Relationships, babies and military

[Kylieemilyj]

My partner is thinking about joining the army as an officer. Of course we have done research ourselves but i was wondering if theres anyone here who can give me some insight into what it is like with a partner in the army. We are expecting our first child this may so he wont be going for training until next year, and we have discussed moving around when needed and I am prepared to move with him and we have discussed getting married at some point (hes yet to propose though he knows i will say yes)

What is the leave like? What is it like living in barracks? What is the schooling and job prospects like for me?

There's a post I believe over in AMA with an army wife detailing what it's like, definitely worth a read when you can x

Hi OP, congratulations on your pregnancy. To answer a few of your questions: terms and conditions of service are very good but you won't live in barracks. He will if he is single although he can, of course, live elsewhere in private accommodation with you off base once he has completed his training. You won't have access to military family accommodation though unless you are married or in a civil partnership. Sandhurst is - understandably - very full on so he won't have a lot of spare time whilst he is in officer training but it's an amazing place and a fabulous opportunity for anyone if he is fortunate to get through Officer Selection Board.

Leave allowance and pay is excellent but education is only provided in Service schools for the children of Service families if you are posted abroad - these are very good. The link here tells you more www.gov.uk/guidance/education-overseas-for-service-children

It's definitely a lifestyle choice and not for everyone- I've loved being part of the military family and have travelled and lived all over the world as a result. Our three DC have enjoyed it too and our eldest is currently applying to join the Army too after uni. But be advised that there can be considerable separation and time apart. This is very hard for some.

I assume he has looked carefully at what is required? Despite all the talk of an Army recruitment crisis, Officer recruitment numbers are still very buoyant and selection is highly competitive.

Forgot to add that job opportunities for you are down to you applying for jobs wherever you are; the Army won't provide you with a job (unless you join yourself). However many military spouses do end up in roles allied to the Services, such as the Civil Service (Ministry of Defence) etc.

Some partners find the lack of ability to establish a career or permanent job if they 'follow the flag' very frustrating; some don't mind, particularly when their DC are young, and some decide to establish a home in one fixed place and their military partner 'weekends' ie away Monday to Friday (sometimes from Sunday evening) . Lots of Service families live this way; lots accompany their partner, and some mix and match depending on where their military partner is working.

And generally officers will move job every 2-3 years but sometimes more often. My DH had 4 moves of job in 30 months quite recently and that's not unusual.

Brilliant summaries of how it is, Hamster!

In simple terms, the Army will come first and you will come second. It’s a great life for him, not so much for you.