The 20/20/20 rule states that a former military spouse can only retain military benefits (i.e. medical, base privileges etc.) if the service member had 20 years of service, the marriage lasted for 20 years and the period of the marriage overlapped the period of service by at least 20 years. The 20/20/20 rule is an undue burden on former military spouses especially those previously married to first class petty officers (E-6) due to high year tenure regulations (service limited to 20 years).
The nonmilitary spouse’s dedication to hearth/ home and country allows the military member to remain at their post and focused on their duties. With frequent relocations due to the needs of the military and to advance their military member's career, military spouses make sacrifices with regards to family, education and employment. These sacrifices are often detrimental to the nonmilitary spouse (i.e. financially: limited career options and decreased compensation).
When divorce occurs, the former military spouse is often in their forties and have limited occupational opportunities due to frequent relocation during their spouse's military service. The denial of lifetime benefits for former spouses that do not meet the 20/20/20 rule is not only an insult but often results in a living standard at or below the poverty level. I believe that former military spouses are being denied equal protection under the law (benefits are retained by a select few but denied to others). The 20/20/20 rule should be repealed and full benefits restored to those that meet the 20/20/15 rule. Continuation of benefits is not a privilege, but compensation for service and sacrifices made.