(Gloucestercitynews.net)(February 11, 2020)–The U.S. military issues instructions and operations for nearly every imaginable scenario — in case of emergency, in case of attack, in case of disorder. But when it comes to the case of marrying a military man or woman, there is no instruction manual. The vows you take apply to both your beloved and the country they serve, and suddenly, your concept of \”family\” must grow to encompasses the entire army, navy, air force or marines.
No one tells you that the civilian life you knew will come to a sudden halt and a new life, complete with new rules and regulations, begins when you become a military spouse. Though this new life may seem overwhelming at first, knowing how to handle a few common issues can make transitioning into your new role, a new marriage and new life a little easier.
Dealing With Deployment
Every military spouse is inevitably faced with the deployment of their wife or husband. The threat of their sudden departure hangs heavy in the air when the couples are together knowing that at any time, they may need to separate for months, sometimes years at a time.
When deployment occurs, the first night is always the hardest, but it does get easier from there. Staying busy during a loved one\’s absence is the first bit of
advice that experienced military spouses offer
. Filling your days with chores and activities is a critical strategy to keep the mind occupied and the nerves calmed. Another pearl of wisdom to help deal with deployment is to be prepared and plan ahead. Changing from a partnership to a single entity means you have twice the household obligations and responsibilities, including maintaining the day-to-day operations of life and home. That\’s why it\’s wise to plan ahead and get as much done as possible before the deployment.
For instance, military spouses left behind might learn that obtaining better auto insurance rates before your spouse leaves can save you time, effort and money. Some providers like
USAA auto insurance
make accommodations specifically for military families. With plans in place, the first night of deployment as well as those that follow, will not seem so unbearable.
Managing Money
The military offers some great benefits to its members and their spouses like free healthcare and retirement packages, so knowing what you are entitled to and how to claim it should be near the top of your list of things to do early in your military life.
For example,
the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
is strictly for military individuals and their families and offers simple investment choices and automatic enrollment. It is comparable to many 401(k) plans civilians have. The investments are all index funds, meaning they simply track the market instead of being actively managed, which means they are relatively safer and they yield greater savings that are passed directly to you. All members of the U.S. armed forces can contribute, and it\’s never too early to plan for retirement.
Moving Matters
Whether it be a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) or a temporary travel assignment, the process of moving is certainly stressful; and with upwards of
400,000 servicemen and woman PCS annually
, that stress is quite common.
If you\’re lucky enough to stay in the States, your moving process is significantly less complicated. You\’ll want to start out with your local transportation office and then decide how much you want to do on your own. If you are comfortable with Uncle Sam taking the reigns, he can help you with housing, relocation assistance referrals, transportation and employment in your new location, allowing you to focus on yourself and your family.
By following these tips on dealing with the difficult and inevitable heartbreak of deployment, mastering the management of money and navigating the waters of a military move, you\’ll be well on your way to becoming a veteran military spouse and growing ever more comfortable in your new life.