6 Ways to Make Friends at a New Duty Station
Recently, our family PCS’d to my husband’s new duty station assignment. Granted, it’s only about five hours south of the post he was previously assigned to, but for me, it might as well have been a world away. I’m an introvert by nature, and admittedly, I’m only three years into my military spouse journey and still on the learning curve. Although, I’ve been told the learning curve never really goes away because, as soon as you figure out how the military system functions, they decide to change things up! To make friends at our new duty station, I’ve gleaned some tips from more seasoned military spouses, and I’m adding some of my own tips that I’ve learned along the way.
Here are six ways to make friends at a new duty station (in no particular order):
1. Bake.
Make goodies to take over to your neighbors as a way of introducing yourself. Who can resist fresh baked cookies or other yummy treats? It’s also a great conversation starter.
2. Attend the unit spouses’ coffees.
Your service member will likely be assigned to a unit. The spouses in that unit will often get together for spouses’ coffees (or other events). I highly recommend attending these events. Not only is it a great way to get to know the spouses of the other service members in your partner’s unit, (while simultaneously making some really amazing friends), but they’re also a great support system to have, with many functioning like a family. If you have a baby, your service member deploys, or any of life’s other curve balls come your way, many of these spouses step up to help their military family.
3. Join PWOC or CWOC.
If you are so inclined, Protestant Women of the Chapel or Catholic Women of the Chapel are great groups to join for personal and religious growth. While there, you’re apt to make some wonderful, lasting friendships. At my first PWOC function at Fort Hood, I had the good fortune of running into a friend from my PWOC days at Fort Sill. How fun! The military truly is a small world after all.
4. Join the installation spouses’ club.
This is usually an open, inclusive club for spouses of either gender. Many times they have monthly themed luncheons and other events for you to become involved in and meet new people. It’s truly a lot of fun!
5. Volunteer to help others.
In the military world, I quickly learned there is no excuse to be bored or lonely. If you volunteer for various organizations around the installation, then you meet some fantastic people. Better yet, you can often get free child care for your kids while you’re volunteering. This gives your children a chance to interact with other kids and gives you a break. Win-win!
6. Check with your installation’s Family Morale, Welfare, and Recreation program.
MWR offers a variety classes and sports teams for spouses, kids, and service members as well as family activities galore! This is one of my first go-to’s for getting involved at a new duty station.
These are my suggestions for getting involved and meeting other spouses at a new installation. What are your tips for making new friends? I would love to hear from you! Jump in the conversation and leave a comment below.
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