Building friendships and support networks within the military community is huge when it comes to the well-being of service members and their families. Especially when moving to a new duty station- and even more so when that duty station is overseas. So here are some tips on how to establish and strengthen connections, some even starting from before you arrive:
- Attend Military Events- Participate in military-sponsored events, gatherings, and social activities on and off base. These can include family days, unit picnics, or morale-building events. It’s an excellent opportunity to meet people in a relaxed setting. Our first base event was the Fourth of July celebration about two weeks after we landed in Germany. While it was a little over whelming, it was nice to see some faces we had already seen around and see a glimpse of what our new duty station had to offer.
- Join Community & Spouse Clubs and Family Support Groups- Many military installations have community & spouse clubs and family support groups. These organizations often host social events, volunteer opportunities, and support meetings. Joining can help you connect with others who share similar experiences. I was part of our current duty stations Community & Spouse Clubs board and while I was still getting used to things during my first year, I absolutely LOVED everything about my second year on the board. Being part of the club helped me learn so much about our base that I really don’t think would have been on my radar had I not been affiliated with the club and met the people I met through the board and events.
- Utilize Social Media and Online Forums- Connect with other military families through social media platforms or online forums. There are various groups dedicated to specific bases or military branches where you can exchange information, ask for advice, and build virtual connections. Now this is one method that I am beyond grateful for, especially before we even got here. I was able to ask in a group for pictures of military housing we were offered, and that allowed us to make the best decision possible from the states, ultimately allowing us to go straight into our home here in Germany when we arrived. I’m actually already in the Facebook groups for our next duty station!
- Attend Unit Functions- Attend functions organized by your or your spouse’s unit. This might include promotion ceremonies, unit parties, or hail & farewell gatherings. These events provide a chance to meet people within your immediate military community.
- Volunteer for Community Service- Engaging in community service or volunteer activities is an excellent way to meet like-minded individuals. It not only benefits the community but also provides an opportunity to bond with others who share a commitment to service. What better way to start a conversation than by sharing an interest!
- Participate in Sports or Fitness Classes- Many military installations have sports leagues or fitness classes. Joining a team or participating in a class not only promotes physical well-being but also allows you to meet people in a fun and active environment.
- Attend Military Family Support Workshops- Military installations often host workshops and training sessions on various topics related to military life, including: host nation info, careers, financial planning, and resilience. Attend these events to gain valuable information and connect with others facing similar challenges.
- Reach Out to Newcomers- If you’re established in the community, make an effort to welcome newcomers. This can be especially helpful for spouses and families who are new to military life or an overseas duty station. Hosting a simple gathering or offering assistance can make a significant impact. You’d be surprised how far and memorable a helping hand (or advice) goes.
- Join Online Military Spouse Groups- Many online platforms cater specifically to military spouses. Joining these groups provides a virtual space to share experiences, ask questions, and connect with others who understand the unique challenges of military life. USO and AWAG are great orgs offering support for families.
- Attend Family Readiness Group Meetings- Family Readiness Groups (FRGs) are designed to provide support to military families. Attend their meetings to stay informed about unit activities, deployments/trainings, and to connect with others who are part of the same unit.
Building connections within the military community takes time, but the support and friendships gained are invaluable. These relationships can provide emotional support, practical advice, and a sense of belonging during the challenges of military life.
Side note– We joke, but you pretty much have to date new people to find your tribe every time you move. Then you find them, and it’s time to move again. While those friendships don’t end there, you still have to start over in a sense at your new destination. Bright side though is that you end up having a support network all over the world.
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