Military Life

Veteran Voices Survey

Everything You Need to Know About Going to a Military Ball

At least once a year, each military branch hosts a formal military ball that spouses and significant others can attend. Events and formalities vary by branch, but all have similar expectations.  Below we break down what to wear to the military ball, the typical flow of events, expectations and general advice. What to Wear to […]

Military Marriage Counseling

Military marriages have higher divorce rates than civilian marriages. According to Pentagon data from 2019, among female service members, the divorce rate averages 7%, and among male service members, it is 2.5%. Military divorce rates are 3.2%, whereas civilian divorce rates are 2.9%. This may be due to the additional challenges military couples face, such as […]

Military Spouse Act – Residency Relief (MSRRA)

The Military Spouse Residency Relief Act (MSRRA) of 2009 is the first of two amendments to the Servicemember Civil Relief Act (SCRA) that extend privileges and protections to service members’ spouses. Amendments under the Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018 expanded those benefits. According to MilitaryOneSource, “MSSRA allows military spouses to maintain legal residence […]

The Uniform Code Of Military Justice

The Uniform Code of Military Justice, or UCMJ, is the legal framework governing all members of the United States military. The UCMJ covers a variety of legal issues from apprehension and confinement of military personnel to regulations covering courts of military appeals. History of the Uniform Code of Military Justice The UCMJ has its roots […]

Citizenship for Military Children Born Outside of the U.S.

Overseas assignments are not uncommon for military families, and there is always the potential that a child may be born while a family is stationed in another country. Previously, children born on military bases overseas were usually granted United States citizenship automatically. Recently, however, the requirements for citizenship for children born to U.S. troops or […]

Caring for Your Pet While in the Military

We love our pets like family members because of the joy they bring to our lives. Caring for pets when you are in the military can be challenging, but many services make it easier. These services include military veterinary facilities, foster care or pet sitters for military deployment, pet insurance, pet sitting and making a […]

How Proxy Marriage Works for Military Members

  Weddings can be difficult to plan when one or both partners are in the military. Deployments and geographical separation can slow things down. But, if you need to get married faster to add your partner to your insurance plan or another military benefit, a proxy marriage may be a good option. Proxy marriages allow […]

Space-A Travel

Update: On April 22, 2022, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense lifted all restrictions on Space-A travel. The restrictions had been in place since March 2020 to limit the spread of Covid-19. Please note that mask mandates and medical screening protocols may apply. Space-available (Space-A) travel has evolved with the times. At one […]

Who Is Kelly Beamsley?

When I transitioned from the Army National Guard to the Navy Reserve Iast year, I was pretty shocked to learn that readiness NCOs would be a thing of the past. You handle a lot of your own administrative and personnel work in the Navy Reserve, and it’s not easy. I remember sitting across from a […]