Soldier's Wife, Crazy Life

Julie

25 Tips For The Brand New Military Spouse

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The brand new military spouse

25 Tips For The Brand New Military Spouse

Your husband of two years just left for basic training.

Your boyfriend is on his way to Ft. Benning, fulfilling his dream.

You are getting married, and then a week later, you and your new husband are moving to Ft. Bliss in Texas, a state you never even thought about visiting let alone moving to.

Welcome to the military, as a new spouse, you are for sure feeling overwhelmed. Your life has just done a 180, and you are a bit lost.

When my husband joined, and we were at our first duty station in Germany, I remember standing there watching a group of soldiers march by. Was this my life now? What did I get myself into? There was so much I didn’t understand.

So if you are brand new to this life, here are 25 tips to help you start your military spouse journey:

1. Learn about TRICARE

Learn what you can about TRICARE. Spend some time on their website. There is a lot to learn, and things can change quickly. But knowing where to go to find that information is necessary.

2. Bloom where you are planted

Remember that no matter where you get stationed, you can bloom where you are planted. You can make the best of a horrible duty station, no matter how bad the negative reviews are. Make sure you are working towards enjoying where you live, every day.

new military spouse

3. Deployments happen

Deployments will happen, and not always at the best time. You can’t plan for them, and they can be disappointing, but they are a big part of military life. Luckily there is a lot of deployment support out there.

4. Not everyone is trustworthy

Sadly, not everyone you meet is going to be trustworthy. Keep this in mind but also know that there are plenty of amazing military spouses out there too.

5. Try your FRG, at least once

Give it a try, just once. What would that hurt? If you hate it, don’t go back. But if you go, there is always the chance that you ended up in a good FRG and being a part of that will help you in your military spouse life.

6. Explore the Commissary

When you first get to your duty station, explore the Commissary. Figure out how long it takes you to get there and do your own price matching so that you can see if shopping there will save you money. In some places it does, in others, it doesn’t. And try not to go on payday, trust me on that one.

7. Befriend your neighbors

Say hi to your neighbors and befriend them, at least with a smile. Getting along with your neighbors will make for a better experience, whether you are on post or off.

8. Remember OPSEC

OPSEC is so important. Learn what it means and lean on the side of not sharing that info if you are not sure.

9. Practice PERSEC

PERSEC is more individual. Talk that over with your spouse, so you are on the same page. If he doesn’t want his photo on Facebook, don’t share it.

10. Don’t overshare

There is no need to overshare details on social media. Stay as vague as you can. You can still get your point across without sharing such personal details.

11. Respect your marriage

Always respect your marriage, whether they are home or overseas. Respect your spouse online. They are going to piss you off; you don’t always have to share when they do.

12. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there

Putting yourself out there can be difficult, especially if you are more on the introverted side but doing so can be worth it.

new military spouse

13. Help others when you can

If you see someone you can help, do so. If you can’t personally help in their situation, you could direct them to someone or a resource who can.

14. Say no to things

You don’t have to say yes to everything. When you get involved in your community, there will be a lot of things you could say yes to. Don’t burn yourself out and know that sometimes, it is okay to say no.

15. Buy a journal

Buy a cute journal and when you are stressed, write in it. When you are missing your spouse, write in it. Not only will that help you in the moment but reading back in the future can help you too.

16. Find the deployment tips that work for you

There are so many deployment tips out there. Not all of them will work for you. Figure out which ones work for you and your family.

17. Don’t be overwhelmed by the acronyms

There are so many acronyms in the military world. There is no way to learn them all. The good news is that they are pretty easy to figure out if you look them up online.

18. Live on post at least once

Give living on post/base a try. If you are new, doing so can be a good way to get to know military life. If you don’t like it, live off in the future.

19. Don’t overspend when you get extra money

There will be times when your spouse gets extra pay. Don’t overspend when they do. You will kick yourself later.

20. Have a plan for deployment pay

Before your spouse goes anywhere, have a plan for any extra deployment pay and be on the same page about what you will do with the money.

21. Make plans, but put them in pencil

You can make plans when you are a military spouse, just make sure they are in pencil. They might have to change at a moment’s notice.

22. Join new clubs

If you are feeling lonely and fear you won’t ever make any friends, try something new. Go to MOPS, PWOC or a regular playdate with your kids. Get out of the house and meet new people.

new military spouse

23. Cry if you need to

If you need to cry, do so. Some people cry more than others; it’s just the way they handle stress. Don’t listen to anyone that tells you not to cry.

24. Don’t let someone else’s bad experience become yours

We all have our own experiences, especially about duty stations. Don’t let someone else’s bad experience ruin things for you. Keep what they said in mind but don’t automatically assume you will have that same bad experience that you have.

25. Find extra help if you need it

If you need extra help, don’t be afraid to find it. This could mean hiring a babysitter on a regular basis or setting up time with a counselor. Don’t be afraid to reach out when you are feeling lost or not sure how you will make it through.

What are your best tips for the brand new military spouse???

Thank You For Your Service

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Thank You For Your Service

This post contains affiliate links!

Thank You For Your Service

In August of 2006, my husband deployed with his Unit out of Schweinfurt, Germany to Iraq. In January of 2007, President George W. Bush increased the number of American troops to provide security to Baghdad and Al Anbar Province. He extended the tour of most of the Army troops and some of the Marines.

In April of 2007, we got the news that our husbands would not be home in June, but that they would be a part of this surge. My husband returned in November of 2007 after a 15-month deployment.

On October 27th of this year, the movie Thank You For Your Service will be coming out starting Miles Teller, Haley Bennett, and Amy Schumer. The movie, which is directed by Jason Hall, is based on the book by David Finkel, Thank You For Your Service. 

Finkel was embedded with the men of the 2-16 Infantry Battalion during the surge in Iraq where he wrote his best-selling book, The Good Soldiers. Thank You For Your Service is about these same men when they returned home after their 15-month deployment.

The movie is the story of soldiers returning from war, dealing with the aftermath and trying to move forward. Miles Teller plays SGT Adam Schumann, a soldier who leaves Iraq as a broken man and Haley Bennett plays Saskia Schumann, Schumann’s wife.

From the previews I have seen, this movie looks to be very good, yet will be hard for a lot of us to watch. Even as I type this, I am getting emotional thinking about that deployment and everything the men and the spouses went through and are still going through, 10 years later.

I think this is an important story for all Americans to hear about. To know what those who have served have been through and what really can happen after the homecoming. That not everyone returns from a war the same and that there is so much that has to be worked through, especially after such a long deployment.

And for those of us that can identify with this on a personal level, I hope we can talk to others about what we have been through, and find support through one another.

Thank You For Your Service will be in theaters October 27th. 

 

No, The Military Isn’t The Same As Any Other Job

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No, The Military Isn’t The Same As Any Other Job

11 months. That’s how long I have gone without seeing my husband because of his job as an Infantry soldier.

15 months. That’s the longest he has lived away from us because of his job as an Infantry soldier.

5 months. That was the length of his shortest deployment because of his job as an Infantry soldier.

When someone joins the military, everything changes. Their families have to adapt to their new career path. When someone joins the military, what used to apply doesn’t anymore, and there is a huge learning curve.

No, the military isn’t the same as any other job.

No, The Military Isn't The Same As Any Other Job

While there are other career paths that take someone away from their families, and while those jobs can have their own struggles, being in the military is a unique career path, unlike any other.

As a military spouse, we have to change our mindset when our spouse joins the military. We have to understand how important their job is. We have to understand that their job will come first, even in cases where the job wouldn’t if they were working a different type of job.

No, The Military Isn't The Same As Any Other Job

As a military spouse, we are not guaranteed that our husband will be there for the birth of every child. Most commands do try to make it happen, but at the end of the day, the mission comes first.

As a military spouse, we move when they get new orders. We might leave our friends, we might leave our jobs, we might leave the only home we have ever really known.

As a military spouse, we have to take the backseat. It doesn’t matter if our child is graduating from high school or our brother is getting married, the mission comes first.

Over the years, you will get used to some of this, and at the same time, still, get frustrated by it. You might need to vent to a friend when you find out your husband is deploying three months before your planned trip to Walt Disney World. You might get angry when you have to reschedule your anniversary trip for the fourth time because of a training schedule. You might break down in tears when you find out that your spouse will miss your son’s first birthday, just like he missed the 1st birthdays of your other three children.

No, The Military Isn't The Same As Any Other JobNo, the military isn’t the same as any other job.

There are rules, regulations, and ways of doing things that don’t always make logical sense. You will have trouble making plans because things change all the time.

Your children will have to say goodbye to one of the parents more often than other kids. They will listen to their mom or dad read them bedtime stories on a video. They will work with you to send care packages to far away lands that most have only heard about on the news.

We create support groups both locally and online to help us spouses through the stresses of this life. From moving to deployments to general military life frustrations. We find friends to help us through, friends who become family.

No, the military isn’t the same as any other job.

Serving in the military is a sacrifice. Doing so is giving up freedoms that other Americans don’t for the sake of our country. Being a military spouse is supporting those who serve in a very personal way. But because we do, our lives are changed forever.

And through the struggles we endure, we became stronger. Us seasoned spouses can reach out to the new spouse and help them through what they are dealing with. We can figure out ways to endure through our more challenging days. We work hard to be strong, even if we don’t always feel like we are.

At the end of the day, we look at our service member and know how important their job is. Whether they are deploying to Iraq or going down to Florida to help with hurricane relief. Whether they are preparing to train all summer long or moving with your family from your hometown in Ohio to a new home in South Korea. Whether they serve five years or retire after 30.

No, the military isn’t the same as any other job.

How long has your service member been in the military?

Favorite Military Discounts That Military Spouses Love

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Favorite Military Discounts That Military Spouses Love

Military discounts are the best! Whether it is 10% off at your favorite restaurant or a buy one get one free pass at a local establishment. There are such a variety of military discounts out there, and not all of them apply nationwide.

Some military discounts are more popular than others but they are a way for military families to save money, even if it is just a few dollars. When businesses offer these discounts, they are saying thank you to the military community and their kindness is very much appreciated.

Here are some favorite military discounts that military spouses love:

Shoes

What growing military family doesn’t need shoes? The good news is quite a few stores offer a military discount on shoes. Payless and Rack Room Shoes offer you 10% off, and the Foot Locker offers you 20%.

Blue Star Museums

A collaboration with the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense, and Museums Across America has created Blue Star Museums. They offer free admission to active duty military personnel and their families to include the National Guard and the Reserves. This offer is from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and you can see a list of participating museums here.

Home Depot and Lowes

Need to work on a home project? Spouse deployed and you want to paint that room you keep putting off. Home Depot and Lowe’s will offer 10% off at their stores.

Disney

Disney is one of the best discounts you can find. They offer the Armed Forces Salute at both Disneyland and Disney World. You will be able to save a lot of money this way. There are also select military discounts at hotels near the parks that would be worth checking out.

Sea World/Busch Gardens

You can get in on the Waves of Honor discount at Sea World’s nationwide, Busch Gardens, and Sesame Place. Each service member can receive one free ticket as well as three other free tickets for their dependents. Visit the Sea World page for more information on this military discount. This discount is valid for Active duty, National Guard, and the Reserves.

Michael’s and Joann’s

Into crafting? Want to buy some decorations for the upcoming fall and winter seasons? Check out Michael’s, who offer 15% off and Joann’s who offer 10% off.

National Parks

You can get a National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass just by showing your ID at your local National Park. The pass is good for a year.

Old Navy/The Gap

Your local Old Navy and The Gap should have a military discount too. Usually, it is about 10%. Some places offer the discount every day, others every Monday or a few times a month. Make sure to ask when you are at your local store to find out what they offer.

Hotels

Finding a discount on a hotel for your vacation can save you some money. Check out Marriot, Embassy Suites, Choice Hotels, or anywhere you plan on staying to see if they offer a discount too.

Your favorite restaurants

Restaurants are a bit tricky as they can depend on the management at the specific locations. Most restaurants that offer a military discount give you 10-20% off depending on their discount. Make sure to ask before you pay if you are unsure about their discount or have heard that they have one.

This post does contain affiliate links!

Veterans Advantage 

Veterans Advantage, Inc.
By signing up with Veterans Advantage, you can gain access to even more military discounts. With Veterans Advantage you can find discounts from name-brand companies such as Target, 1-800-Flowers, Adobe, Wendy’s, Regal, and more.

What are your favorite military discounts? Which ones do you use all the time?

Which Breast Pump Is Best For You?

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Which Breast Pump Is Best For You?

This is a sponsored post by the Breastfeeding Shop. 

Which Breast Pump Is Best For You?

If you didn’t already know, if you are pregnant or have had a baby, you can receive a $0 cost breast pump through TRICARE. The Breastfeeding Shop is a good place to get your breast pump. They have a form you can fill out and they make the process as easy as possible.

The Breastfeeding Shop also has an excellent variety of breast pumps to choose from. Since all moms are different, the best pump for you might be different than the best breast pump for your neighbor.

Here is a run-down of all the breast pumps the Breastfeeding Shop offers and a little about each one so that you can make the right decision on your pump.

Medela Pump in Style

This pump has an adjustable speed, single and double pumping, and comes with a tote bag. The pump weighs 4.2lbs, has a 2-phase expression technology, and the motor is compact and easy to carry.

Spectra S2

The Spectra S2 has an adjustable speed, single and double pumping, and a closed system. The pump also has dual voltage and is 4.1lbs. It is gentle and quiet and has a night light which makes this pump perfect for nighttime pumping sessions.

Ardo Calypso

This pump has adjustable speed, single and double pumping, and a closed system. It is also dual voltage, battery option, and 3.2lbs. The Ardo Calypso uses vacuum seal technology.

Ameda Purely Yours

This pump has an adjustable speed, single and double pumping, and a closed system. The pump is only 1lb which makes it very lightweight. There is also airlock protection and no cleaning of the tubing needed.

Hygeia Q

The Hygeia Q has an adjustable speed, single and double pumping, and a closed system. The pump is 2.4lbs, and you can independently control cycle rate and suction strength for your particular needs.

Spectra S9 Plus 9

This pump also has an adjustable speed, single and double pumping, and a closed system. This pump has a battery option, is 1lb, and very portable. This pump is ideal for travel although the suction isn’t as great as it would be on a stand alone pump.

Spectra S1

This Spectra pump has an adjustable speed, single and double pumping, and a closed system too. It also has dual voltage, battery option, 4.1lbs with a built in rechargeable battery. This pump is very quiet with a max suction of 300 mmHg.

Lansinoh Signature Pro

This pump has an adjustable speed, single and double pumping, and a closed system. There is a battery option, comes with a tote and is 2.3lbs. This pump also has Bluetooth technology.

Evenflo Advanced Deluxe 

This Evenflo pump has an adjustable speed, single and double pumping, and a closed system. There is also a battery option, a tote, and the pump is 6lbs. This pump has an advanced control for ultimate personalization with 32 independent speeds and suction settings.

Choosing the right breast pump can feel pretty overwhelming. Take a look at this list, visit the Breastfeeding Shop’s website, and talk to your friends about what they use to find the right one.

 

The Dos and Don’ts of a Military Spouse Facebook Group

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The Dos and Don'ts of a Military Spouse Facebook Group

The Dos and Don’ts of a Military Spouse Facebook Group

Facebook! There is so much you can do on Facebook. From keeping in touch with your friends who moved away to sharing photos of your children so the Grandmas can see from across the country. Another benefit of Facebook is Facebook groups.

There are Facebook groups for everything. From your favorite TV show to your neighborhood. Within these groups you can talk to people you don’t know about topics that are important to you. You can make friends through groups, can connect with others in your community, and learn about something you didn’t know about before.

Within the military spouse world, there are plenty of Facebook groups to join. There are probably at least one or two based around where you are stationed. There are groups for each branch, groups for military spouses that are into different hobbies, and groups connected with military spouse blogs.

I have a Facebook group for my blog. I started the group about 18 months ago, and we are almost at 10,000 members. Having so many people in one group can bring up challenges and situations you don’t have in a much smaller group. Over the last 18 months, I have learned so much about running a Facebook group, connecting with other spouses, and the benefits of having this type of group.

The Dos and Don'ts of a Military Spouse Facebook Group

For a group to run smoothly, the Facebook community has to work together so everyone can have a good experience.

These Dos and Don’ts of Facebook groups apply across the board and are just a good way to be on social media.

Do read the rules of the Facebook group

Every Facebook group should have rules listed. You should be able to read through these even before you join. Doing so is important. Knowing where the group stands on certain issues is important.

Don’t break the rules on purpose

If the rules state not to post about your business, don’t post about your business. Rules are there for a reason so make sure you abide by them. In some cases, if you don’t, you could be banned from the group.

Do be understanding of people who don’t know as much as you do

In any group you join, some people will know more than you do, some will know less. Be understanding of those who don’t know as much. Some people are new to military spouse life and don’t quite understand how everything works.

Don’t call anyone names just because they don’t quite understand something the same way

There is no need to call other people names. If someone is making you mad in a Facebook group, walk away and take a break. You don’t have to respond to anyone.

Do know the theme or topic that the group is about

Make sure you are aware of what the group is about. I have been in groups where some strange comment is posted, and drama ensues, all because the person posting the comment didn’t quite understand what the group is about.

Don’t be negative on posts just because you don’t relate to the topic

You won’t relate to every post that is shared. There is no need to answer a post on a topic you hate or don’t care about. There are plenty of other posts you can respond to.

Do tell your friends about groups you love

If you like the Facebook group you are in, let your friends know about it. They will enjoy the group too.

The Dos and Don'ts of a Military Spouse Facebook Group

Don’t add people without asking them beforehand

Don’t add people without asking. Even more so if it is a group based on someone selling something. It never hurts to send a quick message to see if the person is interested in the group. Otherwise, your friend will start to see posts from a group they might not even know they have been added to.

Do be respectful in your responses

There is always a good way and a bad way to respond to someone, especially if they are asking for advice. Being respectful in your responses will go a long way in helping someone out or hurting them.

Don’t be rude, just because you can

Some people like to be rude to others just because. Don’t be that person.

Do know that anyone in the group can see what you post

Know that whatever you post will be shared with the people in the group. Double check the settings of the group. If the group you are in is a “Public” group, anyone on your friend’s list can see what you post. If it is a “closed group” only the people in the group can see.

Don’t overshare information about your situation that you would not want to get out into the world

The sad truth is that anyone can screen shot what someone else posts in a group. There is no way to stop this from happening completely. So please be aware when you are posting that this could happen.

Do know about OPSEC and PERSEC

Know what OPSEC and PERSEC is. Things like posting when your spouse is deploying isn’t okay. Know how much is too much for social media.

Military Spouse Facebook groups can help you meet other spouses, find out about where you are PCSing too, and help you through your deployment. When you join one, make sure you are aware of the rules, be kind and respectful to others, and you should have a good experience.

What are your favorite Military Spouse Facebook groups?

Why This Military Spouse is Thankful For Her Civilian Friends

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Why This Military Spouse is Thankful For Her Civilian Friends


By Julie Provost

I collaborated with Starbucks to share my story on bridging the civilian-military divide. Since 2013, Starbucks has hired more than 10,000 military spouses and veterans and is committed to hiring at least 15,000 more. On Aug. 21, Starbucks launched a national campaign encouraging the 99% of Americans who haven’t served to start a new conversation with veterans and military spouses. Learn more here »

Starbucks

During our past deployments, we received care packages from back home. Not only did my husband receive them, but my boys and I did too. Knowing that our civilian friends and family were thinking about us meant the world. From sending me books and candy to encouraging notes, knowing people back home understood that the deployment was challenging and wanted to help meant the world to me.

Sometimes we get stuck in our military world and forget how special our civilian friends are. No, they might not understand everything we are going through, but they can still be a source of support. I am so thankful for my civilian friends, and this is why:

They are good listeners

Finding a good friend to talk with is a plus, and your civilian friends can make great listeners. While they might not get what you have gone through or what a deployment is like, they can listen as you talk about your struggles. In return, you can listen to them and what they are dealing with. Everyone goes through frustrating times and having someone to talk to about them is a must, military or civilian.

They remind us what our service member is fighting for

When you look at your civilian friends, you see what your service member is fighting for. We can get caught up in our own military life and forget that the majority of the country is living their lives and that our service member is helping to protect that. America is a wonderful place and remembering what our spouses are protecting is important.

They can be steady in our ever changing world

There are plenty of changings in our lives as military spouses, but our civilian friends can be that steady person in our lives. Even if we move around, they probably will not and can be that person we see every time we come home for a visit. We can get into a good routine of texting them on a regular basis and know that they will always be there for us.

They can offer a different perspective

Civilian friends bring a fresh perspective that we could all use. Since they are not dealing with the military like we are, they see the world a little differently. They can offer different advice from our military friends. And when you are trying to figure out what to do about a certain situation, hearing from different perspectives is important.

They can learn about the military through us

You might be the only military spouse that your civilian friend truly knows. Your family might be the only military family they interact with. Through your life, they can learn about what it means to be married to a service member, what life in the military is like, and how Americans can best help the military. Having civilian friends bridges the divide between the 1% that serve and the 99% that do not.

Today Americans know fewer veterans than any other generation. Because of this, there are a lot of misconceptions about military life. Years ago, most people knew those who had served; these days things are a bit different.

At Starbucks, veterans, military spouses, and civilians work together side by side. Since 2013, they have hired over 10,000 veterans and military spouses, and they are committed to hiring 15,000 more. The goal is to be the leading corporate advocate and voice for transitioning veterans, military spouses, and military families.

Through partnerships with like-minded companies such as Team Red, White, and Blue, Team Rubicon, and the Mission Continues, Starbucks strives to bridge the divide between the 1% of Americans who have served in the US military and the 99% who have not.

Starbucks

There are 32 (and counting) Starbucks Military Family Stores. These stores are where the Veteran community can work, unwind and connect. The stores host Military Mondays where local Veteran service organizations provide transition guidance and information.

The Starbucks Armed Forces Network (AFN) on Facebook is open to all partners and their families. Their mission is to help Veterans transition to Civilian employment and give all partners the opportunity to strengthen connections while supporting a culture that embraces our military partners and their families.

Starbucks is doing amazing things for our Veteran, Military Spouse, and Civilian communities!

 

25 Reasons To Not Go Home For A Deployment

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25 Reasons To Not Go Home For A Deployment

25 Reasons To Not Go Home For A Deployment

One of the most popular topics that come up in military spouse circles is if you should go home for a deployment or stay where you are. There are a lot of different opinions on this issue from those who go home even before their spouse leaves to others who wouldn’t even go home to visit.

You need to figure out if going home for a deployment is right for you or if staying where you are is the better choice. In case you are trying to decide, here are 25 reasons to not go home for a deployment:

  • Because you love your home

When you love your own home, why would you want to leave it for an extended period of time?

  • Because you want to be around other military spouses

Going through a deployment with other military spouses can be a very good thing. You guys can support each other.

  • Because your kids are in school

When you kids start school, it is a lot harder to pull them out to move somewhere new. You want them to stay put.

  • Because your kids are involved in the community

Whether they like to play sports or are involved in local art groups, your kids might be really involved in your local community. Moving them when you don’t have to can be a big loss.

  • Because you would lose your house

In a lot of cases, if you move home for the deployment, you could lose your home. It’s possible that you can easily get a new home when you get back but you will still have to worry about moving your stuff out when you leave.

25 Reasons To Not Go Home For A Deployment

  • Because you don’t have a good place to stay back at home

If you don’t have a good place to stay back home, going back doesn’t make sense.

  • Because home is now where you live, not where your family is

When I say home, you might think where you live now, not where your family is.

  • Because you want to be involved in the FRG

The FRG can be a lifesaver during a deployment. You might be someone who wants to be involved in that. Leaving would make doing so a lot harder.

  • Because you like where you are stationed

If you like where you are stationed, you won’t want to leave.

  • Because you want to explore where you live now

During the deployment is the perfect time to explore where you live. Then you can bring your spouse to your favorite places after they get back.

  • Because your best friends live at your duty station

If you have best friends at your duty station, leaving them would make things harder, not easier.

  • Because your spouse would like you to stay

In some cases, your spouse might prefer you stay put. This is something to discuss and talk about so you can come up with the right decision for your family.

  • Because you want to be there in case they come home early

Sometimes deployments do get cut short and in that case, it can be hard to move back to your duty station in enough time. Staying put can avoid that.

  • Because you have a job

If you have a job, you will want to stay where you are and work on your career.

  • Because you are in school

School is important too. And moving home can complicate your educational schedule.

25 Reasons To Not Go Home For A Deployment

  • Because you have 100 house projects you want to work on when they are gone

Working on projects is one way to stay busy during a deployment. If you have projects you want to work on, stay in your own home and get them done.

  • Because you have pets

Uprooting pets isn’t the easiest thing in the world, and then you have to find a place where all of your can live.

  • Because you don’t get along with your family

Why would you want to move in with people you really don’t get along with?

  • Because you know you won’t get any support back home

If you don’t have a support system, the deployment is going to be a lot more difficult. You need that deployment support.

  • Because you have a good babysitter where you are now

Good babysitters are amazing. If you have one in your area, hang on to them and never let them go.

  • Because you feel safe where you are now

Feeling safe during a deployment is important.

  • Because you like living in a military community

Being in the military community can be what you need during a deployment. There is so much to gain from being in one.

  • Because you feel like you would go back a few years staying with your family for an extended period of time

Sometimes going back home makes you feel 17 again. If this is the case, going home for a deployment won’t be ideal.

  • Because you can always visit and don’t see the need to move

You can always visit home, maybe for a weekend or even a few weeks. You don’t have to completely move in to experience the benefits of spending some time with your family.

  • Because you simply don’t have to desire to spend the deployment anywhere but the home you and your spouse have created

At the end of the day, there are people that want to go home and others who don’t. Use this list as well as my list of 25 reasons to go home for a deployment to figure out what will work for you and your family.

What have you done during your deployments?