The military lifestyle is unique and only truly understood by those who experience it personally.
Characterized by frequent moves and deployments, the lives of spouses and families who support service members at home can be full of challenges not faced by the civilian population. As a military spouse myself, I know there is a resolve and quiet resilience to serving alongside my partner. I also know how difficult it is to rebuild social networks, seek new employment opportunities, and establish a sense of stability amidst the unavoidable change of my husband’s chosen career.
Military spouses, alongside their partners, shoulder extraordinary responsibilities and endure significant sacrifices. Balancing the demands of military life with personal aspirations can be an extraordinary undertaking. Every Permanent Change of Station (PCS) results in spouses and partners uprooting their lives and careers.
Many family members experience significant strains on personal relationships, careers, and overall well-being and often don’t know where to turn for help.
There are many resources to support military spouses but it can be hard to sift through the options and find the most beneficial services. From community organizations offering emotional support to government programs that assist with employment and education, a multitude of resources are available. Where is a military spouse to start their research, especially when the realities of caring for a family day-to-day take up time and mental energy?
I believe it is crucial to provide military spouses with easy access to the resources, guidance, and support they need. Understanding these resources empowers spouses to navigate challenges and seek the necessary support. In this blog, I share tools and resources to help military spouses and families thrive, no matter where they land.
Employment and Career Support
The transient nature of military life often hinders a spouse’s professional growth and career development. Continuously adapting to new locations can result in limited job opportunities, breaks in employment, and difficulties in pursuing higher education or professional advancement. This limitation on career prospects can have long-term implications for financial stability and personal fulfillment.
Continual retraining, obtaining new certifications, and searching for job opportunities can be daunting and time-consuming, adding an extra layer of complexity to the lives of military spouses. Many resources and programs are designed to specifically address the unique needs of military families ranging from career assistance, educational opportunities, and childcare support. Programs and initiatives support spouses in furthering their education, acquiring portable careers, and accessing remote job opportunities.
By tapping into these resources, spouses can pursue professional aspirations despite the transient nature of military life.
Military One Source Spouse Education & Career Opportunities: Education and career services for military spouses worldwide
Blue Star Families Military Spouse Job Resources: Comprehensive career development tools
National Military Family Association Spouse Scholarships and Careers: Exclusive scholarships for military spouses
Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP): Connecting military spouses with companies committed to hiring and retaining them through job opportunities, career counseling, and resume assistance.
Florida Department of Economic Opportunity: Job search resources, career counseling, and training programs to help military spouses in Tampa find employment
Childcare Assistance
Raising children in a military family brings its own set of challenges. Access to quality, reliable childcare is essential and can be tough when relocating. Parents struggle to find space in Tampa-area childcare centers for everyday support, much less develop a rapport with potential occasional sitters. The following resources put the well-being and stability of military children at the top of their list.
Military One Source Child Care Assistance Programs: Database of quality, affordable childcare options including in-home and after-school programs
Child Care Aware of America: Assistance locating licensed childcare providers and accessing financial aid programs
MilitaryChildcare.com Database for childcare and financial assistance
MilitaryChildcare.com Financial Assistance
Support During Deployment
When a military spouse is deployed, the other partner assumes the role of a single parent. This responsibility, combined with the stress and worry of a deployed loved one, can be overwhelming. Balancing the dual roles of parent and partner in the absence of a military spouse poses a unique set of hurdles that demand both resilience and resourcefulness. These resources in Tampa can provide support during the uncertainty and anxiety associated with deployments.
Military and Family Life Counseling: Free, confidential counseling services
MacDill AFB Military and Family Support Center: Resources, workshops, and support groups to help military spouses and their families navigate deployment
Support for Children
Military children face unique family, social, and educational stressors. Frequent relocations mean changing schools and uprooting children from familiar environments. The anxiety and stress associated with deployments, separation from loved ones, and the fear of the unknown can be overwhelming. Having a robust support system and access to resources specifically designed to address the unique emotional challenges faced by military children is crucial. These resources support the holistic growth of military children.
Military Child Education Coalition: Support for military-connected children's education through mentoring, leadership, and advocacy programs
Operation Purple: Summer camp experiences for military children
Permanent Change of Station (PCS) Resources
One of the most significant challenges faced by military spouses is the frequent relocation. Military families must continuously rebuild support networks, establish new routines, and find a sense of belonging amidst ever-changing surroundings. The stress of such constant adjustments can be emotionally challenging, leaving military spouses feeling isolated and disconnected from their civilian counterparts. These resources can help ease the transition during PCS moves:
Military One Source PCS resources: Relocation assistance and support with moving logistics, housing options, and community information
PCS Like a Pro- Your Smooth Move: Facebook group for service members and families to connect, ask questions, and receive advice
Note: It's important to verify the availability and eligibility criteria of these resources, as they may change over time.
Begin Working With an Online Therapist in Tampa, FL, Colorado, and Lousiana
While not at all an exhaustive list of resources, this guide serves as a jumping-off point. Military spouses and their families are resilient but also sacrifice alongside their servicemembers. It is necessary that we equip them with the knowledge and support they need and the assistance they rightfully deserve. As a military spouse and therapist, I would be happy to offer support for the residents of Tampa and across Florida. You can start the therapy process with Ashley Comegys, please follow these simple steps:
Schedule a free 15-minute consultation via phone or video
Start receiving the support you deserve!
Other Services Offered By Ashley Comegys
I know that there is more than one mental health concern you may experience concerns with as a military spouse. This is why I’m happy to provide various services to support your mental health. These include postpartum support, online postpartum depression treatment, grief counseling, and online depression treatment. I am also happy to offer online trauma treatment for women. Visit my blog or about page to learn more today!