I am 17 years old and me and my fiance are about to get married in July. We are stationed with our son at Fort Riley...does anyone have any information or helpful tips for this lifestyle?
2007-04-22 16:09:58 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Military
Military is hard for family life but it has to be that way because military service is a noble profession and ultimate expression for love of country.
2007-04-22 16:14:56 · answer #1 · answered by FRAGINAL, JTM 7 · 6⤊ 1⤋
Find out what classes the base has for new wives. I know our Navy bases has Navy 101 which covers basics like where/how to get base decals for the car renewed, how to read an LES, and what Tricare needs to keep you enrolled. Just general "this is how the military works" information. They also run a class called COMPASS that covers how this specific base works, what you can do in the area and who offers military discounts for dinner. It's supposed to be a good introduction to the area here and is also guided by what questions the wives who take the class ask. If Ft. Riley offers anything like that it can help with what to expect about military life.
Other than that I have to disagree with the people above who said stay away from your Family Readiness Group. I know they can get a bad reputation but these groups are made up of you (and people in the same situation as you) and what you get out of them depends on what you put in. In 15 years with the Navy I can say that none of the groups I've been involved with has been bad and my current group I would trust with my life (and did during the last deployment). There may be one or two wives I really don't get along with but that can be true for any group of people anywhere. Go to the meetings for a while and give them a chance. You might find your best support and understanding among these women whose DH's are doing exactly what yours is. And even if you don't like all of them, you increase your chances of meeting a few that you really do like by being present.
If you don't find support through the FRG, find it somewhere. Neighbors, family, church groups, playgroups, on-line, wherever. You're going to want people around you who can help when DH has to be gone.
2007-04-23 12:52:11 · answer #2 · answered by Critter 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Fort Riley - my first duty station, 10 years ago. :-) My best advice is get involved! Join the spouse clubs, the Family Readiness Group. You will need friends if your husband gets deployed. Don't sit at home, meet people and take advantage of the things that are available to you.
Also, go to the library and check out a copy of "Married to the Military" by Meredith Leyva, or buy a copy if you can afford it. That is an invaluable resource, and addresses almost anything you could possibly want to know.
And last but not least, check out the site: www.cinchouse.com There are SO many Fort Riley wives who are members over there, and they are very friendly and helpful, and will be able to give you all the info you need. Good luck, and welcome to the family!
2007-04-22 23:18:59 · answer #3 · answered by Hellur Hallelujer 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Welcome to the world's best and worst life... You are in for a long road and for you and your family's sake, I hope that you are a mature 17. The military can be your best and worst friend. It is like everything else, what you make it will be what it is for you. Get involved in the Family Readiness Group (FRG) from your fiance's unit. They will be your most reliable source of information and will also provide you with a support network for help and friendship. Don't fight about things that you can not control (money), don't just sit in the house and let yourself get lonely and depressed, and don't give up when things get hard. (they will) The military is a community, provide support for those in need, and don't be ashamed to ask for help if you need it. Also, take advantage of the MWR things the base will offer. It will give you so low cost (sometimes no cost) recreational activites. Make the best of everything. Your first couple of years might be hard, but if you stick it out the military ends up being a pretty good lifestyle. Never be scared to ask for help... Good luck.
2007-04-22 23:35:47 · answer #4 · answered by fingers 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I agree completely with sexy B. I was in the army 2 years and got out on a pregnancy chapter. I was 22 when I joined and I was a single mother of 2 babies. I was deployed my first 8 months in the army and that was hard because I knew i was going back 11 months after going back home. I ended up getting pregnant and now I'm married to a CW2. We are stationed in FT. Irwin, CA. My home state so I live close enough to family. My husband drives 1 hour to and from work everyday just so we don't have to live on base. We know that the Army is drama. Choose your acquaintances wisely! I know from being in and being married to someone in the military. Don't get involved with the FRG and be careful around other wives, they love to gossip and will smile to your face. Tell your husband the same, soldiers won't think twice to try to get in your pants too. Most wives don't know what really goes on because they only know what the husband wants them to know. You'll be good if you and your hubby have an open and honest relationship, you have to be eachothers best friend. I'm 25 and he's 35 together we have 5 kids, 3 live with me, ages 11 and 6 in NC and ages 6,5 and 6 months with us. He leaves to Iraq in July for 15 months. He's in the field right now for 3 weeks and I miss him like crazy. He tries to call just to say I love you at least once a day. You'll get through it just keep busy!
2007-04-23 01:24:10 · answer #5 · answered by melo_0114 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Be prepared to do everything yourself. You'll be separated a lot and it's hard but communication is the key. Not everyone is cut out to be a military spouse. Being one myself, it is very lonely at times but it's worth it because you know what he's fighting for. Put yourself out there as far as joining the wive's clubs and try to get involved with FRG (family readiness group) They have events all year round and volunteering is a great way to meet other spouses. It might be harder for you since you're young and most wive's have been married for years but they give great advice. I got married to my husband when I was 18, I'm 21 now. I know how hard it is to find people around your age.
2007-04-23 01:03:56 · answer #6 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
its going to be hard, cause dealing with deployments, that now are 15 months for army and then your hubby being gone for training missions and all that.
people can tell you to talk to other spouses but really the majority of military spouses that I have met, are backstabbing and gossip queens. YOur business will get out to everyone. I am not saying to not have any friends, but chose a few 2-5, that will have your back for everything. The rest are not necessary.
Do go out and do stuff, find out all the base has to offer, but don't tell anyone anything that you wouldn't care the rest of post would want to know.
i am on a 27 month long deployment now, so i know what it is like to be alone and to be talked about.
i am married to a army guy for 5yrs now, been with him 6 yrs, 7 in nov.
2007-04-22 23:28:55 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Go here: http://www.riley.army.mil/
That's the web site for Ft. Riley. It has a lot of links for things to do, activities to get involved in, and things to see.
Congratulations to you both. Good luck in your new life.
2007-04-23 05:16:47 · answer #8 · answered by My world 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you have to make the best of it and of course there are times when it will get hard but hey hang in there .. if u need advice or anything feel free to email me gloworm2146@yahoo
2007-04-23 01:22:29 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
its not going to be easy but you guys will definatly get thru it if you want more info or have any ? just email me marinewifey_05@yahoo.com
2007-04-22 23:15:56 · answer #10 · answered by marinewifey_05 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋