Living on a military base as a spouse can be a unique and rewarding experience, but it can also come with its own set of challenges. From navigating unfamiliar surroundings to understanding base policies and protocols, it’s important to be prepared and informed before making the move.
To help you navigate the rules for living on a military base, SpouseLink has assembled this guide of practical tips and advice for those looking to make the move. Whether you’re new to the military lifestyle or a seasoned pro, this guide will help you navigate the ins and outs of military base living and make the most of your time on base.
Living on a military base as a spouse has its list of pros and cons — all of which depend on the location. One of the main advantages can be the sense of community that comes with living in a military town. Many bases have a variety of amenities, such as playgrounds, fitness centers, and swimming pools that are available for residents to use. Additionally, military bases often have a number of events and activities for residents to participate in, which can be a great way to meet new people and get involved in the community.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that living on a military base also comes with its own set of challenges. One of the challenges includes a little less privacy — a consequence of living in close proximity to your or your spouse’s co-workers and supervisors. Other common “complaints” is that base housing may not be as spacious or modern as off-base housing, and there may be stricter rules to follow.
The rules for living on a military base can vary depending on the specific base and the branch of the military that operates it. However, there are some general rules that are common to many military bases, which may include the following:
It’s important to familiarize yourself with the specific rules of the base you’ll be living on, as failure to follow these rules can result in disciplinary action.
While it’s important to understand the official rules of living on base, it’s just as important to understand the unofficial rules. These are things such as societal expectations and guidelines to follow when interacting on base.
You should always show respect for the National Anthem while it is being played, regardless of your political beliefs. The likelihood is that your military member will be saluting while standing at attention, so put in the effort to treat them with respect, even if it’s only for you. Your actions speak volumes about him or her.
Being in a relationship with a servicemember will include participating in a variety of social events, from formal military balls to unit picnics and more. Here are some suggestions for “dressing the part” so that you never make your servicemember look bad and always show up appropriately for every event:
For casual family events, the most suitable way for family-focused activities such as unit family picnics and family fun days is to dress modestly. As a female spouse to a military member, avoid wearing short-shorts, micro-bikinis, or other excessively risqué attire that may gain negative attention. As a male spouse to a military member, avoid low-riding pants, short-shorts, and too-tight pants.
For formal events, expectations and rules will vary based on the event. Typically, these occasions require modest formal wear, so avoid anything too risqué. While you can certainly wear a garment that accentuates your beauty and body, formal clothes should remain tasteful, elegant, and respectful of the service men and women who will also be attending the event.
Take precautions so that you don’t overindulge when attending these formal activities. At a military gathering, getting tipsy or excessively inebriated is not the ideal way to represent your spouse. Talk with your military spouse to gain clarity on any expectations of the event to ensure you remain respectful. It is normal for everyone to relax a bit after the command leaves.
It’s easy to want to share some affection with your loved one in uniform, either because you haven’t seen them in a while, they’re looking extra nice in their uniform, or just because you love them and love spending time with them. However, always keep your surroundings in mind — it’s a good idea to avoid public displays of affection (PDA), especially if a commanding officer is present.
Your servicemember is expected to conduct themselves in a particular manner when wearing a uniform. Hand-holding and having your arms interlocked are typically acceptable. Keep in mind they need to be free to salute when necessary.
Having a strong network of friends and family who love and support you is key to thriving in military life. When your significant other is deployed or away on extended training, it’s important to have a strong support network since they might just end up being your rock or your savior during hard seasons. However, you should always be careful with what you post online about your or your military spouse’s life.
Take care not to discuss or post on social media any private concerns involving your significant other. Avoid posting deployment locations, personal matters, and anything else that could compromise you or your spouse. Also, be cautious with whom you provide private information. You don’t want one bad apple to start a rumor or interpret your social interactions in a bad way.
If you choose to live on base as a spouse, you may be wondering how to interact with military servicemembers other than your spouse — specifically, commanding officers. Here are some tips to help you avoid feeling awkward or anxious should you run into someone.
When considering whether you should live on or off base, it’s important to make an informed decision. Now that you have some insight into the rules of living on a military base, let’s review a list of questions and answers. We’ve put together some example questions below, but be sure to add your own questions to this list that are more specific to your personal preferences.
Asking these questions can help you understand what to expect when living on a military base, and help you make an informed decision about whether it is the right fit for you. If the answers don’t meet your needs and you have the option, you may want to consider choosing off-base housing instead.
Living on a military base as a spouse comes with a steep learning curve — but don’t be intimidated! You have plenty of support and resources available to you to help make your military life better.