Preparing To Be The Wife Of A Commander

Being the wife of someone serving in the armedthe people who will be serving under and with your
forces puts a woman in a unique position. Though shehusband. You will get the participation from others
and the children are not signed up to serve Uncleonce they see that you are serious about getting to
Sam, in many ways they are as much a part of theknow them.
military as is their spouse.If you are worried about learning the ropes, make it
When your husband is going to be in a positiona point to spend time with your husband's senior
where he is going to be commanding men, theofficer's wife. Usually she has been a service wife for
pressure on the family and especially the wife maymany years and you can benefit greatly from her
be great. There are many women who once theiradvice and experience.
husbands are wearing the stars and bars think theyIn order to build camaraderie, have a get-together on
are the one that should have the soldiers snapping toa monthly basis and invite the other commanders as
it. Most women of this type are not particularly wellwell as the higher ranked officers. Try to have the
liked by the other wives and it can contribute to aother couples over for an informal dinner or a cocktail
negative perception of the husband as well.party at your home.
It is wise to be prepared when your husband will beUse the Other Wives to your Advantage
rising in the ranks. It is important to remember thatThough you want the other wives to think you have
both your husband and you will often feel as if youit all together and nothing can faze you, you will be
were being examined under a microscope and in agiving them a false impression of you. Let the wives
sense you are. The higher the command your spouseof your husband's men know that you too need help
is offered the more scrutiny will be focused on youand if you all work together as a team you can get
and the family.any job put before you done. Share in the
You want to help your husband lead effectively andresponsibilities and show them your willingness to
you can be an asset to him by following a few simplework hard and they will be more than happy to do
steps;their part.
Being the wife of a commanding officer can addSome wives will be new to the base and others will
more social responsibilities to your calendar. Only dobe preparing to leave. You can be sure you are there
what you feel you can do best and allot what youfor the wives in the same way your husband is there
can't to others. You shouldn't expect yourself to befor his men. As a military spouse you have unique
able to take care of everything.responsibilities and there are high expectations of the
Do your best to create strong relationships amongwife of the commanding officer.