Military Life for Spouses

When you marry a service member, you may find you’re taking on new roles. You’re probably adapting to changing schedules, learning different ways of doing things and developing creative ways to compromise. The adjustments become much easier if you have the right information and helpful resources at your fingertips.

Here are a few ways to make the adjustment to military life as smooth as possible:

You might be wondering what those stripes and bars are on your spouse’s uniform. Those symbols represent rank — the higher the rank, the more responsibility. Having a working knowledge of ranks in the military and how to greet each rank can make you feel more at home in a military family. We provide guidance on what all the military insignia means so that you feel more confident and part of the gang.

Articles for understanding uniforms and rank

• Military Insignia: What Are Those Stripes and Bars?
• The Basics of Military Uniforms

Joining a community of military spouses can change the way you view the military. The military spouse community can:

• Provide a place where you can ask questions
• Offer support
• Allow you to make lifelong friends

You will have many chances to build your network of friends and fellow military spouses. Start by connecting with your installation’s Family Readiness Group, the Spouse Ambassador Network and through Blog Brigade.

Articles for connecting to the community

• Military Spouse Benefits
• Welcome to Military Life: Support Resources for Military Families
• Connecting to the Community

Keeping a military marriage or relationship strong requires a different skill set than a civilian marriage. Deployments and frequent relocations can add stress. Here are a few ways to strengthen your bond:

• Free, confidential relationship counseling through Military OneSource
• Marriage enrichment programs offered by each military service branch
• Love Every Day, a mobile solution that prompts you and your partner via text to connect in new ways.

Articles for strengthening your marriage or relationship

• How to Successfully Communicate as a Couple
• Relationship Checkup
• Staying Resilient While Your Partner Is Deployed
• Marriage Enrichment Programs
• Relationship Tips: Four Common Pitfalls and How to Tackle Them
• Reconnecting With Your Partner at Home
• Tips for Keeping Your Relationship Strong and Healthy

When you and your spouse are service members, dual military life can be a challenge. Staying connected while juggling the demands of two hectic careers can strain even the best relationship. Learn techniques to help you balance work and family life. And work together to develop strategies to deal with all aspects of military life.

Article for managing marriage with two service members

• Military Couples: When Both Spouses Are Service Members