Guide for new military spouses
Looking for resources to help you support your military family? USAA can help you navigate your new life in the military community.
Life as a military spouse isn't easy. It's stressful, and the hours can be long and isolating. To support their loved ones, military spouses often sacrifice their own comfort, career opportunities and time.
Military spouses are unsung heroes who deserve just as much respect and admiration as military members themselves.
Along with the challenges come the benefits of military life — the thrill of traveling to new places, experiencing different cultures and meeting new people. There are also educational, health care and financial advantages.
Read on for our five-part guide designed specifically to help new military spouses navigate their introduction to military life.
1. Explore employment opportunities.
Military spouses often struggle to build their own careers. Moving every two or three years can make it difficult to keep a job or earn promotions.
According to a 2021 study conducted by Hiring our Heroes, military spouses face a 22% unemployment rate. By comparison, the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a general unemployment rate of 3.4% in January 2023.
Some military spouses find jobs with remote work opportunities that they can keep when they move, but many are not as fortunate. It's common for military spouses to feel as if they must restart their careers, or at least take steps back, each time they move. And many military spouses who maintain careers often end up settling for jobs that don't match their skill or experience level.
USAA understands the challenges military spouses face while pursuing their own employment. To make it easier and more fulfilling, we teamed up with RecruitMilitary.See note1 This organization can help you find your next job by partnering with employers who are looking for top talent.
And don't forget that USAA loves hiring military spouses. Have you considered a job with USAA?
Another available resource is Spouse Education and Career Opportunities (SECO).See note1 This Department of Defense program provides military spouses with support in the form of education and career guidance. Through SECO, you can build a resume, search for jobs and pursue educational opportunities.
Starting your own business
Some military spouses choose to start their own businesses, but that also comes with risk.
Many small businesses are built on relationships, and it takes time to build a customer base. If your customer base is frequently changing, it can present challenges maintaining or growing your business.
In the 2019 Military Spouse Career Journeys study, military spouses reported military moves as the most common reason they stopped doing business. I once heard an Army general say that it was a lack of portability, not profitability.
That's not to say military spouses can't run successful businesses. With the prevalence of online shopping and remote work, many ventures are able to survive a sudden move.
It's just an important consideration if you're a budding entrepreneur. When you draft a business plan, balance the challenges and opportunities of frequent relocation.
2. Consider child care options.
Child care is crucial for many military families, especially considering that they rarely live close to home. Sometimes, you need full-time child care while you're working your own career. Other times, you might just need a few hours to run errands, or even take a mental break.
While each person can make a different decision, it's important to know and analyze your child care options.
Begin your child care search by deciding what you need or want. The answers to the questions below can lead you to different resources.
- Do you want on-base or off-base child care?
- Do you want child care in your home?
- Do you need specialized child care, such as help with someone who has a disability?
To start your search, check out these resources:
- Militarychildcare.com.See note1 This is a secure, DOD site where you can search for child care that meets your specific needs.
- Military OneSource.See note1 They have child care program information and a search function for hourly, on-demand care.
- Care.com.See note1 This is not military affiliated but features a database of child care, senior care and pet care providers, as well as providers of other services like housekeeping and tutoring.
3. Establish powers of attorney.
Are you prepared to run the entire family household if your spouse receives orders for a one-year deployment tomorrow?
Powers of attorney are especially important for military families due to time spent apart, sometimes with little or no notice.
Various powers of attorney types allow military members to grant their spouses authority to act and make decisions on their behalf.
Learn more about the powers of attorney that benefit military members.
4. Find community support.
The military is a family, so there's no need to go through it alone. There is military spouse support available to help both rookie and veteran spouses.
I remember being deployed when my wife was three months pregnant. A squadron friend went over to my house and mowed my yard, and it was a blessing.
Many units have their own Facebook pages where spouses can chat, share tips and news, and reach out for help.
The military provides official avenues for support. Start at your installation's family support center.See note1 Also, each branch has a family service program to support military families:
- Army: Soldier and Family Readiness Groups (SFRG)See note1
- Marine Corps: Unit, Personal and Family Readiness Program (UPFRP) See note1
- Navy: Ombudsman ProgramSee note1 and Fleet and Family Support Centers (FFSCs)See note1
- Air Force: Military and Family Readiness CenterSee note1
Finally, consider nonmilitary support programs such as those found through organizations like the USOSee note1 and PILLAR.See note1
5. Master the art of moving.
When permanent change of station (PCS) orders come, you may be filled with an overwhelming sense of excitement — or dread. It all depends on where you're going, right?
A PCS can present great opportunities, but it's also often stressful. On average, military members move every two or three years, so it's important to be prepared when the time comes.
You might be going to a new location where you'll experience a new culture. You could be moving back to old stomping groups and rejoining old friends. But even if you are looking forward to it, the move itself is stressful.
If you're full of questions about how to prepare for a PCS, check out these resources:
- What do I need to do if it's my first PCS? Get insight into the process by watching a video featuring the top 14 PCS tips from veteran military spouses.
- How can I avoid going into debt this PCS? Read advice on how to save money during your next PCS.
- How can I protect my valuable possessions? Learn how to protect your property during military moves.
- Should I do a full military move or a personally procured move – or a combination of both? First, make sure you understand the differences between a full military move and a personally procured move. Then, you can generate your own custom Military Move checklist. It will help you keep track of everything.
Finally, I want to say, thank you for your service. The family of the service member serves right alongside them. You share your loved one with our nation and for that, I am grateful. My wonderful wife served with me for 17 out of our 20-year military career, so I understand the sacrifices the military family makes.
Video transcript: 14 PCS tips from veteran military spouses
Video duration: 3 minutes 44 seconds
Transcript date: June 19, 2023
Introduction: Elapsed time 0 minutes 0 seconds [00:00]
When you reflect on your first military move or Permanent Change of Station, PCS, you'll likely note many lessons learned. But what if you could pre-learn many of those lessons from veteran military movers and save yourself the hassle? Here are 14 pro tips to make your first PCS a success.
Tip number 1, hand carry sheets and towels: Elapsed time 0 minutes 22 seconds [00:22]
Tip 1, hand carry sheets and towels. Hand carry sheets, towels, pillows, blankets, and even a shower curtain for your temporary lodging. Often, these temporary facilities are not fully furnished. Having these items easily accessible will also prevent you from digging through countless boxes the first night in your new home.
Tip number 2, board your pets: Elapsed time 0 minutes 41 seconds [00:41]
Tip number 2, board your pets. On moving day, consider boarding your pets at a local vet or doggy day care so they don't get in the way or run off.
Tip number 3, get connected: Elapsed time 0 minutes 51 seconds [00:51]
Tip 3, get connected. Join the social media pages of your new installation, as well as military spouse groups. They'll have great information about housing, neighborhoods, restaurants, medical providers and more.
Tip number 4, hand carry cleaning supplies: Elapsed time 1 minute 5 seconds [01:05]
Tip number 4, hand carry cleaning supplies. When you first arrive in your new home, you may need cleaning supplies before the movers show up. Also, some movers refuse to transport these items due to their flammable nature.
Tip number 5, personally transport important belongings: Elapsed time 1 minute 18 seconds [01:18]
Tip 5, personally transport important belongings. Don't leave the fate of irreplaceable or valuable items like baby books, marriage certificates, wedding albums and official documents to movers. Also, consider hand carrying medical and shot records you might need to enroll children in school.
Tip number 6, track all items: Elapsed time 1 minute 36 seconds [01:36]
Tip number 6, track all items. Be sure every item or box that goes into the moving truck has a manifest sticker on it. These stickers ensure your items are tracked.
Tip number 7, get contact numbers: Elapsed time 1 minute 47 seconds [01:47]
Tip number 7, get contact numbers. Keep contact numbers for your driver and moving company close at hand. They will have more up-to-date information on the status of your shipment than the military's transportation management office.
Tip number 8, move items only once: Elapsed time 2 minutes [02:00]
Tip number 8, move items only once. In your new home, consider color coding each room so you can quickly direct the movers. This means less work for you when you're unpacking.
Tip number 9, get travel reservations: Elapsed time 2 minutes 11 seconds [02:11]
Tip number 9, get travel reservations. Plan your travel months in advance, and pre-book hotels that fit within the military's lodging allotment. This will help you avoid getting into debt and reduce the stress of trying to find a last-minute hotel.
Tip number 10, keep payments flowing: Elapsed time 2 minutes 26 seconds [02:26]
Tip number 10, keep payments flowing. Let your financial institutions know that you are moving so you don't have payments declined during or after your move. Consider automatic bill paying services so you don't miss paying any bills.
Tip number 11, keep kids entertained: Elapsed time 2 minutes 39 seconds [02:39]
Tip number 11, keep kids entertained. Hand carry toys for the kids and dogs to help pass the time until your household goods arrive. Remember that you might be waiting a few weeks.
Tip number 12, maintain a household list: Elapsed time 2 minutes 50 seconds [02:50]
Tip number 12, maintain a household list. Keep an updated household list, including photos of barcodes and model numbers of high-value items, such as TVs and entertainment systems. If you have to submit a claim for a lost or damaged item, photos can support your case.
Tip number 13, separate your items: Elapsed time 3 minutes 6 seconds [03:06]
Tip number 13, separate your items. Assign a corner of your house, or, if possible, a room or a closet, for items you plan to hand carry. That way, something you need does not accidentally get packed with all of your other household goods.
Tip number 14, write it down: Elapsed time 3 minutes 21 seconds [03:21]
Tip number 14, write it down. Save these tips for your next move. And add your own lessons learned each time. It will get easier and less stressful.
For more information and helpful resources for your next military move, please visit usaa.com/inet/wc/advice-military-move-pcs.
Description of visual information: [Copyright© 2023 USAA.
This material is for informational purposes. Consider your own financial circumstances carefully before making a decision and consult with your tax, legal or estate planning professional.
USAA means United Services Automobile Association and its affiliates.
No Department of Defense or government agency endorsement.
Information last reviewed as of June 2023 and is subject to change. NC] End of description.
End: Elapsed time 3 minutes 44 seconds [03:44]
Video transcript: Personally procured move versus full military move
Video duration: 3 minutes 20 seconds
Transcript date: June 19, 2023
Introduction: Elapsed time 0 minutes 0 seconds [00:00]
In the military a few things are certain, early mornings and moving. Most military members move every two to three years, but how does that actually work? You have two options for how your belongings are moved, a full military move or a personally procured move.
Full military move: Elapsed time 0 minutes 21 seconds [00:21]
In a full military move, the military's transportation management office takes care of your move. They schedule a company to pack your belongings, move them to your next duty station, and then unpack in your new home.
Personally procured move, or PPM: Elapsed time 0 minutes 33 seconds [00:33]
In a personally procured move, also known as a do-it-yourself move, you move yourself to your next duty station. You are responsible for loading, transporting and unloading all of your household items.
Which one should you choose? Let's look at a few factors that might help you decide.
Cost: Elapsed time 0 minutes 50 seconds [00:50]
The good news is the military will cover the cost of your move from one duty station to the next. However, if you select a personally procured move, they will only reimburse at most what would have cost them if they coordinated it through a moving company.
If your personally procured move costs less than what the military would have paid you, you get to keep the extra. However, if it costs more, then you pay the difference out of pocket.
For example, if the military will pay you $5,000 to move and you do it for $3,000, you get to keep the $2,000 that is left over.
However, if your personally procured move costs $6,000, you will pay $1,000 out of pocket. Also, keep in mind that you will pay for the personally procured move up front. And the military will reimburse you after the move is complete.
A full military move is less work for you and your family because someone else does all the heavy lifting. However, it does require you to ensure that all your household items are accounted for on the moving company's manifest, a comprehensive list of all your belongings. In a personally procured move, you are responsible for loading, transporting and unloading all your items, which can be significantly more effort.
Who pays for my broken items?: Elapsed time 2 minutes 5 seconds [02:05]
In a full military move, the military insures all household items transported by the moving company. And any insurance claims for damaged items go through the military. Remember to make sure all your items are accounted for on the manifest as the military won't reimburse you for items not listed on the manifest.
In a personally procured move, you are responsible for the safety of your items. Make sure you have adequate insurance coverage for any potential theft or damage. Some military members opt to combine a full military move and a personally procured move. This is called a partial personally procured move or partial do-it-yourself move.
In this case, you let the military move the majority of your household items, but you personally move a few things that are either irreplaceable or needed before the movers arrive.
What do I take with me?: Elapsed time 2 minutes 53 seconds [02:53]
You are probably carrying baby books, your safe, and sheets, and towels for temporary lodging anyway. So why not get paid to move these items? Also, you'll have peace of mind from knowing your most precious items are taken care of.
For more information about making your next PCS as smooth as possible, please visit usaa.com/inet/wc/advice-military-move-pcs.
Description of visual information: [Copyright© 2023 USAA.
This material is for informational purposes. Consider your own financial circumstances carefully before making a decision and consult with your tax, legal or estate planning professional.
USAA means United Services Automobile Association and its affiliates.
No Department of Defense or government agency endorsement.
Information last reviewed as of June 2023 and is subject to change. NC] End of description.