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How to Use a VA Home Loan to Build Your Custom Home

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On any given Saturday, you’ll find me enthralled by the latest episode of a home-improvement show. I marvel at the shiny bathroom tile or the hand-scraped hardwood floors. It’s hard not to image what it would be like to build my dream home.

Would it be somewhere in California overlooking the ocean?

A Rocky Mountain hideaway in Colorado?

Or maybe a red-brick colonial in the suburbs of D.C.?

And I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one who has spent hours imagining it all, right down to the drawer pulls and carpet colors.

But did you know that financing home construction is vastly different from a traditional mortgage? Did you know your VA benefits can help you make your dream home a reality?

Here’s the skinny on how to use your VA home loan benefits to build your custom home:

New Construction Financing 101

Unless you have enough money to pay a builder cash for materials and labor, it’s likely you’ll need to take out a loan. New construction is typically financed with a construction loan during the building process, then converted to a traditional mortgage once building is complete.

Some real estate developers and builders will pay for the construction phase so that approved homeowners only need to secure a traditional mortgage. Often this means you’re building a house in a planned community and can customize your home from a variety of plans and options offered by the builder.

However, if you want an entirely custom home (from your own blueprints) or if you want to build outside of a planned community, you may need to apply for your own construction loan.

How to Use a VA Loan for Your Custom Built Home

There was a time when VA construction loans were readily available, but thanks to many of the issues that tanked the U.S. housing market in recent years, a straight VA construction loan may be hard to find.

During the construction loan process, the bank will review your building plans and release funds, as needed, for each phase of the building process. Generally, a homeowner will pay the interest on a construction loan during the building process, though interest is accrued only on the money that has been released to the builder. Interest rates for construction loans vary and many of the same financial requirements needed for traditional home loan approval will apply.

VA Construction Loans vs. Construction to Permanent VA Financing

One of the benefits of using a VA construction loan is that you will not be required to make any payments during the construction phase. Instead the builder is responsible for all fees and interest. Once the home is completed, the VA issues a certificate of completion, pays the builder and converts your loan into a regular mortgage.

Sounds great, right?

There was a time when VA construction loans were readily available, but thanks to many of the issues that tanked the U.S. housing market in recent years, a straight VA construction loan may be hard to find. If you find one, make sure you do your research before agreeing to any terms.

Currently, it is much easier to find lenders offering construction-to-permanent loans. In these cases, a construction loan is financed through a traditional or local lender. At the same time, a pre-approval letter for a VA loan is obtained with specific verbiage mentioning the intent to convert a construction loan to a permanent VA loan once the house is complete.

While this doesn’t guarantee you’ll get approved for a construction loan, it can make it a little easier. You will likely still be required to pay interest on the construction loan, and depending on your credit history and amount financed, you may be asked to provide a down payment.

VA Financing Special Requirements

Like a traditional construction loan, a VA lending institution will assign an inspector to your building project. The inspector is responsible for making sure each phase of construction is complete before money is issued for the next step of construction.

Also, in order to use the VA loan as part of the construction-to-permanent process, the builder must be registered with the VA and offer a minimum one-year warranty.

Just like a more traditional VA loan, there are limitations and restrictions. You must obtain a letter of eligibility from the VA before a lending institution can approve a VA loan. And a newly constructed home must still be inspected and appraised as part of the mortgage process. Deadlines and processes vary by state, so make sure you do your research ahead of time to avoid any surprises.

And don’t forget, there are caps on how much the VA will guarantee that vary by location. If you need a loan over that cap, you will be required to provide 25% of the difference between your loan amount and the cap as a down payment. But, even if you are buying over the VA cap, you’ll still enjoy the benefit of not having to pay PMI.

Have you financed your custom built home using a VA loan? What hurdles did you encounter?

Home-Buying Tips and Tools for Military Families

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As a military family, the decision to buy a home is both exciting and wrought with uncertainty. It means putting down semi-permanent roots and committing to a home for longer than 1 to 2 years.

And the home-buying process can be more than a little overwhelming.

Don’t worry. Breath. You’ve already done the hardest part in committing to the goal of purchasing a new home. Now you just need to get smart about the process. You’ll be unpacking boxes and putting your feet up in your new home before you know it.

Home-Buying Tips and Tools for Military Families

A VA-backed loan is often the go-to for service members and retirees looking to buy a house.

Your Home-Buying Checklist: Get Up-Close and Personal with Your Finances

Most of us have a good idea of how much we have in savings and how much our bills are each month, but preparing to buy a house goes much deeper than that.

Get Your Credit Score

  • Order your credit report directly from all 3 credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion) or try a site like annualcreditreport.com.
  • Dispute any discrepancies and be prepared to show problems have been resolved or were the result of mitigating circumstances.

Pay Down Debt

  • Improve your credit score and show lenders you are credit worthy by paying down your debt.
  • Make an appointment with a financial planner. Most military installations offer this service through on-post family support agencies like Fleet and Family Support Centers or Army Community Services.
  • Calculate your debt-to-income ratio and estimate how much you can afford to spend on your new home.

Save for Your Home’s Down Payment

While it is possible to purchase a home without a down payment, some of the most competitive loan programs require a 10 to 20% down payment. Start saving as soon as you decide you want to buy a home.

Your Home-Buying Checklist: Mortgage Research Is a Must

There is no shortage of mortgage options, but do your due diligence before signing anything. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Ask Friends and Family Members for Referrals

Ask friends and family members about lending institutions or programs they have used. Learn from their mistakes and successes. If you get a recommendation, take a few minutes to do additional research or call the lending institution and ask for more information.

Get Smart About Terminology

While most loans are fairly standard in their fees and process, there are still plenty of non-traditional options out there. Understanding the difference between a 30-year vs a 15-year mortgage and the pros and cons of an ARM loan is important.

Consider working with a mortgage counselor. They can help you understand the entire mortgage process and often are available for free.

Shop Around for the Best Rates

Don’t just shop one type of loan. A VA-backed loan is often the go-to for service members and retirees, but it is not the only option.

Depending on where you are buying, the amount of your loan, and the type of property, local or regional lending institutions may have programs that offer you a better interest rate. Tools like LendingTree can help do some of the legwork.

Your Home-Buying Checklist: Location, Location, Location

You’ve got your finances in order and have a down payment in the works, now it’s time to start scoping out a location.

As you begin to narrow down where you want to live, ask yourself:

  • What is a reasonable commute time?
  • Is being close to shopping a necessity?
  • Is the size of the neighborhood or its amenities important to me?
  • Do I want to buy a newly-constructed home or something in a more established neighborhood?

Then do research on these topics:

  • Area schools
  • Water, sewer, waste and power/gas rates
  • Local tax rates, emergency service costs, and any front or homeowners association fees
  • Local crime rates  and the sex offenders’ registry statistics
  • Traffic and public transportation options

Your Home-Buying Checklist: Wants and Needs

Now the fun part — figuring out what you want in your new home. It’s totally OK to dream, but make sure you prioritize your requirements. Start by identifying those things you absolutely must have in order for your new home to be functional. Start by making a list:

  • How many bedrooms do you need?
  • How many bathrooms?
  • Are there any other special requirements, like single-story or two-car garage?
  • What about an open floor plan or home office space?

Now review the list of things you wish you could have and prioritize.

Your Home-Buying Checklist: Hire a Professional Realtor

Ask for recommendations or search local BBB reviews for a licensed Realtor. Look for agents with experience working with military families, like Millie. The information a real estate agent can provide about homes coming onto the market, neighborhoods and the home-buying process is priceless.

What tips would you add to this home-buying checklist? Share them in the comments section.

The Hidden Costs of Your PCS

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Money. You need it, often we feel we don’t have enough of it, and it requires almost constant management. Stir in a PCS and relocation and you’ve got the recipe for some of the unique challenges only members of our community will understand. But like many other things, a shared commiseration gives us the opportunity to share and learn from each other.

Having been through more PCSes than I can count on 2 hands, I’ve learned the best tool we have at our disposal is pre-planning. Good old Uncle Sam pays the movers to come and box everything up and move it, but there are lots of hidden costs that can put a strain on a family budget. Here are 3 hidden costs and strategies for overcoming them.

THE PROBLEM: EVERYDAY HOUSEHOLD SUPPLIES

You can’t move liquids (with the rare exception), chemicals, and open food items. This often means that just before a PCS, we’re tossing all kinds of cleaning supplies and emptying the refrigerator of things like ketchup, mustard and salad dressings.

Talk about feeling like you are literally throwing money in the garbage.

And once we arrive, those items must be replaced in a hurry.

SOLUTION: Plan ahead if you can. If you know you are due for a PCS, even if you don’t have orders, try to anticipate. Plan meals that will use up the last of that bottle of ranch dressing and buy smaller bottles of household cleaners. Yes, it might cost a little bit more than buying the family size, but in the end, you won’t end up having to throw away half a bottle.

Once you arrive, try to shop sales and buy in bulk to lower costs. Also consider easing into replacement items. A solid multi-purpose cleaner can hold you over for a few months to help spread out costs and a little meal planning helps to do the same for those refrigerator staples.

Also, as you get ready to PCS, consider selling items you don’t need or want. Use that extra money to help offset some of these hidden relocation costs.

THE PROBLEM: HOME SALE/RENTAL DEPOSIT

You’ve got to put a down payment or deposit down on your new home, but you haven’t closed on a sale or received your last deposit back.

SOLUTION: This one is a little trickier, but again, the key is to plan ahead if you can. Anticipate the overlap in timing by putting a little money in your savings account each month leading up to a PCS. It is much better to have extra money saved then to be caught between paychecks without the funds you need.

You may want to consider taking a pay advance to help cover those large ticket costs, just make sure you plan your follow-on budget appropriately until the advance is paid back.

THE PROBLEM: THE FURNITURE DOESN’T FIT

You did the research, waited for a sale, and landed the perfect couch or set of curtains. Enter a set of PCS orders and a new temporary home. And of course, nothing fits in your new house.

Solution: We learned this lesson the hard way, so my advice? Buy modular furniture as much as possible.

That doesn’t mean you have to buy cheap, just buy smart. Also, before you pack up all that furniture, take some good measurements. Then when you are checking out potential new digs, take some quick measurements to see if what you have will work.

I’m not saying to pick a house to fit your furniture, but if what you have won’t work at all (ask me about the on-post house that wouldn’t allow for us to get a queen-sized bed upstairs!), the cost of replacing furniture might be worth some consideration.

Don’t be afraid to check out consignment and thrift stores, especially those around military housing areas. You’re not the only one struggling to make that new house feel like a home and chances are you can secure some gently used pieces at a killer price.

What other PCS costs have you experienced? What tips can you offer to help offset those relocation costs?

DeCA Introduces Nutrition Guide Program

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Every week, I sacrifice the desire to sleep in for the early morning trek to the commissary. They say the early bird gets the worm, but we all know when it comes to shopping at the commissary, the early bird gets the best selection and avoids waiting in long check-out lines. If you’re anything like me, you scurry through the produce section and down every aisle trying to find all the best deals.

At the same time, I am fretting over whether I am making healthy choices for the sometimes-finicky-but-always-hungry brood at home. Meal planning has become a requirement for stretching our food budget, and now thanks to a new program from the folks at DeCA, I can get my shopping done in record time while still ensuring I’m making smart choice about what we’re eating.

In addition to the recently launched Out of the Box recipe program that offers quick and healthy meal options, commissary shoppers can now find some of the best healthy products to add to their baskets just by looking for the new color-coded shelf tags.

The Nutrition Guide Program or NGP for short, highlights the following 6 food categories:

Green = Organic: As certified by the USDA.

Dark Blue = Low Sodium: For those folks looking to watch their salt intake, these labels can help you quickly identify products with 140 milligrams or less of sodium per serving.

Ruby = No Sugar Added: As you probably guessed, this label indicates food items in which no sugar was added during production. This doesn’t mean these products are sugar-free. Look for this label on products like applesauce or baby food.

Brown = Whole Grain: These products are made with whole grains and must contain at least 8 grams of whole grain to earn this label.

Light Blue = Low Fat: With lots of rules about what can be considered low-fat, these labels are a great way to quickly find truly low-fat options. All products indicated by these labels contain 3 grams or less of total fat per serving. Additionally, for meal or main dish options, like in the frozen food section, foods must have 3 grams or less of total fat per 100 grams of the product.

Sand (Light Brown) = Good Source of Fiber: You’ll see this shelf label on products that contain at least 10% or more of the daily value for fiber per serving.

These easily-recognizable shelf labels are derived from ingredient lists and nutritional panel values as well as guidelines from the FDA and USDA.

Shoppers will also notice some shelves marked with a thumbs up symbol. Products on these shelves are specially marked as highly nutritious foods good for high performance. These “thumbs-up” products align closely with the DOD’s Go for Green and the Marine Corps “Fueled to Fight” dining facilities nutrition education programs.

Most shoppers find it easy to recognize healthy options in the produce section, but the prepackaged and frozen food sections can sometimes be a little harder to navigate. Currently there are more than 600 “thumbs-up” products, making decisions about what to buy easier.

While you won’t see the NGP shelf labels in every department, you will see them for the following products: organic baby food, chilled meats, baking goods, condiments, beverages, bread, frozen foods, organic candy, canned goods, grains, pasta, and side dishes, cereal and breakfast foods, snacks, soups, and whole grain cake mixes.

The DeCA website points out that these shelf labels are not meant to be a substitute for consumers reading food labels. If your family has special dietary restrictions or allergies, it is still important to read food labels.

They also suggest that by the time you make it up to the checkout line your basket should contain lots of fresh produce, lean meats, eggs, and foods rich in healthy fats like fish, nuts, seeds, olive/canola oil and avocados. The remainder can be packaged items, but try to use the thumbs up symbol to identify those food items high in nutritional value.

It’s OK to splurge on that favorite flavor of ice cream or something from the cookie aisle, but those foods should be an exception to your daily eating habits, not part of your normal diet.

For more information about DeCA’s new Nutrition Guide Program, visit the Nutrition Guide Program FAQ webpage.

8 Photo Ops Every Military Couple Should Take Advantage Of

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When I was a kid, one of my favorite things to do on a rainy afternoon was to look through old family photo albums. Not many of us take the time anymore to print out duplicate prints and bind them up into a notebook-sized trip down memory lane, but we are still a culture of pictures.

There are milestone photos of the kids, of course. Then there’s the annual family photo and the wallet-sized school pictures.

But are you forgetting to take photos that document your relationship with your spouse or significant other too?

Just like keeping the stubs from the concert tickets you got for your birthday or the hand-painted trinket from your cruise last summer, photos with your spouse help you to remember the journey you’ve taken together. Whether you keep them in a three-ring binder or in a virtual photo bucket somewhere in the cloud, make sure you remember to point the camera lens at the two of you together.

8 Photo Ops Every Military Couple Should Take Advantage Of

A promotion is a big day in your service member’s career. Don’t forget to ask someone to snap a photo of the two of you.

Need some ideas for what pictures to take? Here are my top 8 photo opportunities all military couples should take advantage of:

Photos Documenting the Military Service Journey

Military service provides the security for your relationship, and quite frankly, nothing reminds me more of the reasons that made me fall in love with my husband than seeing him in uniform. My guess is I’m not the only one. So make sure you snap a photo or two of you and your spouse whenever you attend official military functions.

  • Promotions. This is a big day in every service member’s career, but it is also a milestone for your life together. Plus it gives you a great visual of the uniform evolution you’ve seen together. Don’t forget to take a photo at your service member’s reenlistment ceremonies too.
  • Graduations. They’ve put in the hours of work studying and training, and you’ve likely been left to manage the homefront so they can focus solely on advancement. Graduation photos are a way to celebrate a spouse’s military achievement.
  • Retirement. Like the light at the end of a very long tunnel, make sure you take the time to bask in the celebration that comes with retirement from military service. They’ve done the time in uniform, but you’ve been there too. A great photo of the two of you during the ceremony or the after celebration is a must-have photo.
  • Birthday Balls and Galas. It’s not often we get to call the military lifestyle glamorous, so take advantage while you can. Best part? These events often hire photographers, so all you have to do is show up and smile.
  • Farewells and Homecomings. These are some of the most important photos to have, not only for posterity, but to keep close during separations. Take the time to take a photo of every goodbye and every return. In those moments when the relationship requires a little extra work or distance brings loneliness, these photos are a great reminder of how much you mean to each other.
8 Photo Ops Every Military Couple Should Take Advantage Of

Take the time to take a photo of every goodbye and every military homecoming.

Photos Documenting Your Relationship Journey

There are the standard must-haves like wedding and anniversary photos, but those are one day out of the year and aren’t often a true representation of your life together. Annual family photos are a great way to make sure you capture the kids as they grow (and yourselves as you age!), but they don’t capture the candid, funny and intimate moments that make the everyday so special.

  • Laughing Together. There are some that say a relationship filled with laughter is one destined to last forever. Even if it’s a selfie or a quick pic taken by the passerby you snag at the park, make sure you capture a funny moment now and then.
  • Hobbies. If the two of you are known to tear up the dance floor, swing a mean backhand or cook up a 7-course feast, make sure you capture you and your significant other in action. Not only will it serve as a reminder of all the things you love to do together, but it’s a great way to capture how doing those things might change or have to be modified with each duty location. Tennis in Alaska anyone? How about skiing in Texas?
  • Travel. Seeing the world (or even various parts of the United States) is a huge perk of military service, so make sure you take advantage of it. And don’t forget to take your camera. While you are filling your SD card with images of castles in England, Mount Fuji, or the California coastline, don’t forget to jump into the frame with your spouse. Memories are often fleeting. A picture will help you remember how clear the sky was that day or how cold the wind was, and how amazing it felt to be there…together.

Do you love taking photos? Submit your favorite photo with your service member to MilitaryShoppers’ monthly photo contest today.

8 Cruise Lines that Offer Military Discounts

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Take a breath and close your eyes. Imagine warm Caribbean waters, the soft, rhythmic ping of steel drums, and warm sand between your toes.

No, don’t open your eyes…don’t do it.

No, no, you’re right. It’s winter and we’ve got work to do. But at some point we need a break, a chance to get away, right? And there is no better way to say goodbye to the winter work day doldrums than planning a warm, tropical getaway. Or maybe sightseeing across Europe is more your thing.

Either way, there is no better way to step away from the strain and drain of our everyday lives than on the gleaming white decks of a cruise ship. Better still, is planning that trip knowing a military discount is going to stretch your vacation dollars even further.

Wondering which cruise lines offer the best military discounts? Here are 8 cruise lines to check out.

Carnival

Military travelers on Carnival can snag a discount of $25 to $250 (up to 20% off) per person over regular rates.

However, not all discounts are available all the time on all cruises.

Peak season and holidays might make it difficult to land a discount, so if you can, try booking during off-season for additional savings. Carnival often offers even better discounts for Memorial Day and Veterans Day, so if you can, plan ahead for those dates.

Discounts are available to active duty, Reserve, and National Guard personnel along with retirees, cadets, honorably discharged veterans, and surviving spouses of eligible service members. Discounts are given on rooms in which the eligible service member will occupy. However, Carnival will offer periodic discounts that allow for additional cabins to be booked at the discounted rate.

To get the military discount, eligibility must be met by providing a copy of enlistment papers, military ID or current LES, DD-214.

Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean offers various discounts throughout the year, but not all discounts are available on all bookings. Typically military discounts are given off specific cabin types and specials such as onboard credit during special military affiliated holidays and Military Appreciation Month.

Discounts are offered to active duty personnel, members of the National Guard or Reserves, honorably discharged veterans, retirees, medically retired service members, and surviving spouses of eligible service members. Any discounted rate will be given to all travelers occupying the same cabin as the eligible service member, but the discount may not be extended to other rooms.

A valid military ID will be required to prove eligibility for the discount.

MSC

MSC offers one of the most consistent discounts, with military discounts available on almost all bookings. Discounts include: 10% off balcony, suite, and MSC Yacht Club staterooms and a 5% discount on interior and ocean view rooms. MSC also offers the ability to book multiple rooms so you can enjoy your trip with extended family and friends, all at the discounted rate. Plus, kids who are ages 11 and under cruise for free!

MSC offers their military discounts to active and retired service members, plus members of the National Guard and Reserves. A valid military ID must be presented to demonstrate eligibility.

Disney

A long-time friend to military travelers, Disney Cruise Lines offers military discounts on select bookings. Special military rates are available to all retired and active personnel, and members of the National Guard and Reserves (with some restrictions).

The discount is limited to one stateroom per military member per sailing. Active duty and retirees must provide valid military ID to qualify. Members of the National Guard and Reserves must provide copy of orders of activation dated no later than January 1 of the previous year to qualify for the discount.

Norwegian & Holland America

On occasion, Norwegian and Holland America will extend a military discount. So if they offer the trip you’ve been dreaming of, check with your travel agent or the cruise line directly for any available military discounts.

Princess

As their way of saying thank you to those who serve, Princess offers up to $250 in on-board spending. The military reward offered depends on the length of the cruise booked. Sailings of 6 days or less earn $50, 7 to 13 days earn $100 and if you are lucky enough to book a 2-week trip or long, you’ll receive $250 to spend on board.

Active duty service members, along with honorably discharged veterans and retirees are eligible to receive the spending cash and this reward may be claimed twice per calendar year and combined.

A valid military ID or other proof of service documentation, such as a DD-214, is required and travelers will need to apply for eligibility no less than 2 weeks prior to departure date.

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity offers select rates throughout the year for active duty, National Guard, Reserves, honorably discharged veterans and retirees. Military ID or other proof of service is required during departure check-in.

Looking for more military discounts? Check out the MilitaryShoppers’ military discounts page.

5 ‘In Uniform’ Rules All Military Spouses Should Know

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Abiding by regulations that govern the wear and care of a military uniform are a staple of any military service member’s daily routine. As military spouses, it’s common for us to get pulled into the fray, whether it’s picking up a freshly pressed dress uniform, running a pair of cammies to the tailor for a new name tape or helping to locate a missing cover.

And while we may be able to eyeball placement of ribbons or help research the regulations, it is easy to forget that there are rules our spouses must abide by while in uniform, even if we are with them.

5 'In Uniform' Rules All Military Spouses Should Know

Did you know that service members are forbidden from eating, drinking or smoking while in walking in uniform? Photo Credit: Lauren Nygard Photography

So for those of you who are new to this regulation-driven life or as a reminder to those of us who have been around for a while, here are the 5 key “in uniform” rules to remember:

Right Hand Free

To ensure a salute can be rendered when appropriate, service members generally try to keep their right hand free at all times.

As such, carrying things like umbrellas and bags have special rules. The rules for each service differ slightly, but there are provisions for the use of umbrellas while in dress or mess uniforms. The umbrella must be all black and feature no label or branding.

The same is true for bags and backpacks – all black and feature no significant or distinctive branding and there are varying rules about size and how the bag must be carried.

Military exchanges often carry items that meet regulation requirements for these items.

PDA

As much as seeing our service member in uniform might light a particular romantic fire, public displays of affection while in uniform are not allowed.

There are, of course, exceptions (aren’t there always?) for going-away and homecoming events. Weddings are another exception.

Hand-holding, hugging and kissing are generally not allowed while in uniform.

Does that mean you shouldn’t kiss your spouse goodbye if they are leaving the house and in uniform? No, but don’t let the moment evolve into a make-out session on the front porch.

Remember that while in uniform, service members are expected to maintain military decorum and bearing. It’s one of the hardest rules not to break, but an important one to remember.

While Walking You May Not…

Service members are also forbidden from eating, drinking, smoking, or wearing headphones or ear buds while walking while in uniform. As you might imagine, it would be pretty hard to render a salute and offer a respectful greeting while stuffing your face.

There are also safety considerations behind these regulations. Rules vary slightly by service, but if you want to meet up for lunch, make sure you find a place to sit and eat.

Most military installations have designated smoking areas and service members may be permitted to wear earbuds/headphones while in the PT uniform, but make sure you check your service regulations and any further guidance issued by your installation.

What About the Kids?

Care of children while in uniform enters into a bit of a gray area as far as military regulations are concerned.

For example, there are no regulations for any service that govern whether or not breastfeeding is allowed while in uniform. However, many argue that it is against regulations for blouses to be unbuttoned or undershirts to be untucked, thereby making it impossible to breastfeed without being out of regs.

However, many services and installations offer private rooms that mothers may use for breastfeeding or pumping. When in doubt, check with unit leadership and plan appropriately.

Baby slings or diaper bags are not authorized for use while in uniform and an argument can be made that carrying a child constitutes a PDA. Again, check for specific guidance issued by your particular service and try to err on the side of caution. A baby sling might not be authorized, but a stroller or baby carrier could be used instead.

Can I borrow…?

It’s hard not to want to borrow parts and pieces of the military uniform as a way to feel closer to a spouse or demonstrate your commitment and pride in their service.

However, unauthorized wear of an official uniform is against the rules. This includes patches, unit insignias, ribbons, rank, covers and PT uniforms.

It may even include uniforms that are no longer considered official. And it includes uniforms as Halloween costumes too.

There are plenty of non-uniform options that can still proclaim your pride. I won’t say I’ve never donned one of my husband’s old PT shirts while he’s been away on a deployment, but if you are going to do it, refrain from taking pictures and don’t wear it out of the house.

Did we miss any other “in uniform” rules that military spouses need to know? Let us know in the comments section.

Will Concealed Weapons Carry Permits Keep Us Safe?

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Seeing weapons in a military environment is nothing new. Part of all military instruction includes training with firearms. Rules and regulations are paramount for safety and the security of military armories is taken extremely seriously. And life on and around military installations post 9/11 has seen armed security become part of the norm, for service members, civilians and family members alike.

But even with heightened security, gun violence and tragedy has impacted our military communities.

We will never forget the horror and aftermath of the shooting at Fort Hood in 2009 or forget the lives lost at the recruiting station in Tennessee in 2015. When these kinds of tragedies strike, it is human nature to immediately look for ways to prevent them from happening again.

Many called for the option for all active duty personnel to be able to carry weapons. And so, it seems, the DoD has listened to these calls for concealed weapon carrying on military installations.

After a review of the shootings in Texas and Tennessee, and with the acknowledgement that all duty locations do not the same level of security, the DoD authorized both its civilian and military personnel to carry private, concealed weapons onto DoD property. This includes military installations, DoD buildings and facilities, and recruiting stations.

In a 26-page directive issued on November 18, 2016, the DoD clarified guidelines for personnel authorized to carry weapons and use deadly force in the course of official duty. The directive also provides for the command’s ability to authorize private, concealed weapon carry onto DoD property for DoD personal who do not require a weapon for the execution of their daily duties.

No Blanket Permission Policy

Permission to carry weapons is not an absolute. Permission must be granted by an O-5 level officer or higher and must be provided in writing. Authorization to carry cannot exceed 90 days, but permission may be re-authorized for additional 90-day periods.

Authorization to carry private weapons does not extend to members of the National Guard, as rules and regulations pertaining to the use and carry of weapons is governed by each individual state government.

Private, Concealed Gun Carry Has Many Restrictions

DoD personnel who wish to carry private weapons onto DoD property must:

  • Be at least 21 years of age and licensed in the state or host-nation they wish to carry in.
  • Must not have had previous USMJ disciplinary action or be under investigation for any offenses that would bring their “fitness to carry” into question.
  • Must not have been previously convicted or be currently charged in a civilian court for substance abuse, stalking, harassment, or domestic violence.
  • Must not be under the influence of alcohol or hallucinatory drugs while carrying the weapon.
  • Must provide proof of “competence with a firearm” from a certified training course offered by the U.S. government, a police agency, DoD, state, local or tribal government-approved safety or training course. Or a course offered by a law-enforcement agency or college.
  • Must notify the authorizing authority immediately should their ability to follow these guidelines change.

A concealed weapon must be completely covered by clothing or uniform at all times and it must not impair a carrier’s normal job function. State laws must be followed with regard to “caliber, ammunition, capacity, and design,” and while the weapon is on-person, it must kept in holster, even if carried in “purse, backpack, handbag, or case.”

When a weapon is not being carried, it must be stored unloaded in a secure gun-storage device and if it is stored in a vehicle, that storage device must be hidden from view. Carriers transporting a concealed weapon off of DoD property must follow all state, local, and/or host-nation laws pertaining to the carry of that weapon.

And last, but certainly not least, personnel wishing to carry a concealed weapon must understand that they are personally liable for any injury, death or damage to property that occurs due to negligence “in connection with the possession or use of privately owned firearms that are not within the scope of their federal employment.”

Will Concealed Weapons Carry Permits for Service Members Keep Our Military Bases Safer?

It is hard not to see the logic in charging more members of our community with its safekeeping. However, there are questions to be asked and legitimate causes for concern.

Will arming additional personnel help to prevent or end shooting incidents faster?

Or will it create another layer of confusion and slow security personnel and first responders when reacting to a firearm incident?

Are the safety risks associated with gun carrying acceptable and reasonable for stateside and non-combat duty locations? Or are we willing to accept that level of risk if it could possibly prevent injury or harm on a larger scale?

What do you think of the Pentagon’s decision to allow service members to carry concealed weapons?

How to Know if Your College Is Military Friendly

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Perhaps the greatest gift we can give ourselves and our children is an advanced education.

My oldest is finishing up her first college semester and it has been an eye-opening experience for both of us. Luckily, her chosen school is extremely military friendly. A tour of the campus included the opportunity to meet with a military veteran turned school administrator and ask the litany of questions we had compiled.

If you are a service member, veteran, military spouse or military family member looking to further your education, make sure you take advantage of the benefits that military affiliation can bring.

If enrolling at a military-friendly college is on your list of things to do, here are 6 things to look for when considering an university:

Is This College a Yellow Ribbon School?

Established by the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008, the Yellow Ribbon Program can help veterans and children of active duty service members to offset the cost of college tuition. Typically, GI Bill benefits will pay for tuition and fees at public institutions, but are limited to a nationally capped amount for private institutions (currently, just under $22,000 per academic year).

Universities and colleges participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program enter into an agreement with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for additional funds. A Yellow Ribbon school will contribute a specified amount of money toward tuition and fees, an amount then matched by the VA.

Not all private universities participate in the program, so if the cost of getting a degree, even with GI Bill benefits, seems out of reach consider looking at a Yellow Ribbon school to help offset the costs.

You can find more information about the Yellow Ribbon program and a list of participating colleges on the VA website.

Does This College Have a Student Veteran Affairs Office or a Veteran Student Organization?

A quick tip-off that a school is military friendly is the availability of staff and personnel dedicated to veteran and military students. It’s always nice to talk to someone who has been there done that.

Student Veteran Affairs staff members can be tremendous sources of information when you are trying to figure out the intricacies of the GI Bill and campus life.

Some colleges even offer veteran-only study halls and sponsor veteran and military-family oriented social events.

Does This College Allow for In-State Tuition Rates for Military Personnel and Families?

Surprisingly, at least for me, not all schools offer in-state tuition rates for military dependents. Most schools will offer in-state tuition for active duty dependents with a copy of the sponsor’s orders.

Thanks to a new law, passed just last year, in-state tuition is now guaranteed for all veterans and their dependents for the 3 years following separation from the military.

However, outside of that time frame, availability for in-state tuition depends on the institution.

Are There Plenty of Options for Housing within GI Bill Housing Allowance?

In addition to paying tuition and fees, the Post-9/11 GI Bill also allows the children of active-duty service members, veterans and military dependents to receive a housing allowance to help offset room and board expenses. Typically, that amount is the E-5 with dependents BAH rate for the ZIP code for your college or university.

Pro-tip: Make sure there are several options for housing within that range of pay. Military-friendly universities will sometimes also reserve a set number of on-campus housing options for military dependents and veterans, but you won’t know unless you ask.

Do They Offer Flexible Schedules?

For active-duty service members or working veterans and dependents, flexible scheduling options are a must. Many universities and colleges offer short-term course study or online class options.

Even some of the largest universities offer online courses, so don’t assume just because it isn’t local, it isn’t military friendly. Some also offer discounts to military service members and their dependents for online programs. Again, ask about a flexible schedule when meeting with university representatives.

Does This College Offer Credit for Military Experience?

For veterans and active duty service members, you can save a ton of time and expenses by using your on-the-job training as substitutes for some degree-required classes.

Many universities and colleges will evaluate your military training records and award you college credit for things you already know. You may earn credit for basic training.

There may be a small fee for transcript evaluation, but many military-friendly colleges will waive that fee for military-affiliated students.

As someone who only recently earned her bachelor’s degree, my hat is off to anyone who is willing to make that commitment.

No matter the university or college you chose, take the time to find out what opportunities and options they have for military students. The resources are out there, so take advantage of them.

Did you attend a military-friendly college? Tell us about your experience in the comments section.

7 Programs Working to Reduce Veteran Unemployment

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According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the unemployment rate for post-9/11 veterans in November 2016 grew to 4.8, up over a point from the same time last year. With all military services continuing to engage in troop reduction, the number of unemployed veterans may see an even bigger increase in the years to come. But no veteran needs to face the daunting search for employment alone.

Check out these 7 organizations working to help veterans find meaningful employment.

7 Programs Working to Reduce Veteran Unemployment

1. USO Transition 360 Alliance – Hire Heroes USA

In this program transition specialists work one-on-one with transitioning service members to set career goals and strengthen their resumes. The program also sponsors transition workshops to help improve networking and interviewing skills and creating job search plans. Registered users can also use the Hire Heroes job board to connect with employers interested in hiring transition service members, veterans and their spouses. Interested applicants can register on the USO website.

2. Corporate America Supports You (CASY)

Founded in 2010, CASY’s mission is to attract transitioning service members, veterans and members of the National Guard and Reserves and provide the services and training necessary for job placement. Their Train2Hire Program provides opportunities for skills training. Their Recruiter Connect™ Program connects job candidates with corporate and small business recruiters. CASY’s services are provided at no cost to veteran applicants. Since its inception, CASY has helped more than 22,000 applicants find jobs. Interested veterans can get started right away by visiting the CASY website and registering for their services.

3. NS2 Serves

Established in 2013, NS2 Serves trains and employs veterans in high-tech careers. The program serves post-9/11 service members, reservists and Gold Star spouses who meet program requirements. The full-time paid training provides instruction in “world-class software solutions that support U.S. national security, leading to official SAP certifications.” Applicants are accepted on a semi-annual basis. Apply on the NS2 Serve website.

4. Helmets to Hard Hats

Veterans and service members interested in a career in the construction industry can register with Helmets to Hard Hats. In addition to job boards with veteran-only job postings, H2H offers federally approved apprentice programs at no cost to veterans, and because it is federally approved, GI Bill benefits can be used to supplement income during the apprenticeship process. Interested applicants can get more information and register by visiting the H2H website.

5. Wall Street War Fighters

Based in Philadelphia, Wall Street War Fighters offers a 6-month training program that provides class work, field work, exam preparation and testing, mentorship, apprenticeships and internships for veterans interesting in pursuing careers in the financial industry. The training program includes housing, food, transportation to and from training and job interviews, professional clothing and a small stipend at no cost to accepted participants. Veterans interesting in the program can learn more at the organization’s website.

6. Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA)

The largest post-9/11 veteran’s organization, IAVA uses research and in-person and online programming to help veterans connect with employers, industry experts, mentors and other employment resources. Participants in the VetsRising Career Bootcamps receive personalized assistance developing and reaching career goals. Joining is easy, just visit the IAVA website.

7. Startup Veterans

In the years since World War II, the number of veteran starting new businesses has tumbled from 49% to just 6%. Startup Veterans aims to change that. Designed to support veterans with a business idea, the program offers 16 weeks of entrepreneurial development training. The program has an online application, and selected applicants will be interviewed by phone before final acceptance. Find out more about the application process and requirements on the Startup Veterans website.

Have you utilized a program that works to reduce veteran unemployment? Tell us about it in the comments section.