So, you’ve married into the U.S. military. Whether you’re new to America, or simply adjusting to life as a military spouse, get ready for a unique experience full of traditions, acronyms (you’ll learn to love/hate these), and a whole lot of moving. The military culture is like joining a big, sometimes chaotic, but always supportive family. 

The Language of Acronyms: Welcome to “Alphabet Soup’’

If you’ve ever looked at a military document and thought, “Are they speaking in code?”, you’re not far off. Acronyms like PCS (Permanent Change of Station), TDY (Temporary Duty), and LES (Leave and Earnings Statement) will become a part of your everyday vocabulary. It might feel like you’re learning a new language—and you kind of are!

*Don’t worry if you don’t get it right away. Ask questions and soon enough, you’ll be spitting out acronyms like a pro!

Here are some to get you started. 

General Military Acronyms:

• PCS – Permanent Change of Station: This refers to the official relocation of a service member (and their family) to a new duty station.

• TDY – Temporary Duty Assignment: A short-term assignment that requires the service member to travel temporarily without relocating their family.

• LES – Leave and Earnings Statement: The military pay stub that includes important information about pay, deductions, and leave.

• DoD – Department of Defense: The U.S. government department responsible for overseeing all branches of the armed forces.

Army:

• ACU – Army Combat Uniform: The everyday uniform worn by soldiers.

• FRG – Family Readiness Group: A support group for spouses and families that helps connect and provide resources.

• MWR – Morale, Welfare, and Recreation: A network of support programs aimed at boosting morale and welfare for soldiers and their families.

• AER – Army Emergency Relief: A nonprofit organization that provides financial assistance to soldiers and their families.

Navy:

• FFSC – Fleet and Family Support Center: Offers a range of services like relocation assistance, family counseling, and employment help.

• POC – Point of Contact: Often used for the individual in charge of communicating essential details to families and spouses.

• CPO – Chief Petty Officer: A senior enlisted member in the Navy who plays a critical role in leadership and mentoring.

• IA – Individual Augmentee: Refers to Navy personnel who are temporarily assigned to support a different mission or branch.

Air Force:

• AFRC – Airman and Family Readiness Center: Provides programs like spouse employment assistance, financial readiness, and deployment support.

• AFN – Armed Forces Network: A network of television and radio stations that broadcasts to service members and their families overseas.

• SGLI – Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance: Low-cost life insurance offered to military members, which also impacts the coverage available for families.

Marine Corps:

• MCCS – Marine Corps Community Services: Similar to MWR, it offers family support programs, recreational activities, and assistance.

• L.I.N.K.S. – Lifestyle Insights, Networking, Knowledge, and Skills: A program to help Marine Corps families adapt to military life, often run by spouses for spouses.

• TBS – The Basic School: A program where newly commissioned Marine officers receive training in leadership, tactics, and military doctrine.

Coast Guard:

• CGMA – Coast Guard Mutual Assistance: A nonprofit organization that provides financial aid to Coast Guard members and their families.

• OMPF – Official Military Personnel File: Contains a service member’s complete record, including promotions and performance evaluations.

• TRACEN – Training Center: Coast Guard bases where training for specific skills or roles takes place. Spouses often hear of these locations during training or PCS moves.

Moving Madness: Welcome to the Nomadic Life 

One of the hallmarks of being a military spouse is moving—a lot. PCS is a phrase you’ll become very familiar with. It means you could be packing up your home and starting over somewhere new every few years (or months!). Moving can be stressful, but the military offers resources to help you get through it.

To help you stay organized! Keep a “PCS binder” with important documents, contacts, and checklists to make the process easier.

Read our blog on PCS to help you understand the whole process better- PCS for Beginners

Military Traditions: Get Ready for Ceremonies and Salutes

The military loves its traditions. From formal balls to change-of-command ceremonies, there will be plenty of opportunities to dress up (yes, there’s a “ball season” in the military world). At first, the pomp and circumstance might seem a little overwhelming, but these events are a chance to bond with other spouses and immerse yourself in military life.

* Embrace the fun of it! Formal events are a great way to meet other military spouses, and they often come with great food and a lot of dancing.

The Chain of Command: Respecting Rank

In the military, rank is everything. Whether your spouse is enlisted or an officer, you’ll quickly learn that rank determines a lot, from where you live to how much your spouse gets paid. It’s important to understand the chain of command and respect the rank of others—whether it’s a general or a fellow spouse’s enlisted partner. 

https://www.militaryonesource.mil/military-basics/new-to-the-military/military-insignia-what-are-those-stripes-and-bars/ 

You’re at a base event, and someone casually mentions, “Oh, he’s a major.” Meanwhile, you’re thinking, “Major what? Is that like a big deal?” (Spoiler: It is).While it’s important to respect rank, military spouse events are often rank-neutral, meaning everyone is welcome, no matter their partner’s position.

Military Spouse Community: Your New Support System

One of the best parts of being a military spouse is the community. No matter where you’re stationed, you’ll find a built-in support system of spouses who’ve been through the same ups and downs. These spouses are your go-to for advice on everything from where to find the best schools to how to survive a deployment.

*Get involved! Join the spouse groups, attend base events, and don’t be afraid to introduce yourself. The military spouse community is welcoming and full of great people.

Deployment: When Your Partner Is Away

Deployments are a reality of military life. Whether it’s for a few weeks or several months, having your spouse away can be tough. But here’s the good news: the military offers plenty of resources to help you through it, from support groups to financial assistance and childcare options.

* Use this time to focus on self-care and connect with other spouses in the same situation. There’s strength in the military spouse community, especially during deployments.

Here are helpful resources to assist military spouses and families in navigating deployment:

1. Operation Homefront
   • This organization offers financial assistance, housing help, and emergency aid to military families during deployment.
   • Link: Operation Homefront
2. Army Family Readiness Group (FRG)
   • Supports Army families by providing information and emotional support during deployments.
   • Link: Army FRG
3. Fleet and Family Support Program (FFSP)
   • Provides services to Navy families, including deployment readiness workshops, counseling, and support programs.
   • Link: Navy FFSP Deployment Support
4. Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS)
   • MCCS provides support programs to help Marine families navigate deployment, including the L.I.N.K.S. program for spouses.
   • Link: MCCS Deployment Resources
5. Coast Guard Mutual Assistance (CGMA)
   • Offers financial support and counseling services to Coast Guard families during deployments.
   • Link: CGMA Deployment Support

What It Really Means to Be a Military Spouse

Being a military spouse isn’t just about supporting your partner’s career—it’s about finding your own strength and purpose within the military world. You’ll face challenges like frequent moves, long deployments, and adjusting to a new lifestyle. But you’ll also gain lifelong friends, learn to adapt quickly, and develop a sense of pride in being part of the military family.

* Focus on building your own goals and interests. Whether it’s a career, hobbies, or education, you can thrive as an individual while being a military spouse.

In the end, being a military spouse is an adventure—one that comes with its own set of unique challenges and rewards. Welcome to the family!