By: Emily Carter
Updated: Aug. 25, 2015
Originally Published: Feb. 2, 2012
Whenever I chat with civilian moms and mention that I’m married to someone in the military, I often get the same reaction: “I can’t believe how you manage!” I just chuckle. While there are definitely challenges that come with being a military family, there’s so much to love about this life that often goes unnoticed.
Sure, having an active duty partner has its downsides. There’s no extra pay for working long hours (and believe me, those hours can stretch from dawn till dusk—my husband frequently pulled 14-hour days). Then there are the deployments, which can feel like an eternity and can be pretty tough on the heart. But despite the obstacles, I genuinely love being a military spouse. Here are my top five reasons why:
1. Adventures in Moving
Yes, you read that correctly! My spouse and I actually enjoy relocating. Over the last 11 years, we’ve called Texas, Virginia, Germany, New Orleans, and Washington D.C. home. The stress of a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) is real, but it’s also exhilarating. Each new place brings fresh friendships, exciting adventures, and unique experiences. Without the military’s frequent moves, our lives would lack the richness they have now.
2. Healthcare Perks
While the Tricare system isn’t perfect, it offers tremendous benefits. From no copays for clinic visits to free prescriptions and hospital stays that don’t leave you bankrupt, I’ve experienced everything from seasonal allergies to surgeries and even giving birth overseas. Though not everything is flawless, I’m thankful my family has access to comprehensive healthcare.
3. Job Security
For years, my husband and I debated whether he would commit to a full 20 years in the military or explore civilian options. Each time the thought arose, we realized the civilian job market felt like a wild card compared to the stability of military life. The healthcare, housing benefits, and retirement plans are golden assets we’d struggle to find elsewhere.
4. Sweet Military Discounts
Okay, I know this might seem trivial, but hear me out! Many major retailers offer military discounts—everything from dining out to visiting amusement parks and buying cars. It’s a part of our lifestyle that civilians often overlook, but it’s a huge help for military families. Those discounts allow us to experience activities that might otherwise be out of reach.
5. A Network of Friends
All that relocating has dramatically expanded my social circle. I’ve formed incredible friendships through the military, and I’ve even crossed paths with a few celebrities (I promise to share the hilarious story of when I met Jamie Lee!). The military community is surprisingly small, meaning every new location brings both new faces and familiar ones. I’m never short on friends, no matter where life takes us. Who wouldn’t love that?
Not everyone can thrive in military life, but my family is all in and loving it. If you’re curious about home insemination and the journey to motherhood, check out this post for some insights. You can also learn more from Healthline about pregnancy and related topics, or visit Make a Mom for expert advice on insemination kits.
In summary, being a military spouse is filled with unique challenges, but the rewards—like the joy of moving, great healthcare, job security, generous discounts, and lifelong friendships—make it all worthwhile.