Joining the Military Community

Now that you’ve got the basics of military life covered, it’s time to connect with your new military community. Unlock the discounts your military ID brings, participate in local events and know where to turn for solutions when you’re faced with new challenges.

Your military ID grants you reduced rates for exclusive recreation services that help you live military life to the fullest without emptying your wallet. Service members and their families get discounts on hotels, car rentals, theme park tickets and vacation packages. Plus, you can score savings on sporting events, brewery tours, movie tickets and more.

The Defense Department and the military services’ morale, welfare and recreation programs provide services and activities for the military community during peacetime, readiness contingencies and deployments.

You can connect to all kinds of fun programs and activities as well as take advantage of its digital library containing lots of do-it-yourself manuals and helpful resources. Whether you’re looking to work on a small engine or learn about investing, you’ll find what you need to get started right here.

Financial security at home allows all service members to be more focused and mission-ready, which is why the military offers so many free resources and services to help you make the most of your monthly pay.

You can work to cut up your credit cards, afford that car you’ve long had your eye on — or even make a down payment on your first home.

Emergencies and challenges can appear without warning for anyone. The military community is especially well-equipped to help you handle anything life might throw at you.

Military life carries its own unique challenges, and these can affect the quality of your relationships. Military OneSource provides support to help you strengthen all of your relationships.

Frequent moves and other aspects of military life can make it challenging for spouses to pursue or maintain a career. The Defense Department has programs that help military spouses prepare for careers and connect with employers.

As a service member, you can expect PCS and deployments to be part of your military life. The Defense Department offers plenty of support for both.

Life is full of challenges. Military life is, too. You have many options — from wellness apps to health and wellness coaching — to help you manage stress. You can even vent to a licensed counselor whenever the stress of military life gets too much, without your commander, unit or family members knowing you reached out.

In addition to the information and support offered through your command, you have access to a wide range of services through Military OneSource.