New To Army Wife Life?

We can empathize with how you feel right now! We’ve been there. The Army Wife Life (AWL) is a very complex beast that can on one hand be the most challenging thing you’ve ever undertaken, and on the other hand be the most rewarding thing you’ve ever done. It’s ok to be confused. It’s ok to feel overwhelmed. You don’t have to know everything in one day (and chances are as soon as you learn it they’ll change it)!

We want to help you. If there is ever anything we can answer for you let us know. If you need a resource, we’ll find it for you. Simply contact us. NOTE: Army Wife Network reserves the right to read on the air and/or publish on its website, or in any other form, the emails and letters that we receive. We may edit them for clarity or brevity and identify authors by first name, location, branch of service, and years in/associated with the military. By sending us a letter or email, you agree to these terms.

Where to start?

The best place for any Army spouse to start is Army One Source. We also recommend Military One Source.

Military One Source’s Checklist For New Military Spouses

Army Recruiting Command “Welcome To The Army Family” Booklet and “Welcome to the Army Family” SPANISH Booklet

Visit Married To The Army – Army 101

Finding Your Battle Buddy – Tara Crooks

Making The Most of Your Military Lifestyle - Tara Crooks

Most posts have an orientation program. These are completely voluntary and free. If you choose to attend, you will be able to learn more about base agencies, military acronyms and other useful pieces of information about the military lifestyle. Check our post guide (link to our post guide) for your post and then call the Army Community Services building at your location and ask about their newcomer’s briefing.

Definitely do not pass up the opportunity to take Army Family Team Building (AFTB) classes online or at your local installation. The information in these classes can make your life alot easier!

Best pieces of advice

“Find a Battle Buddy!”— Tara Crooks, co-founder Army Wife Network

“Remember to maintain perspective. Sometimes it is you and your soldier against ‘fill-in-the blank’, but it should never be you against your soldier.”— Star Henderson, co-founder Army Wife Network

“Take things 1 day, 1 hour, 1 minute, 1 step at a time and just breathe. Being a military spouse means you will have good days, bad days, angry days, emotional days, and sometimes a combination of them all - but you have to breathe and keep moving forward.” – Rebecca Homan, ROTW cohost

“Be your soldier’s BIGGEST cheerleader and seize the opportunities to touch others! Being a military spouse, there is no room for selfishness. Be proud, stand firm, and remain Army strong.” – Paula Swanson, Virtual Assistant and ROTW cohost

“G.I Joe had it right: Knowing is half the battle.As Army spouses, it is our responsibility to educate ourselves on the resources available to us, the rules and guidelines that apply to us, and the opportunities available for us.” – Kristen Smith, LovingASoldier Blog Coordinator

“EMPOWER yourself!! Do not wait for the answers to come to you – if you need information – go out there and find it! GET INVOLVED!! Stay active in your military community. You will learn a lot and be able to help others!” – Janet McIntosh, Field Problems™

“Perspective is everything. Military life is an adventure. Make the most of it by exploring each duty station, making friends and volunteering.” – Kowanda McBride, AWN Household 6

“As a military spouse, you’ll quickly learn there’s a whole lot of “hurry up and wait.” To quote Albert Einstein, the only reason for time is so that everything doesn’t happen at once.” – Emily Grace, LovingASoldier blog assistant

“You are your best advocate. Whether you are working with EFMP, or having difficulty with medical – or anything in between – you know better than anyone what is going on and where you need help. Don’t be afraid to take that help, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.” – Maggie Shartel, Public Relations

“Take the Army Family Team Building (AFTB) Level 1 training. You can always take it online at Army One Source if there’s not a class scheduled soon at your ACS. It provides a wealth of information for new Army family members, and it’s free! And never forget that you are not alone… you now have thousands of people who have at some point been just where you are.” – Corrie Blackshear, AWN News 6