Being away from your husband while he's in the military

Both me and my husband are Active Duty Air Force and we have both been away at some point in time and its really not that bad. The Air Force is the BEST branch to join hands down because we are very family oriented. I'm not bashing any other branch because they all have perks, but I think you'll be just fine. I have been active duty for 8 years and I am an E-5 doing a commissioning program, your husband is in good hands and so are you. There are a lot of support groups for spouses on many bases, so you may want to look into that as well. Overseas is not as bad, if you've got kids, they all have good schools, just know you involved in an Air Force Family..overseas families seem to bond together more, I think because they're overseas far away from real family. Don't get scared, be confident that your husband has made a good choice and a steady income/free health benefits is on the way. Can't beat that...what is his AFSC---his job?

Both me and my husband are Active Duty Air Force and we have both been away at some point in time and its really not that bad. The Air Force is the BEST branch to join hands down because we are very family oriented. I'm not bashing any other branch because they all have perks, but I think you'll be just fine. I have been active duty for 8 years and I am an E-5 doing a commissioning program, your husband is in good hands and so are you. There are a lot of support groups for spouses on many bases, so you may want to look into that as well. Overseas is not as bad, if you've got kids, they all have good schools, just know you involved in an Air Force Family..overseas families seem to bond together more, I think because they're overseas far away from real family. Don't get scared, be confident that your husband has made a good choice and a steady income/free health benefits is on the way. Can't beat that...what is his AFSC---his job?

Having your husband away from you for the first time with the Navy, honestly isn't fun. I always tell wives to find a hobby to keep them busy while there husband or boyfriend is gone. First time my husband left, I was pregnant, so I watched a lot of movies, took a lot of walks. Living in Norfolk, Va, I went to the beach a lot. Having a job also helps to keep you busy. My husband has been away for many of times. The last time he was gone was for four months with the Army National Guard. I had two kids to take care of, and deal with everything around the house. You learn to be able to do everything yourself, from car repairs, home repairs. I can't stress enough about hobbies, that will keep you busy during the later hours of the day after you get off from work. If he got overseas duty, depending where he's stationed you could go with him. The up's of being married to a active military person, when you do move to your new duty station, they will have movers come in and pack your stuff up and move it to your new home. Depending on his rate ( pay grade ) he might not be making a lot of money off the bat, if he's just now going into bootcamp. You can go to www.military.com, I can't remember where on the site, but you can find his pay chart. Just think, once you get a military ID card, you will be able to get on any military base, doesn't matter what branch and be able to shop at the stores tax free. We sometimes shop at the Air Force Base, here in Tullahoma, TN. You can save a lot of money. Every year they will have a huge sale, where you can save even more on huge items. That's one thing I miss being so far away. I'm used to my husband leaving. being prior military myself. I knew with the Navy, at any given moment your being deployed even if it was just to pull the ship out of port because of a hurricane. My husband now is preparing to leave for 2 weeks for his guard job. I'm actually looking forward to it. Bad to say, I know, but when your used to him leaving and then all the sudden, he's there all the time. Your mate will get on your nerves after awhile, lol. You can go to these sites that might help, you can also do a search for military spouse support groups, then narrow it down to Airforce Spouse support groups. www.4militaryfamilies.com/spousesgroups.htm http://www.spousebuzz.com/?ESRC=ggl_mem_spbuzz.kw

I know this discussion is two weeks old but I wanted to respond anyways =) My husband is in the Air Forace and I don't think it is that bad. It depends on what your husband does as to if he will get sent overseas or wherever. My husband always get sent to Las Vegas...of all the horrible places he could go, he gets to go to Vegas and have a good time!! If you want to chat about anything or have a question you can just ask me =) I don't mind too much when my husband has to go somewhere because it is usually just for two weeks...not too bad.

It's very hard in the firt few months...I would suggest moving back home if you are currently away from your family now. You'll need the support especially if this will be the first time you two are away from eachother. Or rather than moving back home, make sure you have some good friends who understand what you are going through! When my husband was first deployed I didn't have any other military friends and I didn't live in a military community. No one understood my needs or concerns...so for your benefit, get connected with some other women who know what it is like. Whatever communication you do get with your husband, don't take it for granted! I've learned...the hard way...but I have learned...to not talk about any problems. Don't talk about how the car broke down or how you need to buy a new washing machine. Before he leaves he should trust you and give you the authority to handle these problems on your own. Bringing up these problems will only stress him out, distract him from his job, and cause fighting between the two of you. Always submit to his wishes while he is away...yeah, it can be hard...but honestly, he won't ask much of you. He's serving our country, give him respect for that by doing any little task he asks. Plus, it is our duty as wives to serve our husbands...so take pleasure in doing this. The role of a military wife is hard and we don't get near enough credit for it! If you ever need anything...advice or just someone to talk to...I'm here and willing to talk!