Field Problems™
Field Problem: Understanding Unemployment
I am employed, and we are about to PCS. Do I get benefits for unemployment during our move?
Brittany; Active Duty Army Spouse of two years
Field Problem: English as a Second Language
I’m stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas, and my wife is new to the Army. She doesn’t speak English. Her first language is Spanish, and she is trying to find out if there are some English classes available around Fort Riley. We have asked locally and will possibly check into Army OneSource, but if we can get a some more information or help, we will appreciate it.
Michael; Fort Riley, KS; Active Duty Army
Field Problem: Basic Training Mail Call
Some soldiers we know that are in basic training are getting mail from families and friends upwards of two weeks from origination. They don’t receive mail for over a week or more, and then they suddenly receive almost a dozen letters in one day. There is not a lag of process, but more like a buildup. Imagine what a soldier goes through wondering why their spouse hasn’t written—it can make a soldier crazy while trying to train. I hope that you can help.
I got scripted excuses, and I understand that because of the questions. However, I prefer a solution rather than something we are supposed to live with. It’s important that our new recruits focus on training and morale rather than the stress of wondering why a simple letter of support cannot get through. I hope you can pass this along or help to solve the problem!
Molly; Castle Rock, CO; Army family of more than 20 years
Field Problem: What is ‘Med-Boarded?’
My husband is currently going through the medical board process for severe PTSD. His doctor told him that they would possibly “medically retire” him. I have never heard of this term, but I have heard of being “med-boarded.” Can you explain to me what the difference is (if there is any) between these two things? Also, when someone is medically retired, what benefits do the veteran and their families get to keep?
Shaylen; Fort Sill, OK; Active Duty Army spouse of seven years
Field Problem: Do They Have To?
Dear, Field Problems:
My boyfriend and I just received a frantic call from his mother. She was told that a young woman (an Army spouse) from her church asked for thoughts and prayers for her husband and his National Guard unit [deployed to Iraq]. According to the wife, her husband said the commander told them there is a high risk of casualties in an upcoming mission, and everyone should call home prior to rolling out. Mom asked us, “Can’t they just ‘not go’”? I never heard of this happening and I didn’t know what to say. What should we tell her?
Julie; Lansing, MI; National Guard girlfriend
Field Problem: Commo Across the Miles
Dear, Field Problems:
My husband and I were just married. This is our first deployment. I don’t really know what to expect. There is tons of information and a lot that I don’t understand. My biggest question is how are you able to talk to them when they are deployed? How long do you go without hearing from your service member?
Amber; Fort Bragg, NC; Army spouse
Field Problem: Troops Support the Troops
Dear, Field Problems:
I am hoping that someone in your organization can help me. My son is part of a Boy Scout pack in San Jose, California. Our next pack meeting is going to be centered on learning about America, patriotism, and supporting the service members who fight for our freedoms. We wanted to do something to help out some of the active duty troops. I looked at some websites, but they are kind of confusing. I can’t find the information that I need. Basically, we want the boys to write letters to the troops and bring donations for care packages that we will send to active duty troops. I was hoping that someone could point me in the right direction. Any guidance you can provide would be so very appreciated.
Arlen, Boy Scout pack parent, non-military
Field Problem: Valentine’s Day Care Package
Dear, Field Problems:
I attended your seminar at Fort Campbell and loved your ideas for care packages. My husband deployed three weeks ago, so I’m wondering if you have a list of Valentine’s Day care package ideas.
Becky; Fort Campbell, KY; Army spouse
Field Problem: Combat Loneliness
Dear, Field Problems:
How do you combat loneliness in the military life?
Stephanie; Fort Hood, TX; dual-military spouse
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS