The military community encompasses a very small percent of the entire United States population. That includes everyone that has ever served and their family members too. As a result, the civilian population might not be as privy to military culture and they may have some misconceptions about military families.

If you happen to be a civilian strolling around this part of the Internet, welcome! I’m glad you came and hope you have a chance to learn a little more about the military community because there are a few misconceptions that I hope to straighten out. I’m hoping I can stomp out any of your misconceptions and shed some light to what the military community really is like.

Here are 6 things that the general population needs to know about military families.

We get along with practically everyone.

I’ve heard around that military members tend to discriminate, but I think it’s a pretty big misconception. The military puts together all kinds of people from all different kinds of backgrounds to be brothers and sisters in arms. Despite the conflicts and challenges that our service members endure, they are very loyal to each other and their community. I believe this loyalty extends to everyone in their communities, military or not.

We aren’t nuts.

Military families tend to be patriotic because of the pride we have for our service members. I consider my husband my hero and I’m sure I speak for thousands of other military spouses when I say that. But, sometimes, our patriotic nature might be taken out of proportion and become another misconception. Just because I’m so proud of all the sacrifices that all our military members endure doesn’t mean I’m pro-war, if you know what I mean!

We don’t always live on base or post.

It is safe to say that a lot of us live inside an installation or in on-base/post housing, due to convenience and sometimes cost of living, but it isn’t for everyone. The misconception is that ALL military families keep to themselves and live away from the civilian population. On the contrary, there are a lot of military families living in civilian neighborhoods with lots of spouses working in civilian communities too.

We value our community on and off base or post.

Another misconception is that we tend to be loyal just to the military installation or military community. It happens that we relate to other military families because of the circumstances that we face, but that doesn’t mean that we don’t appreciate the community around us. I live off-post with my husband and have embraced the town we live in and take part by shopping locally and engaging in the community.

We are SO thankful for everything.

The misconception of military families being rich, needy or demanding is something I see from some mainstream media outlets. There are stories out there that we benefit a great deal financially from the military and other discounts…uh, I don’t even know where to begin with that. First thing, that misconception is the one I hope civilians understand as wrong. Facts and figures have been misconstrued and calculated in unusual ways to make it seem like we are gaining a lot monetarily. We’re not.

I wish I could do more for every business, organization and whoever else that has extended a helping hand to my family. I hope that they know their charity is being appreciated very much!

We are like any other family.

In this last misconception, big or small, military families are exactly the same as civilian families by being completely unique and different from one another, but still in the same boat.

I am truly convinced if you lined all of us up in a room (sans service member because, let’s face it, the haircut might give it away), a layperson would not be able to pick out the military family from the civilian family. With that being said, we all come from the same planet, so please don’t be afraid of us. Military families really want to fit in!

Which misconceptions have you heard about military families? Have you heard  anything that was absolutely false?

This is a previously posted article.

Summer PCS season is right around the corner and it is not too early to start to plan even before you receive those ever-elusive orders. I’ve always been super disorganized and looked with awe at my fellow military spouses with their PCS binders and elaborate coding systems for moving boxes. I even know one friend who tapes down the dimensions of a U-Haul truck on her floor and begins packing in plastic crates and loads them in her fake U-Haul until she packs the real one a few days before the move. It is really a genius system if you can be that organized. Here are a few tips for the less organized to help keep your sanity.

• Once you know your next duty station see what your options are for housing on post. If the waiting list is long you will need to consider other options. Rentals which will open for the summer are usually listed after the start of the year. The best ones will go fast. I personally do not like to rent sight unseen. What we typically do as a family is at Spring Break if it is close enough to drive to (about an eight-hour drive) we will go check out the new duty station as a family. If you must fly, my husband will spend spring break with the kids, and I will fly to the new location to check out schools and rental options.
• Important Documents. We don’t use a binder, we keep everything in a fire box and that includes birth certificates, social security cards, marriage certificate, car titles, and passports. You should know where everything is but for the less organized find them and pick a way to keep track of them. I like a firebox because it is difficult to lose.
• Start the PCS Purge. It is not too early to think about what you can get rid of. We have never gone over our weight limit by doing this. Consider getting rid of stuff in those boxes you have shipped every PCS move and never unpacked. Get rid of outgrown clothes and toys. Your local installation Thrift Shop accepts donations and profits are donated as community grants and scholarships. If you start early this doesn’t have to be stressful. I just do one room a week until complete.
• I tend to keep a well-stocked pantry. It is too early to stop grocery shopping, but I like to get an idea of what we have and to start planning to use it up prior to our move.
• Start thinking about how you want to move. We always use movers but a DITY move may be a good option for your family. If you have lots of stuff and especially if it is a cross country move it is just easier to have someone else do the packing and moving. PCS season is super busy so as soon as your spouse has your orders get into transportation to schedule your move. You will have better options and more likely to get the days you want.
• The Fun Part, dreaming about your new duty station and planning your trip. We always take the full amount of travel time authorized by the military and make it a fun trip. I get online and start reconning pet friendly hotels and activities. Having a pet does limit you but we still have managed to make fun trips. The goal is not to arrive at your new duty station exhausted.

I loved all 30 of my moves (yes, it is a lot, but I was a military brat, served 12 years and became a military spouse. Yes, there are challenges, but I love seeing and living in new places. So, take the time to do some pre-planning and a little organizing for a stress free move. What are your favorite PCS tips? Post below to share.

Marguerite Cleveland is a freelance writer who specializes in human interest and travel stories. Her military experience is vast as the daughter of a Navy man who served as an enlisted sailor and then Naval Officer. She served as an enlisted soldier in the reserves and on active duty, then as an Army Officer. Visit her website www.PeggyWhereShouldIGo.com

Previously posted article

KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. (AFNS) —  

The time is coming! Days will be longer and warmer soon which means more outdoor activities and motorcycles on the road. Understanding motorcycle safety is essential for all motorcycle riders. Awareness of hazards, personal protective equipment and safety precautions all contribute to mitigating risks. This Motorcycle Preseason, March 21 through May 16, motorcycle riders need to be aware and prepared to ensure 2024 is the safest riding season yet.

Motor vehicle mishaps are the most common threats to road safety. In 2023, there were 22 motorcycle fatalities across the Department of the Air Force. Of those, 16 were in excess of 25 miles over the speed limit, and seven involved an intoxicating substance. This preseason, the Department of the Air Force intends to contact and register 100% of its riders, then schedule and train all riders, followed by a unit sweep to identify any unregistered riders and get them up to code.

The Motorcycle Unit Safety Tracking Tool was designed to provide training data for DAF motorcycle riders. Ten of last year’s fatalities were found to have inactive MUSTT accounts or no account at all. This mandatory training and tracking system is vital to serving motorcycle riders and could save lives.

“Untrained riders, regardless of age or years of riding experience, are most susceptible to unsafe practices,” said David R. Brandt, Traffic Safety deputy branch chief. “Riding and training are two separate things. Training and practice help to make riding safer.”

As the motorcycle safety program manager and a 25-year rider, Brandt recommends that riders build skills through diligent practice and training. With training, riders will be able to avoid dangerous situations and prevent themselves from getting hurt, or worse.

Risk takers, who deliberately break rules, is another serious issue when riding. Lack of compliance to regulatory guidance is a main area of concern. Riding under the influence, riding with no personal protective equipment or proper training, directly leads to unsafe practices. When a member does break the rules, they are subject to a Line of Duty determination where they could lose benefits or must pay their own mishap costs.

Proper training gives Airman and Guardian riders an avenue to acquire skills, build a rider’s mentality, and educate other riders on current standards and techniques. Every DAF Rider should be physically capable, mechanically sound and mentally prepared to mitigate risks before riding a motorcycle.

Brandt’s top tip for riders is learn how to brake effectively.

“With all the data and research we have, effective braking could solve 75% of all motorcycle mishaps,” Brandt said. “Emergency braking and learning to trail brake in the corners would completely change the way you ride.”

The DAF Rider website is a one-stop shop for all things motorcycle in the Department of the Air Force. For questions that aren’t answered on the site, each unit also has a motorcycle safety representative who is knowledgeable of all requirements. Riders can also contact their Wing or MAJCOM Safety offices with questions. The Traffic Safety branch here at the Air Force Safety Center is also here to help answer any questions you may have. There is no reason a DAF member should be lost regarding motorcycle requirements.

For more information see the DAF Rider page at https://www.safety.af.mil/Divisions/Occupational-Safety-Division/Air-Force-Rider/ or contact your motorcycle safety representative

.

The Brandon Act is critical health care guidance implemented to support service members on their path to mental health. The policy is in accordance with federal law (Section 704 of Public Law 117-81) and a Congressional bill named in honor of Petty Officer 3rd Class Brandon Caserta who died by suicide in 2018. Legislation came to pass as a result of Caserta’s passing and his parents valiant efforts to get better access to mental healthcare for service members. The Brandon Act legislation is a step toward preventing military suicide.

Ultimately, the legislation aims to streamline access to mental healthcare as well as reduce the stigma associated with mental health by keeping the process confidential.

Under the Brandon Act, if a service member feels they need help, the only thing they need to do is ask their supervisor. No explanation is necessary. At any time and any place the request can be made. The service member will be provided a mental health evaluation. These efforts offer a more expeditious and efficient process for the service member that may be struggling.

Additionally, service members continue to have the option to contact a mental health care provider directly, without the involvement of their unit.

The Brandon Act is another way the military aims to take care of those who serve.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, reach out.

Anyone in crisis should immediately call 911 or the 988 Military Crisis Line. For non-crisis situations, there are numerous medical and non-medical mental health resources available to assist service members in need of mental health support. Find more information on available resources at health.mil/mentalhealth.

Recently, the VA announced it’s goal to house 41,000 homeless veterans across the United States. Ultimately, the Department of Veterans Affairs aims to prevent and end veteran homelessness and housing those currently without homes is part of that objective.

Specifically, in fiscal year 2024, VA will:

• Place at least 41,000 Veterans experiencing homelessness into permanent housing.
• Ensure that at least 95% of the Veterans housed in FY 2024 do not return to homelessness during the year.
• Engage with at least 40,000 unsheltered Veterans to help them obtain housing and other wraparound services.

VA Deputy Secretary Tanya Bradsher said “Even one Veteran experiencing homelessness is a tragedy,” and goes on to say, “We’ve made progress in recent years in tackling this problem, but there’s still a long way to go — and that’s why we’re setting these aggressive goals. We will not rest until every Veteran has a safe, stable place to call home in this country they swore to defend.”

“Whenever we get into contact with a homeless Veteran, our first priority is to get them into the housing they deserve,” added Bradsher. “Then we work to provide them with the tools they need to stay housed — including health care, job training, legal and education assistance, and more. That’s how we’ll meet and exceed these goals in 2024.”

Reaching homeless veterans is paramount in the Department of Veterans Affairs goal to obtain permanent housing for unsheltered vets.

If you are a Veteran who is experiencing homelessness or at risk for homelessness, call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-4AID-VET (877-424-3838). Visit the VA Homeless Programs website to learn about housing initiatives and other programs for Veterans exiting homelessness.

For more information about VA’s comprehensive efforts to end Veteran homelessness, visit VA.gov/homeless.

Did you know that science has uncovered a unique way to ease the pressures of military family life? Amidst constant change, deployments, and school adjustments, a fascinating solution has surfaced: Pets. These lovable creatures aren’t just companions, they’re little heroes, stimulating positive growth in kids and aiding service members’ re-entry into family life after deployment. 

Helps to Manage Trauma

If your loved one engaged in active combat during their deployment, it’s likely that they may be dealing with trauma from that experience. In fact, a study of Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans shows that about 30% have developed post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Having PTSD can result in irritability, anger, and panic attacks. It may also result in having bad dreams or nightmares every night since one of the major symptoms of PTSD is having intrusive reminders of the traumatic experience. Therapy can help to be in a healthier state of mind, but having a pet can also be beneficial if you or your loved one is dealing with trauma. 

In a research of those who have experienced trauma including those with PTSD, it was found that animal-assisted therapy can reduce PTSD symptoms. There is increased oxytocin in both pets and humans during interactions, and oxytocin can help to have better sleep and regulate emotional responses. The therapies mainly included dogs, but it was found that horses and other farm animals are just as effective to quell PTSD symptoms. Just spending some quiet time with a pet while gently stroking their fur, or even talking or reading to them can help to ease PTSD symptoms and make you feel calm and less anxious. 

Get More Exercise

Lack of exercise not only increases your risk of mental health disorders, but it can also increase the likelihood of developing health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain forms of cancer. Having a pet ensures that military families get lots of exercise, and this is especially true if the pet happens to be a dog or a horse. Canine companions need to be walked at least once every day, while horses need 20 minutes of movement daily to stay healthy. Family members can take turns walking the dog or riding their pet horse to get equal bonding time with their pet and get moving. Not only will this help to get you fit, but it will also ease stress, which affects both the young and old. 

Improves Social Skills

Most civilians may think that being a military kid is lots of fun because they get to live in new places and meet lots of new people. However, they’re often highly stressed since being frequently mobile means having to constantly adjust to new academic curriculum. Military children may also struggle to develop lasting friendships and have a hard time finding a sense of belonging in new environments. After frequent relocations, separation from parents due to deployment, and a lack of friends, children may either start to become withdrawn and less sociable, or they become highly rambunctious and rebellious. Thankfully, pet therapy can help to make military children feel less lonely, and it may even enable them to become more sociable.

A survey shows that out of 2,000 dog owners surveyed, almost half of the participants made friends while walking their pets. Having a dog can make people seem open to friendships and connections, and it may even give people a boost of confidence so they can talk to others. So, encourage your child to walk your pet dog at the park. It’s likely that other kids may want to initiate conversations with them due to the presence of their furry pal. These conversations can lead to solid friendships, which can help military kids to thrive. 

Pets bring joy to people, and they can help military families in so many ways. Consider getting a pet to increase your family’s happiness, boost overall health, and have more interactions with others, and make sure to do your research so you can get the best type of pet that’s right for you and your loved ones.