If you’re anything like me, you were completely blindsided by your partner joining the service. You have no idea what to possibly expect. Your significant other enlisting in the Army or whatever branch it might be, is life changing.
Do you drop everything and go with them, or do you work through the distance? In my case, we chose to work through it. It can be scary, sad, nerve-racking, and sometimes even exciting, and it’s worth it.
There are lots of things you need to know, but here are just a few things to start:
Your boyfriend will use military time for everything, but don’t worry, it’s easy. Military time is simply a 24hr clock rather than a 12hr clock. Just like a 12hr clock, the first two digits represent the hours, and the last two digits represent the minutes. Basically, 0000 is midnight, and anything after that you add an hour: 0100 is 1 a.m., 0200 is 2 a.m., 1200 is noon, and 1700 is 5 p.m. (12+5=17).
Milso stands for military spouse.
Learn about your partners job, it will put a lot of stress and unknowns at ease.
Don’t rush marriage. A lot of people rush and get married simply so their partner can get out of the barracks and live together (if you want to, do it, but don’t feel rushed). If they want to be with you, they will wait until you’re completely ready.
Some things that will help you when he first leaves:
Keep your friends and family close, you’re going to need the support.
Social media is your friend. Find support groups on Facebook, there are plenty of milso groups to get involved in. Even scrolling through TikTok I’m sure you see military girlfriends and wives on there, follow them and see what they do to cope.
Keep busy, find a new hobby, hang out with your friends, go to the gym, anything that will fill your time. You’ll thank me later.
Constantly write to them. Anytime something happens that you want to tell your partner, write it down so you don’t forget.
Send them pictures, they love it.
It might seem long and daunting, but you can get through it, and it goes faster than you’d imagine. One day you’re sending them off to bootcamp, the next day they’re almost finished with active duty.
Most importantly, you are not alone in this journey.
Love this!