Temporary Additional Duty (TAD) orders aren’t common in the submarine community, but if it happens it will be a different experience than the usual underway or “scheduled” deployment. TAD orders are required travel at a location other than the permanent duty station. An example of this is if you sailor is asked to “ride” another [...]
If you're a "seasoned" military spouse, you likely have a love/hate relationship with TRICARE. TRICARE is the health care program for all active duty service members and their families in the United States. And there is only one time of year when individuals can change their plans. This period is known as "Open Season." As [...]
You know you're a submarine spouse when you have a dedicated closet in your home for uniforms. Or, you've been woken up at an ungodly hour to help find uniform pieces. Sailors are required to maintain their uniforms throughout the year. In fact, did you know enlisted members receive an annual clothing allowance to help cover [...]
We asked, you answered! We posed a simple question to our followers: what did you do as a new submarine spouse that you would never do again? Here's what they said: Have any expectations whatsoever. Don’t expect FRG’s to be bad because not all of them are but don’t expect them all to be great [...]
We asked the question, and y'all delivered! Last week we posed on Instagram - tell us your "unpopular opinion" about submarine spouse life. We shared the responses and asked for you to weigh in. Here's the result: I like Groton. Turns out not everyone thinks Groton is rotten! More proof on that, here. I'll take [...]
In the submarine community there are a number of time-honored traditions and ceremonies. We've previously talked about christening ceremonies, but what about a Change of Command ceremony? Here's a few things you should know. What is a Change of Command ? A Change of Command is a ceremony to honor the outgoing Commanding Officer (CO) [...]
If you're new to submarine life, whether you're a parent of a newly-christened sailor or a significant other just learning the lingo, it can be incredibly overwhelming. Simply put, you don't know what you don't know. What type of submarine are they on? How often will they be at sea? What's the difference between an [...]
As a follow up from our department head post, we were asked to gather feedback on spouses who have experienced an XO tour! The "XO," or Executive Officer, is second in command and reports directly to the Commanding Officer (CO). An XO is responsible to the captain for all ship's work, drills, exercises, personnel organization, [...]
For dual working parents or single parents, searching for childcare at a new duty station can be overwhelming to say the least! Below is a guide to some of the military childcare benefits available to service members and their families. Child Development Centers The military offers subsidized childcare at Child Development Centers (CDCs) on bases [...]
