When I first became a military girlfriend, the Internet was fairly new and Facebook hadn’t been invented yet.

(And yes, in case you’re wondering, that makes me feel old.)

During my Marine’s first few deployments to Iraq, I was in college, far from any military base. I did not know any other military girlfriends or spouses and felt very disconnected from the military unit.

Those were difficult days, full of uncertainty and an incredible lack of communication.

Thankfully, times for MILSOs have changed.

The internet has exploded with pages and group to support military loved ones. Military life is still just as challenging, but being able to connect with military spouses and significant others from around the country makes it easier to find support and get quick answers to questions.

The trouble now is that there are almost too many different groups and pages. Navigating the online milso community can feel confusing and intimidating, especially if you are new to military life.

While most groups tend to be welcoming and supportive, a few tend towards negative drama and can be quick to jump on a milso who asks a “stupid question” or doesn’t use correct military terms.

Related: 13 Birthday Gift Ideas for a Deployed Boyfriend

Don’t waste your time with groups like that. Instead, we’ve done the work here for you to find the best FB groups for milsos and new military spouses!

General support groups for MILSO’s and Military Spouses

At the time of writing, all these pages were verified to be active and welcoming new members.

Milspouse Tribe:

This is a large supportive and welcoming community, carefully moderated to encourage milsos and spouses. “MilSpouse Tribe is an online community that seeks to encourage and empower military spouses of ALL branches to effect change. Let’s lift each other up and inspire one another to chase our dreams. As military spouses we live and have lived a unique life with unique challenges. We were not meant to not just survive, but THRIVE in this life. We are proud, fearless and resilient group of people!”

Military Spouse Advocacy Network:

Their mission is to “create stronger military families through education, empowerment and support.” The unique thing about this page is that they can connect you to a branch-specific mentor to answer your questions about military life.

Military Bridge:

This page has info about national discounts, local resources, and benefit programs for military families. It’s a great resource!

Soldier’s Wife, Crazy Life Blog Community:

While the majority of these group members may be Army spouses, it is open to loved ones from all branches. With 15,000 members, this is one of the largest milso/milspouse groups online and a great place to get answers on almost any topic.

Modern Milspouse:

They offer support without the drama! The group’s admin says, “This is a group where you can ask questions, get answers and connect with others who understand what you’re going through. Welcome, friend… We got you.”

Strength4Spouses:

First she launched the campaign #morethanamilspouse to highlight the unique stories and talents of military spouses. Now, this site admin says, “My goal is to to inspire, educate, share resources, and help you find your inner strength to make it through the ups and downs of military life.” It is a positive and encouraging site with military resources.

The Men’s Room for Male Military Spouses:

Yes, we know there are male spouses out there, and they don’t always feel welcomed in groups that are labeled for “military wives and girlfriends.” This group has been going strong for 7 years, and is a “watering hole for male spouses to do guy things.”

Pride + Grit:

The group focuses on spouses, significant others and civilians. It’s a refreshingly honest page that admits it’s okay to love a service member and struggle with military life at the same time.

Daily Mom Military:

This site “is made up of a team of inspiring, motivated and badass military spouses who work to bring together military lifestyle along with all other things that make us more than just moms and military spouses. Fitness, lifestyle, beauty, community, resources, information, tips, and advice- you’ll find it all at Daily Mom Military.”

MILSO Private Vent and Support:

Sometimes you just need a group that lets you talk about military life with other people who get it. “We are a vent and support group. A place to ask questions, share experiences, get things off your chest and have fun.”

Handle Deployment Like a Boss:

If you’re facing a deployment or going through one now, this is the support group for you. It is carefully moderated to be supportive and encouraging for milsos or spouses of any branch. The group is packed with deployment resources, and is also a great place to get quick answers or share a frustrating moment.

Branch Specific Support Groups for MILSOs

Army Wife 101 Q&A:

This is a great page to get answers to a variety of Army-related questions. Whether you are seeking answers about resources or want to know about a new base before getting orders, you can find support here.

Army Wife Network:

This page offers “interactive empowerment by Army wives for Army wives.” They also host a radio show with resources for Army spouses.

US Army Wives, Fiancees, and Girlfriends Support:

This support group welcomes husbands and boyfriends too. “We’re here to help answer your questions and support you when dealing with the things life throws at you.”

Standing With My Hero- Army National Guard Support:

This group is committed to supporting Army National Guard girlfriends, boyfriends, husbands, and wives. It can be difficult to find resources specific to the National Guard community, so you can connect with others here to help you through.

Marine Committed:

This site is specific to girlfriends and young wives of Marines. “This is a safe place where you, as a girlfriend or young wife, can feel free to share what is on your heart without judgment or fear. Here, you will get the support you need from experienced admins who truly have a heart for you!”

The Spunky Marine Wife Support Group:

This small but engaged group claims their mission is “to promote, foster, and share a positive and open environment for Marine significant others and loved ones to learn, grow, and conquer the challenges they are faced with as they stand beside and support their Marine. Most importantly it is to help them be the strongest and fierce Marine significant other they can be!”

Officer Spouse Groups: If you are the spouse of an officer, there are a variety of groups specific to your branch or base that can offer support and answer questions. Search to find the ones most appropriate for you.

Want more on military life?

• Military Girlfriend to Military Wife: One Important Lesson You’ll Never Forget
• 43 Things Every New Military Wife Should Know
• 25+ Best Deployment Resources for Military Spouses
• 9 Unspoken Rules for FaceTiming Your Deployed Service Member