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One of the pieces of advice I hand out often to new spouses is to "know where to find the answers". The military is a great organization but sometimes it's NOT easy to just get a simple answer. Learning how to find your own answers as a spouse or family member is very important. As I'm sure some of you are noticing since your soldier got here...information is not always forthcoming. Your solider may be so excited to talk to you he forgets to pass along important information, he may be busy, he may simply be too tired for his brain to function, or he may not think the information is as important as YOU may.  

One of the best things you can do early on is to start building your support network. Whether it is an online community (there are a ton out there that are very good), your new neighbors when you get to your duty station, other parents of soldiers, or a Facebook group. Having a support network is VERY important!

I'm working on links that have helped me over the years. Remember, while most things are across the board in the Army, each Army installation has its own set of rules within the rules, make sure you take the time to explore any new post!

http://www.army.mil/
http://www.militarybenefits.com/
http://tricare.mil/
http://mypay.dfas.mil/
http://www.myarmyonesource.com/default.aspx
https://www.housing.army.mil/ah/
http://www.armyfrg.org/skins/frg/home.aspx?AllowSSL=true (for when you get to your new installation)

One of the most important terms you will learn and follow as a spouse or family member is OPSEC...otherwise known as Operational Security. The dumby version? Be careful what you say and the information you share about what your soldier is doing. Read more here about OPSEC. http://www.opsecprofessionals.org/articles/OPSEC_Rules.html    It's important!

FRG's are a great way to be involved in the military lifestyle! They are all different! You will find good, you will find bad, you will find those that simply hand out information, you will find those who act more as a social group. It's not for everyone and there is no rule that says you HAVE to be involved. I highly encourage you to at least give it a shot! If you have no idea how to get involved or who to contact and your soldier doesn't fill you in...call the ACR or FRC office on the installation and ask questions! They can point you in the right direction! but make contact, get involved!