The True Benefits of Being a Military Spouse

Okay, so you're married to the military. You go tax-free shopping at the PX and the commissary, but have you ever really thought about what REAL benefits you have besides the tax-free shopping? Here are some things to think about.

Have you ever sat and thought about what you like about being a military wife? I know we all complain...hey, it's human nature, so that's acceptable. But, there must be something you like about it. If someone asked you today what you like about your military nomadic life, what would you say? Here's what I would say:

• I love when my husband returns from his deployment, and we get to have a honeymoon all over again!

• I love to travel all over the world, live in new places, experience new cultures..and when I am tired of that one, I know I will soon be moving on to the next one (this even includes places in good ole' US of A, because "down in the Bayou" is much different than "living in the Big Apple"

• The military discounts available at theme parks, restaurants and shopping are great
  

• The sense of independence, adventure, maturity and flexibility I am instilling in my children will last them a lifetime

• I love the sense of pride and patriotism that comes out in me, because you just can't help it with your surroundings
  

• It's great to have the many discounted and free programs and opportunities available to the military through organizations on post such as Army Community Service

• I love the ease of making friends with other military wives and families, because we all tend to do this automatically with all the moving around we do
  

• The educational opportunities for me and my husband, most times free and low cost, are a nice thing to have
  

• The opportunities for us to network in our jobs, so we can find our rightful place after the military are plentiful
  

• The free healthcare most Americans are struggling to pay or can't pay at all may be reason enough right there (and from personal experience, the quality of care can be quite good, depending on where you are)
  

• The job security my husband has knowing he won't ever be fired (you'd have to screw up badly to be "let go"; never say never, but I am comparing his work to let's say someone who works in some mindless corporation somewhere; they disappear and fold up everyday; if the Army folds up, we are in trouble as a nation)

• The guaranteed pension plan (the day the military makes the pension plan go away completely is the day the country will truly be broke; you see Fortune 500 companies all the time doing away with their pensions; the government will surely be the last to go this route)
  

• The interesting shopping booty from exotic locales at reduced prices and before they hit popularity in the States; Polish Pottery and Czech crystal immediately come to mind

• The unexpected sight of my husband when he comes home early from work or gets an unexpected day off; even though he works long hours, it's nice to see him getting some free time when least expected (and the kids are in school)
  

What do you see as the benefits?