense has launched a comprehensive review of its existing resources for homeschooling. This initiative follows a memorandum issued by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Tuesday, which mandates the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness to evaluate how the military currently supports families who choose to homeschool their children.
The review will assess best practices in homeschooling support, including the potential for the Department of Defense (DOD) to offer facilities and resources to military-connected students who are homeschooled. Hegseth emphasized the importance of these efforts, stating, “Through these initiatives, the department will uphold the directive to improve the education, well-being, and future success of military-connected students, while supporting parents in their educational choices.”
Highlighting the impact of educational support on military effectiveness, Hegseth emphasized that establishing a robust educational framework for military families is essential for sustaining morale and readiness within military communities.
This new directive aligns with broader efforts initiated by the department to expand educational choices for military families. In January, President Donald J. Trump outlined a focus on educational freedom for American families, issuing an executive order that charged the Secretary of Defense with exploring how military-connected families could use DOD funds to access a variety of educational institutions, including private and charter schools.
“The secretary of defense shall review any available mechanisms under which military-connected families may use funds from the Department of Defense to attend schools of their choice,” the executive order states. It also calls for a strategy to be presented to the president for implementation by the 2025-26 school year.
Sean Parnell, Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs and Senior Advisor, commented on this initiative, stating, “The department recognizes the vital role parents play in the education of their children and remains committed to providing military families with the flexibility and support necessary to choose the educational path that best meets their needs.” He emphasized that strengthening support for military-connected students enhances the readiness and quality of life for service members and their families.
As the review unfolds, military families can anticipate increased access to educational resources and options tailored to their unique needs, further enhancing the overall stability and effectiveness of military communities across the nation.
