The digital world allows for connection for anyone, no matter the distance, and that is a key variable for every military family. Resources and connections can be achieved through applications. There is a bevvy of digital applications online. These are the best applications for military families to stay informed and connected.
Sesame For Military Families
The application provides topical resources to assist military families navigating birthdays, homecomings, routines, relocations, self-expression, transition to civilian life, family health and wellness, and so much more. Each topic has downloadable coloring sheets and activity sheets to bridge the gap of information for adults and children. There are videos and topical information available.
The Big Moving Adventure
The Sesame Street application walks through the moving process for a Sesame Character whose parent is a military service member. It starts with being informed about the move, then saying goodbye to friends and school, packing, and then the adventure of moving and unpacking. It is a fun and colorful game that is engaging to preschool and early elementary school-age children, putting the movie into understandable language for children of these ages. Available in English and Spanish.
Breathe, Think, Do with Sesame
The Sesame Street character has periods of frustration that the user has to help him walk through calming down. This helps children focus on calming down when they have big feelings through breathing and thinking through their feelings. Available in English and Spanish.
Sesame Street: Divorce
This application has tools for parents to help children ages 2-8 navigate divorce or separation. Available in English and Spanish.
United Through Reading
The application is an extension of the United Through Reading program, connecting military service members and their families through reading. The service members can record a story via video and then share the story with the family, no matter the distance.
Military News
Stay up-to-date with policy changes, and any military-related information with the Military.com application. The application allows for the customization of news for specific military branches or specific news topics.
Military Pay
The application powered by Military.com provides a calculator to calculate service pay. The calculator is updated with the current military pay rate and special pay, including BAH, BAS, and any special pay for complete monthly pay, providing the best estimation for military members’ awareness.
My Military One Source
Military One Source is an online website with resources and services for military service members and their families. The application is a mobile extension of the website, putting military-related information at military families’ fingertips.
For Army Families: Digital Garrison App
The new application from the Army and the Army and Air Force Exchange Services (AAFES) provides real-time information for Soldiers’ and their families about their Army communities. The application contains information on local services, including movie times and dining, exchange deals, and a Military Star card link.
For Air Force Families: AF Connect App
This application connects airmen to unit information, Air Force News, and base events. In addition, it sends notifications about the base, including road conditions and delayed reporting through the app.
