im gettin married to my wonderful bf in august and moving into army quarters with him just wanna no how other mums cope with out the family conection

Teyaka - posted on 03/27/2009

Once my hubby and I found out we were moving clear across the country from both our families, we made it a point to make sure that we called home at least once a week. But now that I am a stay at home mommie, I make it a point to talk to someone from home everyday. It keeps me grounded. I also try to talk to my Mommie and Grammie 2 or 3 times a week.

So make sure you keep the lines of commincation open with your family and friends back home. Also develop a support system when you get to your base. I found that introducing yourself to a neighbor is a good start.

Rachael - posted on 03/26/2009

hi, i got married in 2006, and moved to germany, leaving family, friends that i have known all my life and a good job with a company car, it was all daunting for me and to be honest took me a good year to get settled in. my husband was away a lot, so i finally realised that i had to get out and meet people, so i did, i went to mums and tots groups and then made lots of friends. now we live in catterick, and i have met a new network of friends, and a lot easier as i guess i was aware that i had to get myself out and about, so did it straight away, life would be so boring for me in the day, if i didnt have my friends. and its good for my son to make friends too . where abouts are you moving too, have a lovely wedding x

Michelle - posted on 01/31/2009

One thing I can tell you is that you need to create a network of support wherever you are.  Other Army wives will be in the same situation as you and they will need you, too.  I am a Navy wife and Navy brat, so I have been in and around the military for all of my 36 years.  You make friends wherever you are stationed, and they become like family to you because you celebrate all your holidays, good days, and bad days together.  I have "friends" that are more like family than my family is.  Hopefully your bf has friends that have wives or girlfriends that you can connect with.  Good luck!  And, welcome to the sisterhood of military wives.  :o)

Sherilin - posted on 01/30/2009

You are so welcome!  I hope that things work well for you and that you love this new adventure you are about to head into.  :)  Congratulations and good luck! 

Katie - posted on 01/29/2009

thank u my bf is a private hasnt been in the army that long but has already done tours in both afgan and iraq afgan was hard 4 me as our little boy was only 3 months wen he went so his daddy missed alot of firsts but i am really looking forward to getting married and living the army life thank u 4 your advice and help

Sherilin - posted on 01/28/2009

We've moved a lot in our 12 year military career....8 times including the first duty station.  One thing I have learned throughout these moves is to JUMP IN.  Don't be afraid to get involved.  If you are unfamiliar with the military and how it works (even if you were raised in the Army family) get in touch with Army Community Service (ACS) and sign up and take AFTB (Army Family Team Building) classes.  There are 3 levels and the first one is an absolute must for people new to the Army.  You will learn all about our life of Acronyms (you'll find that VERY helpful!) and customs & courtesies, rank structure....It's a great list of courses.  The second thing to do is to get involved in the FRG (Family Readiness Group).  I have heard that the soldiers have been told in Basic Training & AIT to not let their spouses get involved....Don't let that sway you.  Talk to your soon to be husband and jump in with both feet.  This is the way you will get to know other spouses that are married to soldiers in his unit.  Put yourself out there - volunteer.  I don't know your bf's rank, but when my dh enlisted he was a PFC.  He had promotion boards and soldier of the month boards to study for.  I helped him study - and I learned so much about the Army and his unit.  It was a wonderful way to start out.  Be supportive of your soon to be husband and don't sweat the little stuff.  Remember, he is in the Army and it is a 24/7 job.  He may not be able to call you and say "Honey - I'm running later than planned."  He may come home mad because things didn't go right at work.  The military is just like any other job where there are ups and downs.  You are doing the right thing by reaching out - I couldn't imagine any other life than the one we're in right now.  You can stay in touch with your family through letters, phone calls, photos, emails....it's so much easier now than it was even 10 years ago.  

By the way - Congratulations on your upcoming marriage.  This is an exciting time....enjoy it!