Army Wife 101
Basic Training For The Army Wife
Here are some helpful odds and ends you need to know. One thing to always remember is a prepared army wife is a smart army wife. It not only makes things easier for your husband, but for your family as well.
Your ID Card
A military identification card is needed to use mostly all military benefits and services. Never leave home without it. The excuse "I forgot it" - is just that, an excuse and it won't cut it! You should also memorize your spouse's social security number (SSN), you'll be asked for it often. The phrase "last four" refers to the last four digits of your spouses social security number. Eventually, you'll know your spouses SSN better than your own!
The PX
The Post Exchange is the military's department store located on post. You must have an ID card to shop here. Guests can be signed in, but are not able to make purchases. The PX carries everything from shoe polish to electronics equipment, clothing and jewelry to household items, usually at a discount from what they cost on the civilian economy. The Four Seasons or BX, usually attached to the PX shopping center, carries toys, gardening supplies and equipment, and occasionally furniture. Shopping at the PX helps keep money invested in the post, benefiting the total Army community. They also offer a layaway plan, and usually honor any competitor's advertised prices from what I have seen.
The Commissary
The Commissary is the Army's grocery store. Unlike the PX, guests cannot be signed into this store. It provides savings on name brand items, averaging 25% lower costs then civilian stores. The commissaries accept food stamps, WIC vouchers and coupons. Many brands offer "special military coupons" at the entrance to the store. There is no tax, but you will find a small surcharge added to your bill. These surcharges cover operating costs, like grocery bags, utilities, and carts. One way the commissary saves money is to individually contract workers to bag groceries. These baggers work for tips only, they are not paid an hourly wage. A good rule of thumb for tipping is 25 cents per bag.
Medical Care
The military's medical care system is ever-changing. Basically though, the mission of the post hospitals is to provide medical care to active-duty service members. The active-duty family members are second in priority to receive routine care on a space available basis; Retirees and their family come third. Tri-Care is the military's HMO-like program to manage medical care. Your post hospital has an office to answer your questions and explain Tri-Care to you.
It is important to make sure you are enrolled in the "DEERS" program. DEERS is the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System that verifies only authorized patrons are receiving medical care. In the Army, you should be automatically enrolled when you receive your ID card.
Dental
Most stateside posts do not have dependent dental care available on post. However, your spouse can sign-up for the military's dental insurance plan to cover you and your children. The price for this insurance is very affordable, under $10 a month for an individual and under $20 a month for a family. Currently, United Concordia is the insurance carrier. The post hospital can give you more information on this service and a list of local providers accepting the insurance.
Deployments
One of the most challenging issues a wife has to face being married to a service man is deployments. While your husband's unit is there to help you with this transition, it is recommended that you as well, help alleviate any stress by preparing for the chance of deployments PRIOR to it ever happening. If you have any questions regarding what certain forms are - it is very important that you FIND OUT. Most of the forms are mandatory and to be held in your husband's records - but please be sure to verify they are current.
Here are some tips that have come from experience in case your husband is deployed:
- Completed DD Form 93 on record
- Unit & Commanders contact information
- Financial Matters in order
- All Legal Documents in Order - Valid Power of Attorney
- Family Care Plan - Especially if you have children
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