Planning on marrying an active service officer in the US? We’ll break down some of the challenges and benefits you’ll encounter as a military spouse.
What are the benefits of a military spouse?
- Military Pay - All service members receive their base pay, along with an array of allowances. Married service members also receive Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) and Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH). Contrary to popular belief among new military wives, the military does not have military spouse pay. However, if a military spouse does want to earn an income, the military offers help with finding jobs or pursuing a higher education.
- Educational Benefits - Military Spouses that want to earn a college degree or a certification can do so with help from the military, either through the Post 9/11 GI Bill (The service members GI Bill can be transferred to the spouse or children to pay for education.) or the MyCAA Program (The Military Spouse Career Advancement Account that provides a maximum of $4,000 to pursue a licence, degree or certification).
- Hiring Preference - The military offers a program called the Military Spouse Hiring Preference, which gives military spouses an advantage when applying for some federal jobs, such as some civilian positions in the DOD.
- Health Care Insurance - Active service members qualify for the military’s health care program TRICARE, which extends to their dependents (spouse, biological and adopted children) as well.
- Travel Opportunities - Being in the military means you may have to move cities and countries every few years, but it also provides you with an opportunity to see the world. The US military can station your family all over the world, from Japan to Hawaii. The military also provides Overseas Cost-of-Living Allowance (COLA) that acts as extra compensation given to your spouse.
- Military Recreation Benefits - Military Welfare and Recreation offers and manages programs like gyms, bowling alleys, event centers, and more at a more affordable price than civilian options.
- Community - We said in the beginning of this article that military family life brings a unique set of challenges that civilian couples don’t normally face. However, you’re not alone. The military community is made up of people going through or have gone through the same thing and will be there to support you.
- Military Discounts – There are a plethora of stores and restaurants that offer a military discount on their goods and services all year round. These discounts also extend to the service members’ spouses, so make sure to make use of it!
- Marriage Counseling and Family Support – If you’re having a hard time adjusting to your new life or if you’re going through a rough patch in your marriage or even if you just want to go through some counseling - the military offers the MFLC (Military and Family Life) program. The program offers individual and/or marriage counseling without it going on record. Meeting areas for sessions can also be arranged off-base if you’re more comfortable with that.
- Standing Next to Your Hero – Okay, yes this sounds cheesy but it’s true. Your spouse has dedicated his life to his country and to you. It’s always nice to have a personal hero to stand with, to look up to, and to build a life with.
FAQs
What is a military spouse entitled to?
Military spouses are entitled to many benefits such as health insurance, educational scholarships and hiring preference.
Do the military get paid more if married?
There is no marriage pay or increase in salary because one gets married. However married service members do receive additional allowances.
Does the military pay for weddings?
No, the military doesn’t pay for weddings, though we here at Courtly can help you complete the whole journey online at an affordable price through a pain-free and paper-free process.
Why do the military marry so fast?
There isn’t really a hard and fast rule as to why this happens, it could be due to the increased benefits it provides their partners.
Do military spouses get free college?
No, but they do have scholarship options
Do military spouses travel with their partners?
Yes, they can travel with their partners when stationed to other cities or countries unless specified otherwise.
Can a military spouse live with me on base?
Yes, a military spouse can live with you on base.
Do military wives work?
Yes, they can. The military also offers a hiring preference initiative for them.
How much does a soldier have to pay his spouse?
Nothing. The military has no form of spouse pay.
How long does a military spouse have to be married to get benefits?
Once the family member is registered in the military personnel system
What is the 20/20 15 rule for the military?
The 20/20 15 rule is for military divorces that occur on or after September 28, 1988, entitling an ex-spouse to the health care coverage of TRICARE for one year.