Army Social Work

The military is no stranger to change. Whether it’s shifts in policy, leadership, or priorities, we adapt and continue to serve. But as social workers, some changes cut closer to home, testing the delicate balance between our commitment to the mission and the core values of our profession. Recent decisions and policies have brought new challenges to our work—challenges that directly impact our ethics, our clients, and our sense of purpose.

The Challenge

The NASW Code of Ethics calls us to champion social justice, dignity, and the worth of every individual. However, when systemic changes lead to policies that conflict with these values, the tension becomes personal. We see it in issues like restrictions on LGBTQ+ inclusion, challenges to DEI initiatives, and shifts in healthcare or mental health resources. These aren’t just political decisions; they affect the warfighters and families we serve, who already carry the burdens of deployment, trauma, and separation.

It’s a tightrope walk: as a stewards of the Army, I am obligated to follow regulations and ensure readiness, but as social workers, our ethical duty is to advocate, empower, and protect.

Leaning Into Our Role

Despite the tension, military social workers are uniquely positioned to make a difference. We’re not just clinicians—we’re grassroots change-makers.

Here’s how we can navigate these challenges while staying grounded in our ethics:

1. Focus on the Individual: Even when systemic change feels overwhelming, we can still center our work on individual dignity. Whether it’s providing a listening ear, connecting someone to resources, or being a nonjudgmental presence, we honor the worth of the person in front of us.

2. Build Grassroots Support: Change doesn’t always start at the top. By building relationships, fostering inclusion, and empowering militants and families at the local level, we can amplify voices that need to be heard. Grassroots social work is powerful because it thrives on connection and shared humanity.

3. Advocate From Within: As military social workers, we have a unique seat at the table. We can identify gaps, propose solutions, and advocate for policies that align with the values of dignity, inclusion, and social justice—all while keeping the mission in focus.

4. Lean on Each Other: This work is hard, and no one should have to carry the weight alone. Our network is our strength. By sharing experiences, lessons learned, and moments of hope, we remind ourselves that we’re not alone in this fight.

The Hope

Here’s what gives me hope: every act of care we give builds a stronger military. When we advocate for the disenfranchised, we’re strengthening unit cohesion. When we show up for Soldiers struggling with identity or inclusion, we’re bolstering readiness. When we honor the dignity of every person we serve, we’re contributing to a mission bigger than ourselves.

Yes, the challenges are real. The tension is heavy. But social workers have always been at the crossroads of systemic change and individual care. It’s what makes our role so unique—and so vital.

Put the “Social” in Social Worker

As we navigate these changes, let’s remember why we do what we do. Let’s serve by advocating for those who need it most. Let’s stay rooted in our commitment to care, even when it feels like the system is working against us. And let’s continue to lean on each other—because no one can do this alone.

Together, we can be stewards of the military while staying true to the core of our profession.

Because at the end of the day, our work isn’t just about the political landscape —it’s about building a better world.

Disclaimer:

These views do not reflect those of the Department os Defense. This content is consumed for informational or entertainment purposes