Any Army wives that can give me some advice?

Question

I’m posting anonymously because I know several people who use this app and we haven’t decided to share the news yet.. My husband has decided to enlist in the military and I just want someone to be real with me on what to expect! We have 3 kids so I’ll be taking care of them by myself while working full time. I do have family members who can help and my youngest will start school in August. But I feel like not only is it extremely scary for him to join, it also leaves me without his income. Is military pay enough to cover what we’ll be missing? I’m just freaking out cause I know my whole world is about to flipped upside down. 😔

Answer

I have 3 kids and my husband has been active duty army for 8 years. 
I’m going to be 100%, like you asked for. 
You have help now, will you have help when he gets  stationed over a 1000 miles away home? Is your job transferable? 
Field training and time he is physically gone will be dependent on unit and MOS, my husband decided to go with a combat MOS, he’s gone anywhere between 4-6 months out of the year on field trainings. With every other year rotations somewhere out of the country. The benefits are nice. We bought our home and plan to continue utilizing our VA loan whenever we move, we rent our homes through a property management whenever that time comes. Living on post is an option, you’ll need to contact housing and get on that list whenever you can as they fill fast. You can also use your BAH to rent off post-again, just depends on where you’re at, what your needs are and what is available to your budget. 
Hurry up and wait is the army’s motto, so I wouldn’t expect anything to go your way. Some things might and you should enjoy it when they do, but don’t expect them often.

Answer

As a military brat and wife...I can say it's not going to be easy and he most likely will not be making much. His pay is public knowledge and you can look up exactly what he will be making. Maybe look into that before he is set to completely join. Three kids, one military income...is not a lot. The benefits and healthcare are great so that's not an added expense that most people have to deal with l, so that's helpful!

Answer

Not Army, but my husband is in the Air Force. It is definitely nerve wracking thinking about the possible deployments, and then the worst scenarios go through your head. Although, that is definitely something to talk through and not focus on, but just be aware of. (I’m sure you’ve thought of this already) as far as the pay you receive from him being in, is all going to depend on what rank he will be starting as, enlisted vs officer. Base pay is not great, but not bad either, the benefits of having bah (housing allowance) and bas (food allowance) along with healthcare is definitely a major bonus. Initially when he leaves I would definitely plan ahead and have enjoy money saved just in case you don’t receive pay right away, we did not get paid the entire time my husband was in basic training, we did receive back pay eventually, but it made it a little hard at first. At the end of the day, all you both need is each other, open minds, and to be supportive of one another. It is an adjustment for both of you as well as your children. My husband joined years after we had been married and together, so it was something that we experienced together as well. Feel free to ask any other questions you may have, or any concerns you can think of. :)

Answer

All I’m saying is the military pay is crap! But you’ll managed you learn way to stretch your dollar. Just keep in mind you won’t always have family near by.

Answer

I've got 2 kids, 2y & 3m, my husband is enlisting as well.. My dad was in National Guard for 21years so I have a little experience of the "military life" as a kid but definitely not as a wife/mother. I'm super nervous but definitely know that he was called to do this. Prayers to you and yours as you go through this new journey in life.

Answer

Also, with having 3 kids living on post would probably be best. Idk how all bases are I was at fort hood almost my whole time in the army and they didn't charge anything for utilities unless u go over electric u pay the diff and if u stay under they send u a check

Answer

I'm not an Army wife but I've been in the Army for 8 yrs. It's the best decision I've ever made. Make sure he studies for the Asvab so he can get a good job that will also be good outside the military if he ever wants out. He will also have the opportunity to switch jobs while in too so it's good u can change jobs if u don't end up liking what you're doing. I've only been deployed once and it wasn't combat but things are changing. You will get money for housing, food and his paycheck on top of that. If he has any college bring the official transcript to the recruiter and he can start out as a higher rank. When I joined you could refer people and if they join you get promoted, not sure if that's a thing anymore. The new PT test is more physically demanding so may want to prepare for that, it should be starting this year. It's deadlift, hand release push ups, ball toss, sprint drag carry, leg tuck and then a 2 mile run. It's exhausting! sorry I'm answering for more of what he can expect 😂 once you get to your duty station they have daycare, I heard it's income based. The unit will have a family readiness group where u can meet other families and get info about what is coming up deployments etc.. you will meet other wives and they can basically become family, they'll know exactly what you're going through. You won't be alone. The Army is like family

Answer

I also have 3 kids and my husband has been active duty for almost 9 years. Of course those 9 years we didn’t always have kids. But I’d be lying if I told you it’s easy when he’s gone. Cause it’s not. But how busy you’ll be when he is gone will make the time fly by. I don’t have any family near me so it’s just me usually. You’ll find a routine eventually and you’ll figure things out from there. Military pay is good if he’s a higher rank and over seas money is nice. You’ve got this! 💪🏻

Any Army wives that can give me some advice?

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