Getting married to a member of the military has its challenges just like any other marriage/relationship, but there are privileges and benefits you can also enjoy when you are married to a military member, this article is a complete guide for new Military partners on all you need to know and all you need to do. Let us know more detail about ‘New Military Spouse’.
New Military Spouse
Being a military partner is very challenging, you’ll need to move regularly and you’ll have to be away from your partner for a few months to even years but there are also certain Benefits you are entitled to such as health bonuses, military discounts, and lots more. There are also documents you need to get and you need to get registered for some programs as a military spouse.
Programs for New Military Spouses
As a military partner, you need to get familiar with military organizations and everything that has to do with the military, the following are programs you can attend to help get you familiar with the military:-
- Air Force Heart Link
- Army Family Team Building
- Marine Corps Lifestyle Insights Networking Knowledge and Skills
- The Navy Compass
1. Air Force Heart Link
This program was established to empower military partners to excel and also help strengthen military families. This program was set up in 2001 and you should attend this program as a new Military partner.
2. Army Family Team Building
This program also helps to increase basic knowledge of the military for new partners and increase their professional conduct. You should attend this program to help increase your knowledge about the military
3. Marine Corps Lifestyle Insights Networking Knowledge and Skills
This program helps both the military members and their partners to move to their new installation. Note that as a military partner, you need to move from time to time to a new installation with your family, this program can help you settle in your new installation quickly.
4. The Navy Compass
This program helps to introduce all about the military lifestyle to new military partners, you need to attend this program with your spouse.
What Should I Get as a New Military Spouse?
As a new Military Spouse, there are necessary documents you should get, this will help you to access your benefits as a military partner, the following are the necessary documents you should get as a military partner:-
- Get Registered in DEERS
- Get your Military Partner ID Card.
- Get a new driver’s license and social security number if you changed your name.
- Get familiar with Tricare
- Obtain a Power of Attorney
1. Get Registered in DEERS
You must get registered in DEERS ( Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System). Your spouse needs to register you in the personnel office in your installment, you’ll need a copy of your birth certificate, marriage certificate, and social security number to be successfully registered.
2. Get your Military Spouse ID Card
Once you’re successfully registered in DEERS, you need to get your military ID card, this ID card helps you to have access to your benefits, everyone in your family above 10 years also needs a military ID card, as a military spouse, this card will help you to receive medical care, have access to your military installations and lots more.
3. Get a new driver’s license and social security number if you changed your name
If you changed your name after your wedding, you need to get a new driver’s license and a new social security number, your name has to correspond with all your documents including your marriage certificate.
4. Get Familiar with Tricare
Tricare is a health insurance program for the military only, there are different insurance options you can pick from depending on your location and family size, so you need to visit your installation to see the options you’re eligible for and to choose the one that suits you and your family.
5. Obtain a Power of Attorney
This is also very necessary for you to do as a military partner because it helps you get a new ID and to also start up a business even in the absence of your partner, you can get a power of attorney at the legal office of your installation
Conclusion
As a new military partner, there is a lot you need to know and do, you need to know all about the military lifestyle first by attending certain programs that can help you understand the military lifestyle better, then you need to get the necessary documents you need to access some of your benefits as a military partner.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I get employed as a military wife?
Answer:- Yes, you can get employed by being self-employed, you are free to make extra money.
- Is it compulsory to get a military partner ID?
Answer:- Yes, it is compulsory and very important for you to get your military partner ID card.
