When your service member spouse is deploying, you might be tempted to pack up and move closer to your family. The change of scenery might be nice; your parents could help with the kids and you could reconnect with old friends–all great things to distract you from the deployment. However, staying put has its advantages, too.
Deciding to stay or move is a family decision. Before making this big decision, consider how moving will affect different parts of your life, including finances, medical access, employment, family time and your support system.
Making the right decision
Consider the following to reach your decision:
Your ties to the community. A support system is crucial in helping you through the potential challenges during a deployment. If you already have a strong support network through your community or family ties, consider that as you decide where to go.
Your children. Your children’s routines and schedules should be a factor in deciding whether or not to move. Before you decide to move, consider school transitions and the adjustment process, child care options and potential disruptions to sports and other activities.
Living arrangements. Discuss the arrangements if you plan to move in with your parents or other relatives. You may have good intentions, but sharing a bathroom or having extra cooks in the kitchen can bring on some unexpected challenges.
Finances. Factor in the financial aspects of the move. It is expensive to move your family twice–once when you leave and again when you move back to the installation after the deployment. Storing your possessions also costs money.
Housing benefits. Moving could affect your housing benefits. If you are renting when you move, your Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) may not be enough to cover the rent because it’s based on the housing market where you now live. If you live in government quarters, you could lose your housing if you leave. Check with the housing office about leaving your quarters vacant until you return after the deployment.
Special medical treatment. Specialized care and services may not be readily available for you or other family members in your new location.
Staying on the installation
You may have several valid reasons for moving when your spouse deploys. However, living on the installation has certain advantages. Among them are these:
Installation services. The commissary, exchange, recreational activities, Military and Family Support Center, family and community support, legal assistance and more are available to help save you money, offer support and keep you busy while your partner is away.
Unit activities. This is a great way to stay connected to your spouse’s unit and participate in programs for families in the deployment cycle.
Medical care. Medical care is readily available on the installation or in the local community. Check with TRICARE for more information on medical services in different areas of the country.
Other military families. The comforting “I know what you’re going through” support of other military families is something your friends and family back home may be unable to offer.
Safety and security. Staying on the installation can give your service member peace of mind, knowing that you and your family are safe and secure.
Family routines. Maintaining regular routines during a deployment can bring a sense of normalcy to your family. The same school, sports teams, Girl Scout or Boy Scout unit, piano lessons and clubs can keep your children occupied. Keeping your job and being familiar with the community businesses and resources can also give you a sense of routine.
Settling into the military community. Putting down roots during the deployment can make your partner’s return home easier. This may or may not be the last deployment, so establishing routines and creating connections in the community can help you and your family live the mobile military life.
Deciding to move
After considering all your options, you may decide that moving closer to home or somewhere else is best for you and your family. Remember to do these things if you choose to move:
Give your contact information to your spouse’s unit.
Talk with a TRICARE representative about how your health care benefits will cover you and your family.
Notify installation housing or your landlord that you’ll be moving.
Change your address with the post office. Make sure your mail is forwarded.
Keep in touch with your spouse’s unit contacts. Remember, there are many resources within the Family Readiness System to support you–chaplains, behavioral health professionals, the Military and Family Support Center or the Morale, Welfare and Recreation Program.
Stay connected to other military spouses or support programs. Your local Red Cross chapter and State Family Program at the Joint Forces Headquarters are great resources for information.
Source: U.S. Department of Defense: www.militaryonesource.mil