Review: "Military Spouse Magazine Vol 3/Issue 1

I recently had the chance to review the new Military Spouse Magazine. I think it was a long time in the making and was just recently released. Here are my first impressions.


The Stats:

• 66 total pages
• 18 full pages of ads
• 6 sections
• 3 small ads

My initial impression:

Clean cover with eye-catching headlines that included an interview with Catherine Bell from Lifetime TV's Army Wives; cost was $3.99; the magazine itself was fairly thin and lightweight

Inside the cover:

As I flipped through the pages, the printing was clean and crisp with lots of graphics and photos. Most of the articles discussed the challenges and rewards of a working military spouse. Almost all the articles were pretty generalized and written in a motivating tone of voice to get the reader fired up. There were also a few other articles on children, finances, travel and even a "follow me" fitness section. The writers are fairly unknown (at least to me), although "Wives War and Politics" was written by Tanya Biank. Tanya's claim to fame is being the author of Crossed Sabers, later re-named Army Wives and becoming the basis of the show on Lifetime TV.

I must say I enjoyed "Career Profile", which I think is a regular feature. This particular issue showcased the career and family life of an employee of USAA and how she was able to balance military life with her career and family.

Articles in this issue included:

Childcare Center Versus Homecare (very general)

Sealed With a Kiss (good tips to keep the romance going)

Military Work at Home Moms (the perks and the challenges; very basic information)

The ABCs of War (how deployment can impact children; good article)

To Work or Not to Work (things to consider when working; simple tips)

Wives, War & Politics (views from wives on the war and dealing with the issues; very good article)

Catherine Bell Interview (on portraying a military spouse; motivating and caring interview)

Featured Spouse Group (Naval Officer's Spouse's Club San Diego; photos and blurb are a good idea; I assume this is a regular feature)

Have You Lost that Loving Feeling? (4 ways to get it back; some good information)

Back to Work in Style (a few gadgets to buy for the working spouse; actually these are good bets for anyone; offerings were scant though)

Career Profiles (profile on a military spouse working for USAA; good feature)

Career Intel (highlights from the Spouses to Teacher Program; good Q&A on the program)

Career Harmony (balancing military with life; a few shared stories, no real advice)

What Food is Your Hometown Famous For? (Pittsburgh's Primanti's Bros sandwich this month; photo did not do the sandwich justice...looked terrible and unappetizing)

Welcome Home: Bringing Baby Home (how to design your nursery; some nice tips to get you started)

You Can Do It: Appliances (this was supposed to be about maintenance tips; I thought it was mostly about extended warranties rather than tips though after the first paragraph)

Money Matters (can you afford to work? good article with basic pros and cons)

The Cheap Date (stretch your dating dollar; only a few tips and they left out some valuable resources)

Chocolate (good for your conscience too; nice lighthearted article)

Back to Our Roots (good travel article on Pennsylvania)

Operation Wake-Up Call and Sgt. Ken (military inspired fitness exercises with photos and good explanations)

Would I read this magazine again? Considering that this is a fairly new magazine and that every new magazine has to get the kinks out, I would say yes. I would like to see more detailed "how to" articles, a heftier size (I realize this means more ads, but as long as they can be valuable resources for the military spouse, then it's okay). There is definitely a niche audience, receptive to assistance, support and comraderie, so this magazine really does have a chance! I wish it the best of luck and look forward to the next issue! Have you read this magazine? Let's hear about it from you!