What will it be like as an Air force Wife?

Question

My boyfriend is leaving for basic training in three weeks. Before he even signed up, we talked about our plans. We have decided to get married after I graduate (if everything works out), and I'll move with him then. What is it like? I mean, how does the air force affect the spouses?

Answer 1

If everything works out between the two of you then welcome to the world of the military....because it's honestly a different world...I'm a military wife and I absolutely love it. We have lived in several different places but to me that is what makes it exciting...seeing new places every 3 to 4 years. I've opted to stay at home rather than work because we have 3 children and it's easier to have a stable parent at home while my husband hops all over the world. If you plan on working when you get married be prepared to be uprooted from your job every couple of years. As a military spouse you learn very quickly to be independent when your husband leaves. Alot of people will ask you how you do it...I always respond as "It's now how I do it, it's that I HAVE to do it." Military wives usually have thicker skin if you know what I mean than most wives. It's because we have to deal with so much more and take on alot at once by ourselves. It's honestly rewarding....my husband made the statement one time while he was talking to his Commander and he told him that I(his wife) had earned every single stripe with him. And that's the truth. You'll notice at retirement ceremonies(at least the ones that I've been to) that they always show recognition to the wife. And they should! So..with all that said..WELCOME! I hope you and your boyfriend have a great life with the Air Force...=)

Answer 2

The Air Force is not any different than the other 4 Branches of the service.  Life is what you make it.  Stay busy while he is gone, and plan a Honeymoon every time he comes home.

Military Wife Retired

Answer 3

It would be just like a normal job but you guys will have to move every 4 years. Also he might need to work long hours and not able to spend too much time with you. It may affect your career if you decide to have your own. If you are fine with all these and proud of your husband then you guys should be fine. Just be patient with him since he got a whole month pay holiday every year that he can be with you.

Answer 4

First and foremost, you need to be flexible.  You will be stationed at places that you've never even thought about, and you will be dropped into new environments.  Not to worry, though, because everyone else is more or less in the same situation that you are; making friends is easy.  Your group of friends will provide a mutual support group when your spouse is deployed.  

Being an Air Force wife is a special position.  You need to be independent and confident when you spouse is deployed, because you're in charge of everything until he comes back.  

You will likely have opportunities that your friends have never even thought about:  Travel to far away places; new cultures... an exciting way of life.

It's not all roses, however.  There's lots of thorns, but that's what makes an Air Force (or generally 'military') wife special.  

Most of the 20/30 year retirees that I've known have looked back to reflect on the good and bad times only to recall what an exciting time they've had.