When I first met my husband I was convinced I’d never fit into the military community.
It’s overwhelming trying to figure all this stuff out. Back in the Midwest, where my husband and I are from, people keep the same friends their whole life. They live down the street from a whole network of grandparents, aunts, cousins and close friends.
Going into military life was a complete 180 degree turn for me.
Favorite resources for military spouses.
One amazing thing about military life though is there ARE a lot of resources available to families.
I say, the more you tap into these resources, the easier milspouse life can be.
1. Best Deployment Resources for Military Spouses
Deployments are challenging, no matter how many you have been through. But these programs and organizations are here to make life just a little bit easier for military spouses going through deployment. Most are available throughout the country, so get the support you need from these deployment resources for military spouses.
2. Quick Start Guide to Acronyms and Abbreviations for Military Spouses
You’ll want this giant cheat sheet of acronyms you may encounter as a military significant other or spouse. It doesn’t include every single one, because there are waaayyy too many. And some are specific to just one branch. But this should work for most situations and give you clues to those crazy acronyms your service member keeps dropping into conversations. Soon, you’ll be seasoned enough to just reply Rgr (Roger) to such messages.
3. The Ultimate Guide to Space A Travel for Military Spouses
You’ve heard about this thing called Space Available Military Travel (aka Space-A). It sounds cool, because hey, free flights, right? But it seems kind of daunting, because you have no idea what the rules are or how to get started.
Sound familiar? If you’re wondering how you can take advantage of this opportunity as a military spouse, here’s a primer to help you understand the who, what, where, and how of Space-A flying.
4. Free Resources for Surviving Deployment as a Military Wife
Getting through deployment as a pregnant military wife was going to be more difficult unless I made a plan and pulled my hormones together. These are 5 key (and free) resources that any pregnant military wife will appreciate.
5. The Best List of Places That Give Military Discounts
I don’t have the time or energy for couponing. I am terrible at remembering to check sales. I always hesitate to seek out places that give military discounts, and sometimes I just assume they don’t. That is, until the day I purchased my computer. I would have saved over one hundred dollars that day, had I known.
A couple months after buying my iMac, I discovered that Best Buy has a 10% discount for military members. I would have walked away with a $1,000 computer for only $900 if I knew about that military discount.
I’m still paying it off.
That’s when I started researching businesses that offer military discounts. I found so many products and services that could benefit my family and also realized that a lot of places I visit on a regular basis have discounts that I’ve been missing out on.
6. Genius Tips, Hacks and Tricks for Surviving Your Next Deployment
Military spouses regularly ask, “What’s the secret to surviving deployment?” I think there’s a part of us all that wants to know what others are doing so we can wash, rinse and repeat methods that work. Myself included.
Instead of working harder, work smarter with these tips for surviving deployment shared by military spouses from all over the world.
7. How to Create an Emergency Roadside Kit for Deployment
While you should have a roadside emergency kit in your vehicle at all times, deployment is the most important time to have this prepped and ready!
Plus, 10 Things a Military Spouse Should Keep in the Car at All Times
8. The Essential List of Care Package DOs and DON’Ts.
Learn the best ways to decorate a care package, how to get free care package materials, what and what not to send in a military care package. Plus, see our top puns and themes for care packages.
Plus check out this how-to guide if you have a friend or family member that wants to send a care package and they haven’t yet: How to Send Care Packages to Troops Overseas – Idiot’s Guide
9. Printable Deployment Binder for Military Families
Here’s what’s included:
- Cover page.
- Master deployment guide (Learn what to do week-by-week, step-by-step).
- Legal checklist
- Vehicle maintenance checklist
- Home maintenance checklist – Part 1
- Home maintenance checklist – Part 2
- Document must-have checklist
- Account information list
- Budget worksheet – part 1
- Budget worksheet – part 2
- Budget worksheet – part 3
- Password information list
- Emergency phone number list
- OPSEC / PERSEC guidelines
- Goals checklist pre-filled – part 1
- Goals checklist pre-filled – part 2
- Goals checklist blank
- Care packages – part 1
- Care packages – part 2
10. The Ultimate Guide to Deployment Resources for Military Kids
No matter their age, military kids may struggle during deployment. Some act sad and lonely when they miss their deployed parent. Other times, military children misbehave or act out because they can’t adjust to the massive stress and changes that deployment brings.
Thankfully, military kids don’t have to go through deployment alone! These products, programs, services, and gifts are all designed to support military children during deployment. Some products must be purchased. Others are completely free to military families. Check out our extensive list of deployment resources for military kids. See which ones will be most helpful to your child during a military deployment.
11. Facebook Groups for Military Spouses
I would say the military community is still largely on Facebook for their groups. Facebook groups can immediately get you connected with support, people in your area, and lightning quick knowledge that can help you find answers quickly.
- 13 Totally Awesome Military Spouse Facebook Groups You Didn’t Know About
- Where to Find Helpful MilSO (aka Military Significant Other) Groups Online
Great resource list! I read a post from another military wife earlier today and she mentioned that her husband is being deployed again. He bought her what she calls pity flowers and she said that even after 12 years it still doesn’t get easier.
It really doesn’t get easier. A separation is a separation, and it is always tough. I would take pity flowers if my husband gave them to me, ha ha. Thanks for stopping by and sharing such a thoughtful comment. Have a great day, Ana.
Lauren
Love!
Thank you Alexandra! Have a wonderful day, and thank you so much for stopping by 🙂
Lauren
Great list!!! I love Military One Source! I have ordered tons of material from them to put in the welcome baskets for all of our incoming families.
That’s a great idea! Thanks for that tip, Jay 🙂
Lauren