You know, I started Macho Spouse because I couldn't find a job in my career field during our last PCS. Most of us military spouses have probably gone through similar depressing job-searches. But after two years of unemployment, here I am, back in the job market and gainfully employed. This time, however, I have a whole new appreciation for what it takes to land that next job. The following is a short list of what I learned during my latest employment drought.

To say thanks to military families, anyone can donate flight miles or hotel points to Fisher House, to support injured service members and their families during the recovery process.

Family Readiness Groups (FRGs) are composed of volunteers, often military spouses, who take care of military families at particular installations, and especially during deployments. Community volunteers and local support for FRG activities are always greatly appreciated.

The Department of Defense is working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Department of State to provide support in dealing with the coronavirus disease outbreak. Check back for the latest information on COVID-19. We will be updating this page regularly.

Did you know about the Homeowners Assistance Program (HAP)?

It's the holiday season and to me that means spending time with family and friends while reflecting on the year that was. 

As a male military spouse, I know how important it is to stretch every dollar as far as I can for my military family. I'm always looking for tips on how to save money and I really appreciate money saving tips for the Military Family.

Here are some questions to think about:

Do you have an emergency fund? Are you saving enough money for retirement? Do you have a budget? How close are you to financial freedom?

February 26 - March 3, 2018

Military Saves Week is an annual opportunity for installations and organizations to promote good savings behavior and a chance for servicemembers and their families to assess their own saving status. Typically hundreds of organizations participate in the Week, reaching millions of people.

Whether you are new to military life as a civilian male military spouse, or you have been in the military life for years, you should know where military installations are located (epecially if your spouse just received orders).

Find Military Bases with these Military Base Locators. Use these Base Locators to Find Military Installations Around The World.

Most of us can usually "hear" what our spouses are saying, but do we actually listen to the words and understand what is being communicated?  Active listening skills are important tools to have for successful, happy relationships.  In this new Macho Spouse "Quick Hitter," Elizabeth Cabibi, M.S.,LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist) defines active listening and then demonstrates how to practice and administer some good techniques.  Below is a Speaker Listener Technique used by many military marriage retreats.

Fellow male military spouse and general provocateur, Chris Field, shares his "Top 5 Ways to Enter the Military as a Husband." 

Military.com has comprehensive base guides with information about military installations around the globe. You can get all the information you need about a military base in one place.

Get access to base directories, online local communities, local news and events, local restaurant and business reviews, and sections for spouses and vets.

Military.com Base Guides

The MilitaryHOMEFRONT Installations and Directories is provided by the Under Secretary of Defense (Personnel and Readiness).

The MiltiaryHOMEFRONT Installations and Directories shall provide Official Department of Defense Location Based Services (LBS) information on over 250 military installations and communities worldwide, including Installation Overviews and Directories of Programs and Services available for servicemembers and their families.

MilitaryHOMEFRONT Installations and Directories

YEAH SESAME STREET!  This tour is still going on for those in Japan and Korea.  Could be a great way to spend an afternoon with your family!

Here is a commentary you should check out on Military.com. It's from Deanie Dempsey, wife of Gen. Martin Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Military.com

America will need the strength of its military families more than ever in the coming months and years. As we approach the second anniversary of a massive campaign to help veterans find jobs, Hiring our Heroes has been a godsend to those who care about our country's future. But helping military spouses plan careers is equally important to our country and our military in the long run.

More than one million servicemembers will leave the military in the next five years. With this drawdown, and ongoing budget cut discussion, it's fair to say that our military families are in a state of high uncertainty, even for our community. Decisions are currently being made that will not only affect the size and scope of our military, but the health and readiness of those who stay.

The past 10 years have stretched our military families thin. There is no need to recount the effects of multiple deployments and the general stress of war on us all. Many of our families who have lived through the struggles have turned their strife into strength.

The "it takes a village" culture permeates our military community in extensive ways. Military spouses volunteer on and off installations at more than three times the national average. Drive down any street on any installation in the U.S. and you will find families covering child care and moving furniture for neighbors, providing both a helping hand and a shoulder to lean on.