Hold on, it's going to be a bumpy ride

Military life.. I don't even know how to sum it up. It has it's ups and downs, just like anything else in life, but the downs are a little more steep than civilian life. I haven't been through a deployment yet, but I have been through separation.

One thing that is undeniable is that since the economy stinks everyone runs to the military because for four or six years you have a steady pay check, insurance and a guaranteed roof over your head. Now, there are many people that want to join up until the word deployment comes up. Wait, what?! I have to go fight and possibly die for my country? Um, yes actually you do. The military isn't a free pay check which I think a lot of people fail to remember. A lot of wives are also on board about their husband joining unless he has to deploy. I'm sorry there are no contracts that say you are never going to deploy in your military career. If you join, you will deploy (and if for the slim to none chance you don't you are not the norm). Period.

This life isn't for everyone, and that's okay. But I get really angry when I hear "When I married my husband he wasn't in the military and I didn't sign up for this". Well, no you didn't, but you did sign up for a life long commitment to love and support your husband (or wife) in whatever he/she decides to do. Should it be a decision both of you make together? Definitely. Both people need to be on board. But to completely shut the military and everything it can provide for you out before you even get any information about it is just dumb.

Between the separation, low junior enlisted pay, long hours without weekends and sometimes crummy duty stations this life can and is hard. I understand that. I really do. Though, there are many good things about this life too. On the contrary of crappy duty stations, there are some beautiful bases out there. There are allowances for food, clothing, and housing on top of base pay. There is paid vacation and pretty adequate health insurance. There is money for school which now some SM's (service members) can pass on to their spouse and/or children.
But above all the there is the pride I have for my husband when he puts on that uniform everyday. Knowing he believes in something enough to commit his life and die for it. He took an oath to defend this country and that is beyond amazing in my eyes. When you enlist you can't do it for the money, because it takes a good 4-5 years before it's worth it. You have to do it because it's something in your heart, something that calls to you. Like I said this life is not for everyone. This isn't just a job my husband does. It's a lifestyle we both live everyday.