Whether you are new to being a milspouse or you’ve been one for 10 years, the additional resources and events that are offered to us is exciting. Here are some of the awesome incentives that milspouses can take advantage of.
1: Attend free group exercise classes
Yes, that’s right, free! Most gyms located on base offer group exercise classes like spin, Zumba and yoga throughout the week. This is, of course, in addition to having free access to all other parts of the gym as well. For group exercise classes, you usually don’t even have to reserve a spot ahead of time—it’s as easy as just showing up! If you are someone who thrives on keeping motivated through group workouts, then this option is perfect for you. You will surely meet other milspouses who can hold you accountable for achieving your weekly workout goal and vice versa.
2: Print pages for free at the base library
You read that right—another freebie! Many bases have libraries, offering everything from free book, magazine and educational DVD rentals to free printed pages. Much like the rentals, the printed pages have a limit. The limit may differ from base to base on the number of pages one is permitted to print per day at no cost. This resource comes in real handy when you don’t have a working printer at home and need to create a hard copy of a shipping label for a return. The base library makes the process a breeze.
3: Attend monthly social events with a spouse group
These socials are where you can enjoy some friend time while doing something fun like taking part in a painting party or decorating festive cookies. This is also a great time to catch up with some of the spouses you haven’t seen in a month or so and ask how their family is doing. It’s always nice to look forward to something and these gatherings are without a doubt something to look forward to.
4: Join book clubs hosted by other milspouses
If you are a huge book lover, then chances are that you’ve already discovered one such club in your area. Book clubs are just another way that milspouses can convene over something they have in common and capitalize on it.
5: Join local, base-centered Facebook groups for insider convos
This one can be a lifesaver! As soon as you and your military member move to a new location for their next assignment, get on Facebook and search for the groups relating to your new base. For example, most military bases have a main page, so just search for your Base name and “like” the page to follow. This following can keep you up to date on all of the happenings on and around the base. Other important pages to follow relating to the base include the yard sale page, the weather page, the thrift shop page and the milspouse page. The social media page for spouses is beyond helpful! On this page you will find that anyone who is a member can ask/answer any question they have. If you are new to the area and are in search of a great dog groomer in town, post your question in the comment section of the page and within a couple of hours you will have received multiple comments back with reputable groomers to take your pick from. These pages provide information that you can’t get from base personnel over the phone or just find online—it’s from firsthand experience from other milspouses just like you!
6: Let military children be social, so you can, too
Kid play dates equal social time for everyone! If you have a child, setting up a playdate with another milspouse mom to let your children burn off some energy is genius—both the adults and the children benefit! If you live on base, trying to coordinate such outings with another parent and child that live on base is probably going to result in more meetups, due to the convenience. Just because you don’t have children doesn’t mean you can’t take part in play dates. If there is a large gathering of kids and their parents, then more power to the spouses without children to join in on the social fun.
Being a milspouse definitely has its perks. Be sure to fully explore what all of those perks are during the time span that you are stationed at your current base. The military can be trying on any family, but there are ways that being a part of it can also be very beneficial.
