Soldier's Wife, Crazy Life

Duty Stations

The 10 Worst Duty Stations

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The 10 Worst Duty Stations

Duty stations are such a popular topic. People always want to know everything about where they are going to PCS or the differences in duty stations. They want to know all about the best duty stations and the worst duty stations.

I have thought about making a list of the 10 worst duty stations for a while. I know there are certain places where people just dread going, and maybe for good reason. These places aren’t ideal, especially when you could get stationed at some amazing places.

However, I also strongly believe that you can “bloom where you are stationed” anywhere you might end up. That doesn’t mean you have to love your duty station, but that you don’t have to spend every day hating it, and that there are things to love about every place you might go.

So…what makes something the “worst” duty station? How can you get past that feeling? Well…here you go:

The duty station where your best friend just moved away

Finding your military spouse BFF is the best, but when that happens, something else will too, your best friend will probably have to move away at some point. And if they don’t, you do. And that sucks.

What can you do to help? Stay connected with them, even over the miles. Work to meet new people. And remember all those precious memories you’ve shared.

The duty station far from your family

Being away from family can be difficult for some people, especially if this is your first duty station. But there is something special about being out on your own, and making somewhere new your home. Try not to dwell on feeling homesick so much and work to find a place in your new location.

The duty station where you can’t find a job

You have worked hard, went to college, and as soon as it was time for you to find a job, your service member spouse gets orders overseas. Now there is no way to find a job in your field. This can be so frustrating.

You can stay behind, but that isn’t an option for most families. You can look and see what volunteer jobs you can get at your new duty station that you can add to your resume. You can think outside the box and try something different, or even work hard to find that ideal job, despite the difficulties of finding one where you are currently living.

The duty station that deploys your spouse too much

One question that comes up a lot is “how often is my spouse going to deploy if we PCS to this duty station,” but that question is hard to answer. The number of times they deploy, how long they are gone, and everything related to deployments depend on many factors.

The best thing to do if your spouse is going to deploy a lot is find a good friend circle, fill up your calendars as much as you can, and know you are not alone in this.

The duty station with awful housing

Sometimes, there is nothing you can do about bad housing at your duty station. You just have to deal with it, and try to make it your own. On the other hand, you might be able to move, either somewhere else on-post or off-post. Check out your options and go from there.

The duty station where you just can’t find your people

You assume that once you move to your new duty station, you will eventually find a fun friend group like the one you had before. But after a couple of months, it seems like you aren’t going to find your people. This is something we military spouses can struggle with.

If you find yourself in this position, make sure you are getting out there on a regular basis and trying to meet new people. Sign up for things you are interested in, take the kids to playgroups, and be friendly with those you meet when you are out and about.

The duty station that seems too expensive

There are a few places you could get stationed that will cost more than other places. This can be frustrating. Housing off-post might seem like too much or you might feel like your family can’t go out and do anything because of the costs.

Make sure you are doing your budget every month, find ways to save, and look for fun free events going on in your community.

The duty station you didn’t think you would end up

Maybe you just assumed you would always stay in the south, but now here you are on an airplane headed to Hawaii. And you are terrified.

Anything out of your comfort zone can be scary, but think of your new duty station as an adventure. Read up on the fun you can have where you are going, or the experiences of people who have lived there. And trust yourself to make the most out of your stay.

The duty station no one has ever heard of

Sometimes your spouse will get orders to a place no one has ever heard of. These can be smaller duty stations or more specialty-based, and because of that, you can’t find much information on them. If you need to know about Fort Hood or Fort Campbell, there is a ton of information out there, but not so much on a duty station most people have never heard of.

See if you can connect with the FRG (if they have one) or other spouses in your service member’s new unit. If you do have to go in without knowing too much, see what your post or base has available to you to get to know the area. They might have a newcomers class you can join.

The duty station you have been before and didn’t want to return

Maybe you were stationed somewhere for a few years and hated it. Then you left. Now five years have gone by and guess what? Your spouse just received orders to go back. You are filled with dread.

But remember, the duty station you left in 2014 will be different from the one you PCS to today. Duty stations change, people move in and then move away, you could have a completely different experience in the same place. Do not assume that your first time there will be exactly like you second.

What makes or breaks a duty station for you?

The 10 Worst Duty Stations

How to Estimate and Utilize Your Basic Allowance for Housing

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How to Estimate and Utilize Your Basic Allowance for Housing

Written by Kaitlyn Neitman, a Content Coordinator with Redfin, powered by Rocket. 

When you’re part of a military family, there is a lot to navigate when it comes to housing. Whether you’re renting near base or preparing to buy a home, understanding your benefits, like your Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), can make a big difference in your budget and long-term plans.

Here’s a quick guide to learn what BAH is and how to use tools like the Rocket Mortgage BAH calculator to understand how this benefit could work for you and your family.

What is Basic Allowance for Housing?

Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is a monthly, tax-free benefit provided to eligible active-duty service members in the U.S. military. It’s designed to help offset the cost of housing when government quarters aren’t provided. You can apply BAH to rent, mortgage payments, utilities, or other housing related expenses. 

BAH is tailored to your specific situation, and it’s calculated based on three main factors:

  • Duty station location: Housing costs vary widely across the country, so BAH rates are higher in more expensive areas and lower in more affordable markets.
  • Pay grade: Military rank plays a role in determining how much you receive.
  • Dependency status: Service members with dependents typically receive a higher allowance than those without.

For many families, BAH becomes a key part of the decision to rent or buy. In higher-cost areas, it could make renting the more practical choice, while in more affordable markets, buying a home can help you build equity over time.

Why estimating your BAH matters

Even though BAH rates are published annually, your actual housing decisions often happen months before a move. Estimating your BAH ahead of time can help you plan for several steps in the homebuying process, like:

  • Setting a realistic housing budget
  • Comparing renting vs. buying a house 
  • Understanding how much home you can afford
  • Avoiding overextending financially in a new duty station

This is especially important if you’re considering buying a home, where monthly costs include property taxes, insurance, and other fees in addition to the mortgage premium.

How to use the Rocket Mortgage BAH calculator

For a quick, user-friendly way to estimate your housing allowance, the Rocket Mortgage BAH calculator is a helpful place to start. It’s designed to give military families a fast snapshot of what they might receive based on their situation. Here’s how to use it: 

  1. Enter your duty station ZIP code: BAH is location-specific. This tool uses local housing data to estimate your allowance. 
  2. Select pay grade: Since BAH increases with pay grade, inputting rank helps refine your estimate and align it with earnings. 
  3. Indicate dependency status: Selecting whether you have dependents will impact your monthly allowance and ensure the estimate reflects your household size. 
  4. Review your estimated BAH: The calculator will provide an estimated monthly allowance based on the information you provide. While this is not an official figure, it’s a strong starting point for budgeting and planning. 

Turning your BAH estimate into a housing plan

Putting your estimate into context is one of the best ways to utilize this number. There are a few things you can do to understand your estimated BAH and what it could do for you: 

Compare it to local housing costs

Look at rental listings or home prices in your duty station area. If your estimated BAH comfortably covers rent, renting may offer flexibility, especially if you expect another move soon.

If your BAH aligns well with mortgage payments, it could be worth looking into what options you have to buy a house, especially if you plan to stay for a few years and want to build equity. The Rocket Mortgage BAH Calculator also includes military homebuying tools and resources to help you explore these options. 

Factor in additional expenses

BAH is meant to broadly cover housing costs, but keep in mind the additional expenses. Insurance, property taxes, maintenance and repairs, and HOA fees are just a few examples of monthly costs that can come with home ownership. Even renting can require separate utility payments, additional parking fees, or annual increases to the total rental costs. It’s important to factor these into any housing budget plan you make so you aren’t relying on BAH alone. 

Think about your timeline

Military life often means moving every few years. If you’re considering buying, think about:

  • How long you expect to stay
  • Whether you’d rent the property out later
  • The potential for home value appreciation

A shorter timeline may favor renting, while a longer assignment could make buying more appealing.

A flexible benefit for a flexible lifestyle

BAH is one of the most valuable financial tools available to military families. It adapts to your location, your rank, and your needs, giving you the flexibility to choose housing that works for your lifestyle.

By combining a solid understanding of how BAH works with tools like the Rocket Mortgage BAH calculator, you can approach your next move with clarity and confidence. Whether you’re settling into a new duty station or planning your first home purchase, having a clear picture of your housing allowance helps you make decisions that support both your finances and your family.

Basic Allowance for Housing FAQs: 

Who is eligible for BAH? 

BAH is for active-duty service members and their families. If you or your spouse is currently serving full-time in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, or Coast Guard, you’re eligible to receive it. 

Do I have to pay taxes on BAH? 

No, BAH is a tax-free benefit not subject to federal or Social Security taxes. 

How often does BAH change? 

The BAH rates are updated annually and are effective on January 1. Individual rate protection prevents your BAH from going down as long as you are assigned to your duty station. A reduction to your rate only happens with a pay grade reduction or a change in dependency status for your family. 

Want to write a guest post??? Soldier’s Wife, Crazy Life is looking for guest posts! Have something interesting you want to write about the military spouse community? Have advice for new military spouses? Want to share about your duty station? Want to share your story?  If so…please fill out my Soldier’s Wife, Crazy Life Guest Post Form here! 

Celebrating the Holidays Overseas When You Are Stationed in Guam

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If you’re like me, you probably have a soft spot for the cheesiness and heart of Hallmark Christmas movies. Like clockwork, the characters embrace their hometowns, are changed for the better, and are filled with holiday cheer. While we probably aren’t running our family’s bakery or tree farm, there’s a part of all of us that dreams about being home for the holidays surrounded by our loved ones.

However, for military families like us that are stationed overseas, going home is often impossible when thousands of dollars and so many hours of travel time stand in our way. There is a level of loss and heaviness as we see our group chats and social media feeds filled with beloved traditions that we are forced to miss yet again. The holidays remind us, more than any other time of year, how much we miss. 

That isn’t to say, however, that the holidays are always a blue season. In our two years in Guam, my husband and I have found joy by recreating our favorite traditions and forging new ones. 

  1. Leaning on Friends

Like so many people, we found comfort in participating in a Friendsgiving this year. We traveled with three other families to nearby Saipan for a long weekend filled with food, friendship, and lots of time at the pool. We had the traditional fixings of turkey and stuffing, but there was also a sizeable sushi buffet and various island favorites. In a holiday centered around gratitude, we were thankful to have friends who have become our community.

Last Christmas, I travelled back home to visit my family, but my husband had to stay behind because of work commitments. I worried about him becoming lonely, but he was warmly included by his friends. From being welcomed into a family dinner on Christmas Eve to making a breakfast casserole on Christmas with two other friends who were away from their families, he made memories he still fondly recounts. 

  1. Making New Traditions

During our first Thanksgiving in Guam, I felt discouraged and overwhelmed at the idea of making a traditional dinner with all the fixings just for my husband and me. My husband suggested that we take a trip during that long weekend and totally reinvent what we would normally eat. We took a short plane ride to Tokyo and ate endless courses of sushi on Thanksgiving. Immersing ourselves in a new city and culture helped us to create new memories, and we want to find ways to include sushi in all of our Thanksgiving dinners now! 

  1. Finding the Familiar When You’re Far Away

While there is a lot that has changed in our lives, there are some simple things we have kept the same. We still set up our Christmas tree and enjoy viewing Christmas decorations. Whether it’s the giant Christmas tree at the mall, festive decorations in hotel lobbies (including an impressive gingerbread house), or watching a Christmas parade, there are familiar nods to home everywhere we look.

It might be over 80 degrees outside, but that doesn’t mean we can’t turn our television into a virtual fireplace and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate. I’m looking forward to baking Christmas cookies, wrapping presents, and attending Christmas Eve mass. The military takes so many things out of our control, but focusing on what we can is what makes all the difference. 

While there’s nothing quite like being home for the holidays, military families know that home is wherever we’re currently stationed. In whatever country or continent we find ourselves in, we find new and familiar ways to make the holidays special. 

Katie McDonald is a Navy wife, and she and her husband are currently stationed in Guam. After 5 years as an English teacher, Katie is currently working as a freelance writer and enjoys writing about books and travel.. https://www.katiereads.com/

Want to write a guest post??? Soldier’s Wife, Crazy Life is looking for guest posts! Have something interesting you want to write about the military spouse community? Have advice for new military spouses? Want to share about your duty station? Want to share your story? 

 If so…please fill out my Soldier’s Wife, Crazy Life Guest Post Form here! 

Settling In at Ramstein: 5 Things Every Military Spouse Should Know

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Moving to Germany can feel exciting – and overwhelming – at the same time. Whether you’re here on a short TDY/TLA stay or in the middle of a PCS waiting for permanent housing, the first days set the tone for everything that follows. Many spouses arrive asking the same questions: Where do we stay? How do we get around? How do we meet people?

Here are five insights inspired by real experiences from families who’ve already settled into the KMC.

1. Finding a Place to Stay

Your first lodging in Germany shapes your entire transition. Most families begin in TLA/TDY-friendly accommodations before moving into their long-term home. The right setup can make those first weeks feel manageable instead of chaotic.

Popular areas with short commutes include Ramstein-Miesenbach, Landstuhl, Weilerbach, Mackenbach, and Kaiserslautern.

Look for essentials that simplify your daily routine: a full kitchen, laundry, and high-speed Wi-Fi — especially if you’re juggling kids, appointments, or paperwork. Make sure to ask whether utilities like electricity, water, and heating are included in the per diem or covered under your TLA allowance, since some off-base units list these costs separately. Knowing the full daily rate up front helps avoid unexpected expenses and ensures the documentation is accepted by Finance.

Working with a company that specializes in short-term TLA/TDY stays can make this part much easier. These providers are familiar with the standards for TLA reimbursement and typically include the essentials—furnished apartments, full kitchens, laundry, utilities, and reliable internet—so families don’t have to worry about surprises during in-processing. In the KMC, options like Stay Eden (https://stay-eden.com) offer fully equipped apartments and dependable English-speaking support. 

Pro tip: If there’s a chance housing might be delayed, choose a place where extending your stay is easy. It prevents the stress of moving multiple times. 

2. Getting Around

Many newcomers assume Ramstein station is the main hub because it shares the name of the base, but it’s actually Landstuhl that has the better connections — a surprise for almost everyone arriving for the first time. Still, many families choose to get a car, especially with children or during the winter. In the smaller towns and villages around Ramstein, having your own car makes daily life much easier, since buses run less frequently and flexibility matters during PCS and in-processing.

On the Autobahn, some stretches have no speed limit, while others use strict speed cameras. Just keep an eye on the signs — they really do matter here. 

Train connections are efficient:

  • Kaiserslautern → Mannheim: 40–50 minutes
    (Mannheim is a big regional hub with lots of train connections, so once you’re there, it’s easy to reach other major cities.)
  • Kaiserslautern → Frankfurt International Airport: 1–1.5 hours

Buses supplement the rail system and can take you to the bus stops just outside the base gates.

Insider tip: Download the DB Navigator app – it shows real-time routes, schedules, and delays. And if you’re driving, many locals use a “blitzer app” to stay aware of speed cameras. Keep in mind that using them while driving is not permitted.

3. Finding Your Community

The KMC is huge, but it’s still easy to feel isolated when you first get here. Building a network makes a world of difference.

Great places to start include:

  • Facebook groups like “Ramstein Spouses” and “KMC Connect”
  • USO events, fitness classes, and local German clubs
  • Playgroups such as KMC Parents Support Group, MOPS KMC, or local toddler meet-ups
  • Youth sports through Ramstein Youth Sports, CYS, or community soccer clubs
  • Casual coffee meet-ups hosted by the USO or groups like KMC Coffee & Friends


Honestly, many friendships start with nothing more than a simple, ‘Are you new here too?’

4. Understanding Cultural Differences

Germany isn’t complicated – it’s just different, and most of it clicks once you’re living here.

  • Cash matters. Most big stores accept credit cards, but many cafés and small shops prefer cash or German debit cards.
  • Sundays are quiet. Nearly everything is closed, and loud household chores are discouraged.
  • Small talk is limited. Germans may seem direct, but it’s not meant to be rude.
  • Recycling is serious. Expect colored bins and weekly schedules; ask your landlord how it works.
  • Store hours vary. Supermarkets usually close earlier than in the U.S., often by 8–9 p.m., and small shops in rural areas may close even earlier. Most places are completely closed by 10 p.m., so late-night grocery runs aren’t really an option. Many local bakeries are only open in the mornings, especially on weekends.

Many Germans speak good English, especially in the KMC area, even if they’re modest about it at first.

Insider tip: A simple smile or “Danke” often changes the whole tone. Germans just take a moment to warm up.

5. Don’t Forget Yourself — Self-Care During a PCS

A PCS isn’t only logistics—it’s emotional work. You’re adjusting to a new country while supporting everyone else. It’s normal to feel stretched thin.

What truly helps in the KMC:

  • When you have a free moment, planning a small day trip can help break the PCS fog.
    Burg Nanstein, Gelterswoog Lake, and Kaiserslautern’s old town are easy, low-effort options.
  • Try something new together.
    A Saturday-morning bakery run, grabbing a real Brezel, a Christmas market in winter, or a summer wine fest with a cold “Schorle” can bring instant joy and help shift your focus from stress to curiosity.
  • Build gentle routines.
    A daily walk, a coffee ritual, journaling, or a favorite bakery stop can anchor your day when everything feels unfamiliar.
  • Give yourself permission to slow down.
    Jet lag, paperwork, and housing stress drain your energy. It’s okay to take things one step at a time.
  • Use local wellness options.
    Spas and saunas are a big part of German culture—quiet, affordable, and surprisingly restorative.

Insider tip: Even a quick visit to Monte Mare Kaiserslautern — with its warm pools, saunas, and quiet relaxation rooms — can feel like hitting a mental reset on PCS stress. If you prefer something closer to base, Cubo Sauna & Wellnessmassage in Landstuhl is a calm, cozy alternative. 

Conclusion

Life in the KMC becomes easier much faster than most newcomers expect. Choosing the right lodging — with the space, comfort, and essentials you need — makes those first weeks feel steadier and gives you an anchor while everything else is still new. With a car or the DB Navigator app, a solid understanding of lodging options, realistic expectations for TLA, and a few cultural insights, Ramstein quickly starts to feel familiar. Patience and a bit of local know-how make the transition not only manageable but genuinely rewarding. Germany offers small-town comfort, a strong community, and easy access to Europe — all from one of the busiest U.S. military hubs overseas.


About the Author
Laura Gerdes is a local housing expert in the KMC and supports military families in finding comfortable off-base lodging near Ramstein Air Base. Having lived in the community herself, she shares practical insights with newcomers and hosts one of the most active local Facebook groups linking landlords with U.S. renters: ‘KMC Rentals’ (https://www.facebook.com/groups/kmcrentals)

Settling In at Ramstein: 5 Things Every Military Spouse Should Know

What to Know About Being Stationed in Guam

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Moving to Guam may come with a range of emotions for your family. My husband was excited for the sandy beaches, clear blue water, proximity to major cities like Tokyo and Seoul, and the more laidback culture that awaited us. I was nervous to be thousands of miles and a full twenty-four hours (minimum) of travel away from my family and friends.

I worried about finding a job, a community, and a sense of “home” in a place that would feel so different from the East Coast. It’s okay to feel both ends of the emotional spectrum and to oscillate between them in the lead-up to your move; change is exciting and scary! To help build your excitement further and ease your worries, here are 5 things you should know about moving to Guam. 

What to Know About Being Stationed in Guam
  1. Life is Slower Here

Growing up on Long Island, I was used to a go-go-go lifestyle in a crowded and bustling part of the country. Guam, however, is a chance to step back and savor those stunning sunsets and take the time to just float in the ocean. The speed limit throughout the island caps off at 35mph.

Rather than seeing this as an inconvenience, enjoy the chance to look at the waves and palm trees as you listen to the radio. Mail is slow right now, and we all let out a collective groan when we get the notification that our package is being transported by boat. Sure, I miss my 2-day Amazon Prime shipping and don’t love waiting two months for a package, but it helps me plan ahead for purchases, be resourceful about finding what I need nearby, and resist the temptation to impulse shop. 

  1. A Strong Sense of Community

Whether you live on base or off, there are a lot of opportunities to create a strong community of friends and found family. With the steep prices of airline tickets and the long journey back, it’s not feasible for a lot of military families to visit the States for the holidays and special events. While homesickness is very real with those geographic barriers, know that you are very much not alone in your feelings.

Everyone is a little homesick, and we make an effort to hang out together to keep the loneliness at bay. From celebrating toddlers’ birthdays to going to trivia nights at breweries to joining a pickleball league, we have found many ways to hang out with friends and expand our circle. Military spouse Facebook groups have helped me to find book clubs and volunteer opportunities, and I love finding women who share similar interests and passions with me.

Village festivals, church fiestas, Night Markets, and the many events sponsored at Andersen Air Force Base and Naval Base Guam all help to create a sense of community and fun. 

What to Know About Being Stationed in Guam
  1. New Flavors

When you attend a festival, fiesta, Night Market, or Chamorro BBQ, you might notice some new foods and flavors. Red rice gets its color from achote seeds, but don’t worry, the red color doesn’t mean it’s spicy. KFC, surprisingly, serves some solid red rice, and it’s one of the first things I pile on my plate. Kelaguen is a similar cooking preparation to ceviche because the chosen protein is mixed with lemon juice, salt, and hot peppers. BBQ chicken, shrimp, octopus, and other fish are common meats in this. “Pika” means spicy in Chamorro, and Guam’s famous denanche’ (hot sauce) is made with donne’ peppers. My husband especially likes it when coconut crab meat is added! Familiar fruits like mangos and avocados grow on Guam, but you can also try less familiar ones like soursop and star apple. Don’t be afraid to ask vendors about the foods they’re selling or to reach out to a farmer to learn more about local dishes and produce! 

  1. New Kinds of Seasons

While you won’t get spring, fall, and winter, there are two distinct seasons in what feels like an endless summer. We moved in the height of rainy season, which stretches from July to November. Does this mean it rains all day, every day? No, but you can expect heavy rains in the afternoons and a greater chance of a typhoon.

Typhoon season is pretty similar to hurricane season, and the same preparations and precautions apply. It’s a good idea to always have flashlights, batteries, canned food, and bottled water on hand. Dry season brings cooler breezes, far less rain, and more sunny days. Guam has daily earthquakes, but the majority of them are far too small to even feel. When they are large enough to feel, they usually do not cause damage, but they did catch me by surprise! 

What to Know About Being Stationed in Guam
  1. New Hobbies

Because of Guam’s year-round tropical weather and beautiful beaches, many people take advantage of this rare opportunity to spend so much time on or near the water. Many people will become dive certified to explore the clear waters teeming with fish in the surrounding reefs. If you’re a bit less adventurous like me, you may enjoy observing a wide variety of marine life while snorkeling instead. From paddleboarding to cycling around the island to sunset yoga to waterfall hikes, there’s so many ways to enjoy the great outdoors by yourself, with your family, or with a new group of friends. Facebook groups are your friend here to find people with similar interests, and you’ll soon find your calendar filling with adventures. 

Katie McDonald is a Navy wife, and she and her husband are currently stationed in Guam. After 5 years as an English teacher, Katie is currently working as a freelance writer and enjoys writing about books and travel.. https://www.katiereads.com/

Want to write a guest post??? Soldier’s Wife, Crazy Life is looking for guest posts! Have something interesting you want to write about the military spouse community? Have advice for new military spouses? Want to share about your duty station? Want to share your story? 

 If so…please fill out my Soldier’s Wife, Crazy Life Guest Post Form here! 

When It Is Time To Say Goodbye, To A Place You Called Home

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When It Is Time To Say Goodbye, To A Place You Called Home

The day is finally here, and you can’t really believe it. The movers will be here at 7, or maybe 8. Hopefully no later than 9. They will come to pick up your household goods. You will see them again soon, after a five day trip across the county.

You can’t help but wonder how this happened so fast. Sure, you were ready to get out of here, four years is a long time in one place. Sure, you couldn’t wait to PCS, you had been dying to move closer to your family ever since your husband joined the military 10 years ago. But now that this move was really happening? You are a ball of emotions.

You wonder how you will say goodbye to the best friends you have made here. Will you ever see them again? Will they ever be able to visit?

You wonder how you will get to know a new community. That took a while when you first moved here. Will it take that long again?

You wonder how your kids will do. They have to start over in a new school. You know they are scared, how can you help them through?

You are not sure what you should do once you get there. Should you look for a job? Is it worth taking a few classes to get your license in a new state?

As you drink your coffee, waiting for the military movers, you hope you will like your new home. Your current place is the only home your three-year-old knows. There are so many memories in this small home.

You might hate how small the closets are, or how much in BAH you are giving up but this place is home, and now it is time to move to another one.

It is time to say goodbye to a place you have called home, and you know that is never easy.

You have gone through a PCS before, you can do this. You will shed a few tears and then move on like you always have. You will be on the road soon and this duty station will become a memory.

In the years to come, you won’t miss the traffic getting on post, but you will miss all the playdates you had at the park by Starbucks.

You won’t miss how difficult getting a well-child appointment for your kids was, but you will miss the little cafe you would meet your husband at for lunch sometimes, waiting to pick up your son from pre-school.

You won’t miss how hard making good friends here way, but you will miss the friends you did meet, the memories you made, and all the fun you had together.

A PCS is an emotional time for any military spouse. You have to say goodbye to a place you have called home. You might never return, and you might never see these people again.

We are so lucky to live in a time with Facebook so we can keep in touch very easily. We can text our friends as we head our separate ways. We can watch their kids grow up through photos, even though we probably remember them the ages they were when we said goodbye.

We can look forward to starting over in a new place. We trade humidity for Alaskan summers. We trade being close to home for overseas experiences. We learn to live anywhere and bloom where we are stationed.

And after a few years, it is time to move again. To start the process all over. To watch the moving truck come and go.

To clean the house one last time. To pack the car. And watch your past fade into the future.

And there will be tears, and there will be laughter, and there will be hope. Hope that in your new place you can feel at home again soon. That this PCS will be a little easier because you have been through it all before.

You have hope that you will make new best friends, ones you will make some amazing memories with.

You have hope that you will get to know a new community, and your new duty station will soon feel just like home sooner, rather than later.

You have hope that your kids will be okay, and will look at this as an adventurous part of their childhood.

It is time to say goodbye to a place you have called home, and you know that is never easy. But you also know that this move is apart of your military life journey. And that no matter how different your new place is from what you knew before, you will figure everything out, as so many military spouses have done before.

Are you PCSing anytime soon? Where will you be going???

5 Things to Do When You Hate Your Duty Station

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5 Things to Do When You Hate Your Duty Station

So you hate your duty station. You have tried. You really have. But you can’t stand it. And you won’t be PCSing anytime soon. What should you do? How do you make peace with it? Can you?

Here are some ideas:

1) Cry it out

Okay, so you hate your duty station. Please take a moment, cry about it, get it all out, because you are going to need to pull it together to create a plan. You can’t stay in the crying stage, but use it as a motivator to help you figure something out.

Like it or not, the military is going to send you where it wants to, even if you hate it. It is a good idea to figure out ways to make even the worst duty station work for you.

2) Make a plan

Okay, you had a good cry. Now it is time to make a plan. Sit down and make a list.

Try to come up with positives about the area and your home. Perhaps it’s that you are only 15 minutes from an airport, so traveling is 110% easier than it was before, when you were two hours away from one. Maybe it’s the fact that your kids have already found a fun friend base, and even if you are still working on it for yourself, that is something to celebrate.

Think of the positives. I know that is not always going to be easy, but it is there. Now, make a list of what you dislike, and once you have done that, think of anything within your power that you can do to address those issues.

You won’t be able to fix everything. I can’t fix the traffic in the Fort Campbell area, and trust me when I say it is the worst. However, there are some things you can fix; sometimes, you just need to think about it for a while. There is something you can do to improve your time at your duty station. There really is.

3) Join some groups

Okay, one of the best ways to enjoy a duty station is to find your people. And I know what some of you are thinking. You have tried to find your people, but everyone here sucks.

The reality? There is not one duty station where everyone sucks. Okay? There just isn’t. People are people, and they come in all types. I am not saying there are not sucky situations. There are. However, in many cases, getting out there and meeting new people is likely to be beneficial.

So join some groups. Whatever type of thing you are into. Do you like to read? Join a book club. Do you want to hike? Joining a hiking club. Have little kids? Join MOPS or another playgroup. Even going to the park regularly can help you meet new people.

4) Explore

Have you explored your area? Taken a day trip? Make a plan to explore some of the things in your area. It might surprise you.

Sometimes, we can become so caught up in the day-to-day that we miss what is around us. And there might be some fantastic things. Make a bucket list of fun things to explore. It should brighten your outlook.

5) Create a home

You might not be able to control the city you are in, or the way the duty station is, but you can focus on your actual home. Whether it is a condo, apartment, a house, or military housing, make it yours as much as you can. Having a comforting place to relax can go a long way.

Sometimes, you just hate your duty station, and it can feel like nothing can be done about it. During military life, you could end up somewhere you don’t want to be for many different reasons. Finding ways to make peace with where you are will go a long way. And you could be pleasantly surprised by what you find out.

5 Things to Do When You Hate Your Duty Station

10 Things To Know About Being Stationed At Fort Campbell

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10 Things To Know About Being Stationed At Fort Campbell

In 2010, our family flew into Nashville and started the Fort Campbell chapter of our lives. When my husband got out of active duty in 2014, he joined the National Guard, and we stayed put here in Clarksville, TN. I have now lived here longer than anywhere else besides where I grew up.

If you just found out you are going to be stationed at Fort Campbell, congratulations! While I can’t guarantee what type of experience you will have here, you can have an excellent one. Not everyone likes Ft. Campbell; some people hate it, but others love the place and plan to stay here long-term.

So, if you plan to move here soon, here are just a few things to know about being stationed at Fort Campbell:

1. Fort Campbell is on the border of Tennessee and Kentucky, literally

Fort Campbell is literally on the border of Tennessee and Kentucky. Being from California, which is such a huge state, going out of state still seems so funny to me, and yet, here, I do it all the time. If you have a baby at Fort Campbell, their birth certificate says, “Fort Campbell, Tennessee,” even though that doesn’t exist. Officially, Fort Campbell is considered in Kentucky, but some of the military post is actually on the Tennessee side of the line.

2. Don’t listen to people who say there is nothing to do; there is plenty to do

Often, I hear that there is nothing to do here. That’s not true. There is plenty to do. I think what they mean is that there are not a lot of big-city things to do, which is true, but I will talk about that in #3.

They also might not have kids. Maybe I could see feeling that way if you didn’t have kids. But there is always something going on between the post and the local communities. And they keep adding more and more things to do.

3. Don’t expect big city life, you will need to head to Nashville for that

Growing up in Southern California, I found this place much less exciting. So, for people who are used to that, it can feel like this is a small town. I have gotten used to that, but I know it can be frustrating for others. Luckily, Nashville is just about 45 minutes to an hour away, and they have a lot going on.

There are a lot of chains here, from Target to Starbucks to Dollar General, which they seem to have everywhere. But that doesn’t mean there is nothing local to enjoy; there is. There are restaurants and stores that you can’t find anywhere else. I am a big fan of Miss Lucille’s Marketplace, an indoor antique mall with a small cafe. I love the chicken salad sandwich.

10 Things To Know About Being Stationed At Fort Campbell

4. Housing is a toss-up

I have never lived on post at Fort Campbell, but I have visited friends who have over the years. Overall, housing is a toss-up. Some places seem pretty nice and are close to Starbucks and parks. Other neighborhoods seem more lacking. It just depends.

5. Traffic sucks

Good luck if you try to go to the mall at 2 pm on a Saturday. That is probably the worst time of day for traffic around here. And when traffic is bad, it is very, very bad.

Traffic gets even worse when it snows. Yikes! And this is not a very walkable area, either. You might also live five minutes from the post, and it can take you 30 minutes to get home because everyone is trying to do the same thing.

Yep, traffic sucks.

6. The weather is crazy

We have hot and “don’t want to go outside” humidity in the summer, rain and tornado season in the fall and especially in the spring, and winter is all over the place. We had a snow week in January, but also 65-degree weather just a few weeks later. A couple of days ago, things felt like spring around here, and I found snow on my car this morning. Fun times.

As far as the snow goes, it snows a lot if you are from California, Hawaii, or Florida. If you are from New England, Minnesota, or Alaska, you might wonder why everyone is freaking out. The whole city might shut down with just an inch, so stock up on your bread and milk.

7. You can buy a house for under $300K

Coming from California, housing here is really cheap. You could easily find a home for under $300k, and if you have $400K to spend, you are looking at an amazing house. One of the main reasons we stay.

10 Things To Know About Being Stationed At Fort Campbell

8. Everything you need on post is pretty close

The nice thing about Fort Campbell is that everything the military family needs is pretty close. From the PX to the Commissary to most of the housing, it’s all right there, which makes getting from place to place much easier. 

Off-post is a completely different story. Clarksville is pretty spread out, which I am still not used to even after all this time. I wish things were a little bit closer together.

9. You can live in Kentucky or Tennesee, your pick

If you decide to live off-post at Fort Campbell, you can choose whether to live in Kentucky or Tennessee. Most people pick Clarksville, but some enjoy residing in Oak Grove or Hopkinsville in Kentucky. There are plenty of options for off-post living here.

10. They need more bookstores

This whole area needs more bookstores. That is my personal rant. We do have a Books-a-Million, which has a great selection and a lot of amazing deals. There is also a lovely used bookstore downtown, but adding another one, plus another library, would be great. As of April 2025, they will be opening a new bookstore near Exit 1. There have also been a few added to Hopkinsville since I originally wrote this article.

If you do get orders to Fort Campbell, research housing, look into things to do, and know you can have a fantastic experience here.

You can also check out some of the post from my Facebook page on the Pros and Cons of being stationed at Fort Campbell.