Hello Everyone!

My Husband is joing the Army. He will be off to Basic in a few weeks. I just wanted to know if there is something I should be doing while he is in boot camp. How should I be getting ready for the big change. We have a daughter. Shes only 4 months old. And at this time we have no pets.

Also I would like to know how long does it usually take to get base housing. I know you have to be on a list. I understand if your not able to answer this question since it might be different for every base.

Thank you!

Nicole.

Stay home for now, but get things ready for a move. But as a junior enlisted, he might not get housing for you/kids and himself for a while, once he gets done with basic and AIT, or is he Infantry?

Might do some research on what is expected of a Military spouse.

He could be assigned almost any where, do have fun with the "lottery".

There is some sort of spouse support group on many posts/bases, but ...

Do you have a Fort near by? Or even an Armory/Reserve Center, they can help.

Mike
Alaska

Start going through your things, it is hard to say when you will be moving because it can depend on what he is doing, how long school is and so forth. But by going through your belongings now and getting rid of stuff you don't use it can help a lot. Get organized like all documents together so you can take them wherever you need to go. If you have a passport great, if not then seriously consider getting one for you and your child (your dh will have to be there to get one), have copies of all certificates like wedding & birth certificates that way if you need them you have them.


For housing it can depend on where you are going. if it he is in school, normally he has to be there for at least 22 to 26 weeks before dependents will be allowed. Housing may not be available because it is full, and if so then you will get an allowance (BAH) for out in town. You will also get this while he is in BCT, but it will be based on your zip code. Once you get to the base he is stationed at, then it again will depend on how many people are there and what you qualify for to get into housing. Some will wait awhile, while other places you can get in right away. It could be a few days or weeks or months.

I spent alot of time on the internet doing research! I'm the kind of person that likes to know what I'm getting into. This site helped me alot. I read blogs by other Army wives, read a couple of books, looked at various Army and Spouse websites.. I asked alot of questions on here long before my husband even got orders! Also, now would be a good time to start going through all your "stuff" and purging or having a yard sale! Granted, you have until his schooling is over to do it, but trust me.. do not wait until the last minute!
As for right now.. Know that he won't get much phone contact during BCT. Letters will be your main source of communication. So prepare for that. Also, any financial issues need to be discussed before he leaves. Do you have access to all bank accounts so that you can pay the bills while he's gone? Do you need a Power of Attorney for any bills that might be in HIS name that you'll have to deal with.. Stuff like that.
Welcome! Glad you are here! Feel free to ask questions and browse through the old posts because there is a wealth of information on here! I learned more on this site then I did anywhere else!

i would suggest to get a Power of Attorney so you can take care of all your bills and his. As the ladies here will help you alot and are good people. While he is in BCT send letters, cards and such, it will help out tremdously (sp). Like gabrielswife said, do your research. Welcome to the family.