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This post breaks down military event dress codes so spouses know exactly what to wear and feel confident at every occasion. For semi-formal events, choose cocktail-length dresses (knee to ankle) that are elegant but modest. Formal events call for full-length gowns avoid revealing cuts. Casual events mean “elevated casual”: nice jeans, neat tops, and clean shoes. Business dress ranges from smart casual to business professional, with trousers and blouses being most common. When unsure, try “high-low dressing” mixing dressy and casual pieces for balanced style.

When you’re stationed far from a military installation, building community takes extra effort but it’s absolutely doable. Start by getting involved in a local church or small group, joining hobby meetups or local clubs, and connecting with parents through schools or parks. Consider book clubs for easy conversation and introduce yourself to neighbors even small gestures like sharing cookies can spark lasting friendships. The key is to take initiative and reach out first most people are looking for genuine connection too.

This post highlights the childcare support available during a PCS move, especially for overwhelmed military spouses handling kids and HHG delivery alone. Many Air Force bases offer 20 free hours of childcare per child at both the gaining and losing installation, and a newer pilot program may reimburse families up to $1,500 if they can’t access CDC care within 30 days of arriving. These benefits help families manage work, unpacking, and the chaos of moving. Spouses should contact their Family Support Center to check availability and eligibility.

I wrote three posts with tips on moving for military couples, see the other posts here: Overseas Military Moves (OCONUS) and childcare help provided by the military when moving.

I wrote three posts with tips on moving for military couples, see the other posts here: DITY moves versus Military-Contracted Movers and Childcare Help Provided by the Military when Moving.

Part 1 explains why military spouses must intentionally build community because constant moves and shifting friendships can leave you isolated fast. The author shares how she went from lonely to thriving by making the first move: inviting people for coffee, meeting moms at the park, visiting new spouses with cookies, and offering simple hospitality (not perfection). She also recommends using installation spouse groups, networking through social media, and asking friends for connections before you PCS. Community doesn’t just happen you create it by being the friend you wish you had.

This section explains how the author built deep community by starting small groups for military couples at every assignment. After a marriage conference, she and her husband began hosting simple, low-pressure studies in their home—sometimes including single Airmen who wanted to learn about healthy relationships. These groups became their “family away from home,” supporting each other through deployments, moves, and even adoption. Hosting small groups strengthened their own marriage too, reminding them to stay united, serve each other, and avoid isolation. She also recommends Cru Military’s military-specific small-group guides.

This section highlights how the author learned to practice real, imperfect hospitality to build community as a military wife. Instead of stressing over a spotless house or fancy hosting, she shifted her mindset hospitality became about connection, not perfection. She opened her home despite toys on the floor, stacks of mail, or simple food, realizing that what mattered most was a welcoming heart and creating space for women to do life together.

This post explains how the author built deep community as a military wife by starting small groups and Bible studies for women, especially when PWOC/WOC wasn’t available at certain bases. She coordinated with chaplains, gathered even one interested spouse, and grew groups organically—often forming her closest friendships. She also shares how military-specific spiritual support is essential, why she wrote a Bible study for military wives, and how PWOC remains a powerful space for connection, faith, and shared experience.