I’ve mentioned this before, but I really think it’s important for military spouses to get involved at a new duty station. The military life can be isolating and lonely if you keep to yourself, and I know introverts can struggle with meeting new people. Putting yourself out there can result in lifelong friendships with a group of people who understand your life. Finding your tribe at each duty station can also go a long way in making the most of your time as a military spouse.
In the military world
The post spouse’s club. Each Army post has a club for spouses. Normally, they charge a membership fee that supports the different programs and events they put on throughout the year (like socials, fundraisers, and scholarships). Many clubs arrange childcare or partner with CYS at events!
The FRG. The Family Readiness Group (FRG) is an official support group in units designed to assist families during unit training or deployments. Volunteers run the FRG, and you have a lot of opportunities to get involved. These can range from leadership through acting as a caller on a phone tree to help notify other spouses and families of what’s going on. Volunteering in the FRG can be a good crash course in military life. You can also attend training that covers both FRG and general military information.
The coffee group. Many units have a coffee group for senior enlisted and officer spouses. In more active units, you tend to get together once a month for socializing (I’ve never actually gone for coffee, so the name is a bit misleading). I hosted one where we carved pumpkins during an actual hurricane. (Looking for theme ideas? Check out this post with some suggestions!)
Religious groups. I just found out about PWOC or Protestant Women of the Chapel (thanks, Jenn!), a Christian women’s group at many Army posts. I’m going to check out the one here for some of their Bible studies and other social functions.
In the community
Volunteering and Junior League. I have been a member of Junior League since 2011 and have transferred my membership with each move. I’m back in Augusta’s League. Joining the League has been a great way for me to get involved in the community, volunteer, and meet other women. I also like that I have made friends who are and aren’t Army wives. I think military spouses should get to know their local communities and should make friends that aren’t necessarily through their spouses’ units. In the small Army world, one of my Junior League friends was actually the wife of Mac’s battery commander during his first deployment.
Religious groups. I research church options before we move because I’m Anglican (I actually have to look for parishes). My work schedule hasn’t permitted me to participate, but every church I’ve attended has women’s Bible studies. Many also have mom groups that don’t require you to attend that church in order to participate.
Meet-up.com. When we moved to Fayetteville, I knew two people: my husband and my brother-in-law. I was a bit desperate to make friends because I went from living in a sorority house to living with the only two people I knew in an area of almost 300,000 people. I happened across Meetup.com and joined a few groups of other women looking to make new friends. While the meet-ups I attended didn’t result in any friendships, it was nice to get out and meet new people.
How do you get involved at a new duty station?
All of these are such great outlets for military spouses. The biggest for me has always been the FRG. I’m patiently waiting to get information about our new one.
That’s great! Mac hasn’t been in a unit with a proper FRG in over two years. It’s weird not having that resource and community.