When civilian friends discover that I’m married to a service member, I often hear, “I don’t know how you manage it.” I just chuckle because being part of a military family is filled with remarkable experiences that often go unnoticed.
Of course, there are challenges associated with having an active duty partner. There’s no overtime pay for the long hours—my husband often worked from 6 am to 8 pm for years, including nights and weekends. And yes, deployments can be incredibly tough and feel like an eternity. However, despite these hurdles, I genuinely love being a military spouse. For us, the benefits far outweigh any negatives. Here are my top five reasons:
1. Frequent Moves
Believe it or not, my husband and I thrive on relocating. Over the last 11 years, we’ve called Texas, Virginia, Germany, New Orleans, and Washington, D.C. our home. While the stress of a permanent change of station (PCS) is real, the excitement of discovering new places, forging new friendships, and embarking on new adventures is exhilarating. Our lives would be much less vibrant without the military’s influence on our journeys.
2. Healthcare Access
While the Tricare system has its drawbacks, the advantages are plentiful. From clinic visits without copays to free prescriptions and hospital stays that don’t leave you with a massive bill, the system offers significant support. My family has benefited from comprehensive healthcare, managing everything from seasonal allergies to surgeries and even childbirth overseas. Despite imperfections, I’m grateful for the healthcare access we enjoy.
3. Job Security
My husband and I have often debated whether he should commit to a long military career or seek civilian opportunities. Each time an option arose to leave, we hesitated. The unpredictability of the civilian job market is intimidating compared to the stability the military provides. With benefits like healthcare, housing allowances, and retirement plans, we realize how fortunate we are to be part of this system.
4. Military Discounts
You might think military discounts are trivial, but they actually make a significant difference in our lives. Many retailers, restaurants, and attractions offer special discounts for military families, allowing us to experience activities we might not afford otherwise. It’s a small perk that adds up and enhances our lifestyle.
5. A Network of Friends
One of the greatest gifts of moving frequently is the vast circle of friends I’ve built. Through the military, I’ve met incredible individuals, including some notable personalities (I have a hilarious story about meeting a celebrity that I’ll share one day!). The military community is tight-knit, and wherever we go, I can count on finding familiar faces and new friends along the way.
Not everyone is suited for military life, but my family embraces it wholeheartedly, and we’re here to stay. For those interested in understanding more about family planning and the journey of parenthood, consider checking out this excellent resource for pregnancy. If you’re looking for information about artificial insemination, this blog post on at-home insemination kits might be worth a read. Additionally, Rousseau provides a wealth of knowledge on this topic.
Summary
Being a military spouse has its challenges, but the advantages—such as moving to new places, access to healthcare, job stability, military discounts, and a wide network of friends—make it a rewarding experience. My family embraces this lifestyle, and I cherish every moment spent as part of the military community.