My husband is re-enlisting in the Navy. We will be moving and in our late 20's. I am wondering how hard or easy will it be for me to make friends with the other women? I don't have children yet and have focused on my career. I really want to make good friends in a different town and wondered what the women are like that are girlfriends/wives/fiances of the Navy men. do most stay at home, have children, or is it a general mix like civilion life? I'm kinda excited/scared for this change and hoping things will go well and just curious. all answers welcome and most honest/informative will get 10.
2007-11-29 15:31:35 · 4 answers · asked by Tatiana W 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
I have been married for almost 12 years to my dh who has been in the Navy for 17 years. During our marriage we have moved 5 times, with the latest one being last month to an overseas location. I was in my mid 20's when we got married and I had to immediately move 3,000 miles away from all my family and friends. The day after I got there, he left for a week, the only people I knew were on the boat with him, but I survived. Made some friends, got a job and settled in. The first friends I had we don't talk anymore, but 3 ladies I have known and talked to for 8 to 9 years. All 3 of them are Navy wives, we are in different places but we still talk to each other through emails and phone calls. Our kids talk to each other all the time and we of course send presents to each other for Christmas and birthdays. I have also made civilian friends, from both work, church and our neighborhoods. Some I still talk to when I get the chance. So it is possible that you can make friends that will last for a long time but you are also going to meet people who will just help you get through the base or command that you are at. Just like it is in the civilian world.
When you get to the first base, take the Spouse 101 class that can really help you out a lot. It will let you know all sorts of information that you do need to know. Find out if the command has an Ombudsman and get a hold of her/him as soon as you know where you are going. They can give you information on the base and if there is an FRG (Family Readiness Group). FRG's have meetings, activities and events that can help you out especially during deployments. Also with the base, go online and find the Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) for that area. Get them to send you a Welcome Aboard package which will give you information on the area. Find out if they have a class for newcomer's to the area. Where they take you out to find out where everything is. They also offer classes on balancing a check book, buying a house, buying a car. Also look online for forums and groups that are for the military and their families. Yahoo has some, military.com has a major forum, and there is lots of other ones out there. Those can help out as well.
Just take it one day at a day, make wherever you go your home and you should be fine.
2007-11-29 17:11:19 · answer #1 · answered by NWIP 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I am a navy wife also in my late 20's. Some wives are great and of course you will have some that are full of drama. I just think its no matter where you go. I have a few friends in the housing we are in. But it's quiet and alot of people just stick to themselves. But I havent had any real issues. Alot of people around here have been in the military alot of years and are way older than me and my husband. There are quit a few moms that stay home around here...usually the ones w/children. But for the most part I like it. I think its always a little nerve wracking whenever you go to a new duty station. My husband is also re-enlisting and we will be moving once again. Im already wondering what it will be like when we go again. You will be fine
2007-11-29 16:25:54 · answer #2 · answered by NIKKI1118 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
you will find all types: the spouse who has three kids under 5 and the career minded working woman. you will find drama no matter where you go, it is your job to steer clear of the Pier Widows who don't bother to wait until the ship is past the horizon before hitting the clubs to fool around. You may also find a true soul mate whom you keep in touch with across the miles and years. I still have regular contact with many of the ladies I met at our first duty station in Japan.
You can choose to become involved with the FRG or not, it is entirely up to you. some people like it, some people don't. make sure the Ombudsman has your contact information though.
2007-11-30 00:43:56 · answer #3 · answered by Mrsjvb 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Just like the civilian mix! Some work some dont, some have kids some dont. If you are goin overseas, the community is MUCH tighter!!! If you are stayng stateside, your new neighbors may or maynot be military....
Enjoy the adventure, we are loving Italy, and it is my wife's first time overseas in 17 years of marriage.
2007-11-29 15:58:14 · answer #4 · answered by Jerry D 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋