Home
 
Relationships
 
Support Community
Service member hugging her mom

Support Your Service Member

Military OneSource is your link to military life, with information tailored for Friends and Extended Family.

As a parent, sibling, grandparent, fiancé, extended family member or friend of a service member, you feel pride for your loved one’s call to serve. You may also have questions about your service member’s military experience. We have answers for you.

The Department of Defense and Military OneSource understand you are a source of strength in your service member’s support network. That’s why we are committed to helping you better understand military life, military culture and the resources available to your loved one. After all, you are now part of the extended military community.

Sign Up

Subscribe today to the Friends & Family Connection eNewsletter, a newsletter written specifically for a service member’s network of support. You’ll receive regular information, insights and tips that will help you support your service member and stay connected to military life.

About Military OneSource

Military OneSource is a Department of Defense program that connects service members and their immediate families to information, answers and support to live their best MilLife. As an extended family member or friend, you are a vital part of your service member's support network, and it’s important you know the promise we make to them.

Explore Articles

A male Air Force captain listens to a radio during an outdoor training exercise.

Common Military Acronyms

Sometimes it feels like the military has a language all its own made entirely of acronyms and abbreviations. And while your service member is probably fluent in this strange tongue, you may need a little help to keep up.

A sailor hugs a loved one after returning from deployment.

How to Support Your Service Member Before Deployment

Your service member has just told you that they’ve received “orders to mobilize” – that means they’ll soon be deployed. Here’s what those deployment orders mean for both your service member and you as their family member.

Service member receiving a care package.

Sending a Military Care Package: What You Need to Know

Military care packages deliver a welcome piece of home to your service member while they’re away – whether that’s your child, fiancé, sibling or friend. Here are some appropriate ways to send those care packages to your service member throughout their time in the military.

Navy Chief is pinned by her family.

Military Promotions: What Friends and Family Should Know

A military promotion is a significant achievement in a service member’s career. Some promotions are more meaningful than others, especially as service members move up in rank. As a loved one, understanding the significance and impact of your service member’s next promotion can help you prepare for this important milestone.

Recruits line up and call home after arriving at boot camp

What to Know Before Your Service Member Leaves for Boot Camp

This list can help you - whether you are a parent, sibling, friend, fiancé or extended family member – to get ready before your service member ships off to basic training, or boot camp.

sailor proposes to his girlfriend during a homecoming arrival

What You Need to Know About Marrying Into the Military

If you are marrying a service member, congratulations. You are about to join an elite community of people who have committed to serve their country in a profound and meaningful way. Here are some things to know as you begin your journey as a military spouse.

Explore Our Website
A few of the ways we can help your service member:
  • Health and Wellness Coaching
  • Moving Services in the Military
  • Financial and Tax Consultation
  • Confidential Non-medical Counseling
  • Education Planning
  • Peer-to-Peer Support
Service members can also:

Speak with a consultant

OCONUS dialing options

Chat with a consultant

Schedule an Online Consultation

*Certain Military OneSource services are only available to service members and spouses. View more information on eligibility.

Share this page with family and friends of a service member you know. Encourage them to sign up for Friends & Family Connection eNewsletter to stay connected to the service member in their life.