My boyfriend is about to en-list in either the Army or Navy. Are there any military wives out there?

Question

I just need some information particularly if your husband is in the Navy or Army.

- What's it like where you are stationed?

- Is it hard on your husband and yourself?

- Did you get married so you could actually live together in the city/state where he's stationed?

Any other information would definitely help me!

Answer 1

First of all it's important to know NOTHING is free in the military. Your spouse works hard for those benefits. Free rent money? Sure but look at it like this, that rent money say you get 1000 a month (this is all decided on where you live) 10times out of 10 they give you this money based on WHERE YOU LIVE! Meaning...that's usually the average amount that rent is. So therefore you will have to pay your rent with that 1000 then come up with your utilities if your BAH (housing money) doesn't cover your rent say your rent is 800 then you have 200 to pay electric, water, cable and well you get the point. Living on post means they will take that 1000 in full, (remember that 1000 is only a figure for this answer) For the person that said they had PLEANTY of money to play around with, don't be fooled. Either her spouse is higher ranking or she has a job. More than likely when your spouse joins he will be lower ranking, and I have seen my share of people struggle on a privates pay. Private gets paid somewhere around 1500 a month base pay. You will get a food allowance 267 for the Army, and that's everywhere. Some places pay higher that's called COLA but that's usually over seas Germany or something and Alaska. But remember the military isn't just going to give you a whole bunch of money they give you what they see you need. The medical is a major plus! I have been stationed in so many places and have loved them all including Ft Irwin--in the middle of the Mojave--getting married for the benefits is stupid, love should make your choice, not a little bit of extra money. You will go with him, unless otherwise stated in his orders. Deployments are hard, but there are people to help you out with it. Including other military spouses. Email me if you have anyother questions! [e-mail] Good luck!

Answer 2

we were stationed at fort benning. we loved it there. everyone was really friendly, there was tons to do. its not hard until deployments come. we had a great time, we had plenty of extra money to do whatever we wanted. we went to atlanta regularly. we got married pretty much for the benefits. free healthcare and free rent money, how can you say no??

we love it so much that we are going back in. if you have any questions, e-mail me! [e-mail]

Answer 3

There is an entire community of us out here!

We are currently stationed at Fort Bragg, NC. Prior to here, we have been stationed at Fort Lewis, WA, Fort Campbell, KY and Fort Drum, NY. Each base has it's own pros and cons, and how much you like or dislike a place is really personal preference. That being said, I've found that everything is what you make of it. You can focus on the negative and be miserable, or you can find the positives, get involved and really love wherever you are.

No, Army life is not hard. At least, not in my opinion. My husband loves his job and can't see doing anything else. While there are times he may get frustrated, he is a soldier at heart and wouldn't get out of the Army if they paid him to. He's served 14 years so far and doesn't plan on retiring until he's forced to. For me, again, there are times when I get frustrated with it all. I have made sacrafices. But all in all, the Army has been very good to us. I'm thankful for the opportunities it has afforded me. I have a very full life, I'm very independent, and I don't find military life difficult at all. On the contrary, I think I'd be lost without the military community.

We got married because we were in love. We didn't see the sense in spending any more time apart that we already had to due to deployments, training, TDY, etc. But in all honestly, we would have gotten married no matter what his job was-- military or no military. The Army was not a factor for us-- we didn't get married any sooner simply because he was a soldier.

Answer 4

Life is what you make it, being married to a military spouse.  All the services are basically the same.  When I married my husband 31 years ago he was in the USCG.  I had the best time of my life.

As for free medical and free rent. Believe me NOTHING is free.  

Military Wife & Military Mom

Good Luck!

Answer 5

You REALLY need to educate yourself. A lot of your questions show that you haven't talked to any military wives. Please go to Cinchouse or Soloops sites and learn a thing or two.

There is a huge difference between the Army and Navy. Soldiers are gone a ton more and their jobs are far more dangerous.

It is VERY hard to be a military wife for those who can't stand to be alone and it's even harder to be an Army or Marine wife. I have many girlfriends with husbands in teh Navy and Airforce and they often say they couldn't handle being an Army wife.

You will travel with him and can live on base unless it's an unaccompanied tour.

Again. go to a military wife site and read up on being a wife before he goes in.