You’ve finally gotten past your first PCS, and all the stress is behind you. Now your kids are at school, your husband is at work, and you’re in this new house that feels foreign and strange. How do you make your new duty station feel like home?
You Need a Routine
The first thing I recommend is establishing a routine. It’s important to get back to your schedule when you move. Begin doing the things that were familiar in the past. At your last duty station, if you ran errands on Wednesdays and went to the gym Tuesday and Thursday, try and keep those things consistent. Once those habits kick back in, you’ll start feeling familiar with your new home.
Decorate Your Home
Next, you need to decorate. Picture frames, pillows, blankets, rugs. Whatever you used before, try to incorporate in your new house. Of course, it’s fun to update your home with new items, but you want to recognize it as belonging to you and your family, and a simple way to do that is by bringing in aspects that feel familiar to you.
Explore the Community
If you want to feel at home, you’ll also want to get out into the community. Go out and explore your surroundings. Hike a trail, join the spouses’ club, volunteer at the USO. During the holidays, you can attend a local parade or potluck. See how your community operates and become a part of it.
Make Friends
My final tip is to try to make friends. I know it’s easier said than done, but whether or not you have a support network can make or break your experience. The fact is, your husband won’t be home all the time, and you need someone (or group of someone’s) who can come over for coffee, watch your kiddos while you get a pedicure, or just listen while you vent. Being a military spouse is tough, but we have a built in network of women with whom we can relate if we’re willing.
Moving is stressful, and moving often is difficult, but there are ways to feel comfortable and at home. If you can establish a routine, jazz up your home with some familiar decor, get out into the community, and make friends, then when it’s time to PCS, you’ll wonder how you’re ever going to leave this home you’ve created, that once felt so foreign.
New to the military life? Get my guide with 5 facts about the military and what your husband needs from you HERE
Being a military wife comes with a distinct set of challenges, but it also offers a wide array of benefits and opportunities that make the journey worthwhile. In this blog post, we will explore some of the remarkable advantages that come with being a military spouse. From a strong sense of community to personal growth and unique experiences, let’s dive into the benefits that make being a military wife truly special.
Strong Support Network
One of the most significant benefits of being a military wife is the sense of camaraderie and support within the military community. You become a part of a tight-knit network that understands the unique challenges and sacrifices of military life. Whether it’s through spouse clubs, family readiness groups, or online support forums, you’ll find an incredible support system that can provide guidance, friendship, and empathy.
Health Benefits
As a military wife, you have access to comprehensive healthcare benefits through TRICARE. This coverage extends to both active-duty service members and their families, ensuring you receive quality medical care at a reduced cost, or in some cases, at no cost. Additionally, support services are available to address mental health needs and promote overall well-being.
Educational Opportunities
The military values education and offers a variety of educational benefits to spouses. These include tuition assistance programs, scholarships, and grants, making it easier for you to pursue higher education or advance your career. Whether you’re interested in obtaining a degree, developing new skills, or exploring career opportunities, being a military spouse can open doors to lifelong learning.
Global Adventures
Military life often means moving to different duty stations around the world. This provides a unique opportunity to explore new places, cultures, and gain a broader perspective. Embracing these adventures allows military spouses to develop resilience, adaptability, and a deep appreciation for diversity. Each new assignment offers the chance to create lasting memories and connections in different communities.
Employment Support
Recognizing the challenges military spouses face in maintaining a career, the military provides employment resources and programs. From assistance with resume writing and job searching to networking events and portable career options, these resources help military spouses navigate the job market and find meaningful employment despite frequent relocations.
Financial Benefits
Military spouses enjoy various financial perks, including a housing allowance, access to affordable on-base housing, and tax advantages. Additionally, military families have access to discounted goods and services through commissaries and exchanges, helping stretch the family budget further. To read more about living on your husband’s income alone, click here
Resilience and Personal Growth
The unique experiences and unforeseen challenges of military life foster resilience and personal growth within military spouses. You learn to adapt quickly to change, demonstrate strength during deployment, and develop problem-solving skills. These qualities not only benefit you in military life but also carry over into all aspects of your personal and professional life.
Conclusion
Being a military spouse is a remarkable journey, filled with countless advantages that make it more than just a title. The sense of community, access to healthcare, educational opportunities, global adventures, employment support, financial benefits, and personal growth all contribute to making this lifestyle meaningful and rewarding. While the challenges may test you, the benefits outweigh them, and being a military spouse can be an enriching experience like no other. Embrace the unique advantages that come with being a military spouse, and remember that you are an integral part of our nation’s defense.
Celebrate the strength, resilience, and extraordinary contributions you make alongside your loved ones in service. (Note: Benefits and resources may vary based on individual circumstances, branch of the military, and specific programs. It is recommended to consult with the appropriate military support resources for detailed information applicable to your situation.)
Want to learn 10 medical needs that Tricare covers for military spouses? Grab my guide here!
Military life can be a rewarding and exciting experience, but it can also be challenging, especially if you’re far away from your family and friends. One of the best ways to build a support network and make connections is by meeting other military wives. Here are some tips.
Attend Military-Sponsored Events
One of the easiest ways to meet other wives is by attending events such as family readiness group meetings, unit social events, and community service projects. These events are designed to bring military families together and provide opportunities for them to connect with one another. Its natural to strike up a conversation in a social setting. You’re bound to meet someone.
Join Online Groups
Another way to meet other military wives is by joining online groups such as Facebook groups or message boards. These groups allow military spouses to connect with others who are going through similar experiences and offer a space to share advice, resources, and support. Check out my Facebook group here. You could organize a play date at the park, or host a coffee meet up at your house. Just a few months ago, I invited someone I’d met in an online group over for coffee. It was a great time, and no hassle! Just pull out some cute mugs and whip up your favorite brunch food. (I made these).
Volunteer in the Community
Volunteering in the community is an excellent way to meet other military wives and get involved in your new community. Many military installations have a Family Readiness Group or a Spouses’ Club that helps organize volunteer opportunities, or you can reach out to local organizations to see how you can get involved.
Attend Spouse Orientation Programs
Many installations offer spouse orientation programs or classes (L.I.N.K.S. is great) that provide information and resources about military life, including how to meet other military wives. Attending these programs can help you learn more about your new community and connect with others who are in the same situation.
Join a Gym or Fitness Class
Joining a gym or fitness class can be a great way to meet other military wives who share similar interests. Many installations have free gyms or fitness centers that offer classes, and there may also be local fitness studios or classes that you can join. I made a ton of friends at Fit4Mom classes back in 2016, that I’m friends with to this day.
In conclusion, meeting other military wives and can be incredibly beneficial for building a support network and making connections in a new community. By attending military-sponsored events, joining online groups, volunteering in the community, attending spouse orientation programs, and joining a gym or fitness class, you can meet other wives and build meaningful relationships. Remember that military life can be challenging, but with a strong support network, you can navigate the challenges and thrive in your new environment.
If all else fails, walk outside wearing this, and you’re bound to start a conversation lol
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TRICARE is the health care program for military members and their families, providing coverage for medical and dental services. Spouses of service members are eligible for TRICARE coverage, but the specifics of coverage can vary depending on the particular plan and circumstances. Here’s a look at what TRICARE covers for spouses.
Medical Coverage
TRICARE offers several different medical plans for spouses of military members. These plans provide coverage for doctor visits, hospitalizations, surgeries, and prescription medications. Most plans require that spouses pay a yearly deductible and a percentage of the cost of care, known as copayments.
Dental Coverage
TRICARE also offers dental coverage for spouses of military members. These plans cover routine dental cleanings, X-rays, fillings, and other basic services. More extensive procedures, such as root canals and orthodontics, may require additional coverage or out-of-pocket expenses.
Mental Health Coverage
TRICARE provides coverage for mental health services for spouses of military members. These services include counseling, therapy, and psychiatric care. Some plans may require prior authorization for certain types of mental health services.
Maternity Coverage
Spouses of military members are also eligible for maternity coverage through TRICARE. This coverage includes prenatal care, delivery, and postpartum care. Some plans may require that spouses pay a deductible or copayment for certain maternity services.
Emergency Care
TRICARE provides coverage for emergency medical care for spouses of military members. This coverage includes emergency room visits, ambulance services, and urgent care services. However, it’s essential to check with your specific plan to understand the requirements and limitations on emergency care coverage.
In conclusion, TRICARE coverage for spouses of military members provides a range of medical, dental, mental health, maternity, and emergency care services. By understanding what is covered under your specific plan, you can ensure that you and your family have access to the care you need when you need it. If you have any questions about TRICARE coverage for spouses, be sure to reach out to your plan provider or military healthcare representative.
To learn about other benefits for military spouses, click HERE
A Permanent Change of Station (PCS) can be a stressful and overwhelming experience, for military families.
Whether you’re moving across the country or overseas, there are a lot of things to consider. Here are my best tips for preparing for a PCS.
Start Planning Early.
When it comes to a PCS, it’s important to start planning early. Ideally, you should start planning six months before your move. This will give you plenty of time to research your new location, prepare your home for sale or rent, and make any necessary arrangements.
Get Organized
Organization is key when preparing for a PCS. Create a PCS binder that includes all of your important documents, such as orders, medical records, and school transcripts. Keep track of your household goods inventory, and make a list of items that you want to sell, donate, or throw away.
Research Your New Location
Researching your new location is essential when preparing for a PCS. Learn about the local schools, housing options, and community resources. Look for information about the climate, culture, and recreational opportunities in the area. This will help you and your family adjust to your new surroundings.
Create a Moving Checklist
Making a moving checklist can help you stay organized and ensure that nothing falls through the cracks. Include tasks such as notifying utilities, canceling subscriptions, and scheduling movers. Break down larger tasks into smaller steps, and set deadlines for each task
Take Care of Yourself and Your Family
Preparing for a PCS can be stressful, but it’s essential to take care of yourself and your family during the process. Make time for self-care activities, such as exercise, prayer, or spending time with friends. Talk to your children about the move, and help them prepare emotionally by letting them know what to expect.
Seek Support
Finally, seek support when preparing for a PCS. Reach out to your military installation’s Family Readiness Officer, who can provide resources and support for military families. Connect with other military families who have gone through a PCS, and ask for their advice and tips.
In conclusion, preparing for a PCS may seem daunting, but with some planning and preparation, you can make the process smoother and less stressful. By starting early, getting organized, researching your new location, making a moving checklist, taking care of yourself and your family, and seeking support, you can navigate the PCS process with confidence. Remember that a PCS is an opportunity for adventure and new experiences, and with the right preparation, you can make the most of it.
I'm a wife, crunchy mom of 5, Jesus lover, and homemaker. Join me on this wild journey of moving every 3 years to unpredictable locations as the wife of a US Marine.
