Life for Navy Wives?

Hi Litnut. I understand the confusion and anxiety you must be feeling. I was in your shoes not too long ago. The transition to military life was difficult for me but is often easier for others. I recommend keeping yourself informed and learning as much as you can (which you seem to be doing!) Everyone's story is going to be different and life can be completely different in different commands as well. Best I can do is share some of my experiences.

Most schools will not let spouses join their sailor because it is too expensive to move a family for such a short time. I did visit my husband for a few months while he was in school but I paid for everything out of my own pocket. After his schooling he received orders that did include me and we moved strait to on base housing. Moving with the military can be tricky and was very stressful to figure out on my own. That might be one area you will want to research a little when the time comes. The command my husband joined was already deployed so we only had 5 days to set up house and he was off on his first deployment and I was in a new part of the country all alone :( I did everything I could to get involved in the community, meet new people, and find support. Once he returned from deployment he worked a normal 40 hr week (usually). He has left a couple of times since for training, schooling and other things. usually only a week or two at a time. 

The most challenging time for me was the first year. There is so much change and so much to learn. Be patient with yourself. Us spouses don't get the training and education about the military that the sailors do. You may be encouraged to know that after a really rough start I now feel comfortable in the military community. There are always new challenges and frustrations but some perks too. Some of the other spouses I have met are some of the most wonderful people I know. Be sure to join the spouses groups here. They will be able to answer more questions for you.

Good Luck!

Anna

I was a military wife for many years (Air Force) and we moved once a year. I found the most important thing was to regard each new posting as instant home. I had a particular little plant (nothing fancy, just a green traily thing) and I took that plant from base to base. I'd walk in the door of a completely bare unfurnished base housing unit, set the plant down, and say "OK, I'm home."  My husband was gone for a year, home for a year, then gone for another year (it was Viet Nam time) and my saving grace was to make friends and stay busy. Other wives are in the same boat so try and make friends and get a support system going. The absolute worse thing you can do is stay home and mope. You married into the service and the service will always come first...because it has to. Be cheerful and friendly and other wives will beat a path to your door and keep you company when you feel alone and lonely.

Thanks! I'm nervous about it. We've only been married for six months and he left last month, so it's an adjustment.