For many military members, home isn’t a picket fenced location; it’s a mindset that you need to be able to pack up at a moment’s notice.

Members of the military community often struggle to get a true sense of home while they are constantly moving.

One way to improve your attitude is to create crafts and art that represent the different places you have lived so you’ll always remember where you’ve been and be able to take them with you.

Check out these great crafts and ideas to help you channel your memories of past homes into great visual and mental reminders.

Key Art

Spray painting past keys can turn them into great display art so you always remember where you’ve been.

A unique way to always have something around from your past homes is to make something out of the keys you once used. You don’t have to be an especially crafty person to create something that will look great on a wall or coffee table.

Love Stitched posted this easy project. With a little spray paint, burlap and and magic marker you can create a stunningly simple shadow box that looks great anywhere.

Family Photo Collage

The most simple approach to remembering your past homes is to create a great photo collage combining photos of your family in front of your former home. These “front door family photos” look great together, and serve as a rememberance where you’ve been and how old the kids were when you lived there. Post them all on a big bulletin board for a collage look or in a frame on the wall  for a more professional appearance.

Craft Houses

These model homes are great reminders as well as conversation starters when you have guests over.

If you’re looking for something more customizable, check out little model homes that you can then paint and  label with your former location. In the example we found on Life Lessons of a Military Wife, fairly standard model homes were customized and the different locations were painted on the roofs in white paint. Placing these in your living room not only reminds your family of former lives in different places, but can also be a great conversation point during a party.

Christmas Ornaments

A really simple way to remember your past home is create Christmas ornaments. Whether you buy an ornament that signifies something from that location or decide to create something yourself, having an ornament from the different places you lived is a great way to personalize your tree for a military family.

Map Art 

Take the ‘Love Map’ idea and make it your own to locate your past homes in really sleek wall art.

One of the most unique ideas we ran across on the Minimoz blog was a love map. Essentially, you find an old map and cut out special locations — where you fell in love, where you met and where your kids were born, for instance — in the shape of a heart. Then paste them on a piece of paper to be framed.

The end result looks like professional wall art from the store but is actually personalized to your story.

No matter how you choose to remember your former homes, physical or mental reminders can help you feel grounded no matter where you end up. These projects can help you learn how to make ‘home’ a mindset that is always easy to pack up and take with you as a positive outlook.

Photos courtesy Life Lessons of a Military Wife, Minimoz & Love Stitched

Keep your eyes off the clock and avoid short time syndrome.

“Honey, we’ve got orders” are four of the most powerful words in the military community. Once you hear them you know you’ve got to pack up, move bases and essentially start over in a new place and make new friends.

A common tip in the military community is to try and anticipate these changes. But what happens when an expectation of moving in the future keeps you from enjoying life where you are now?

Think of it as “short time syndrome.” You’ve just moved to a new base but you’re so busy anticipating your next move that you don’t bother joining any groups, making any friends or even exploring the surrounding area. For many this anti-social plan is just easier than going through the trouble of making new friends when you know you’ll probably be moving again.

We’ll take a look at why this syndrome can be damaging and provide some steps to prevent it.

Why Short Time Syndrome is Bad

You may wonder what’s so bad about deciding you aren’t going to get out and meet people at a new base. The main problem is missing out on an important support system. PCSing and deployments often go hand in hand and having other people in the military community to help or just hear you out can completely change your mindset for the better. So meeting new people is good, but how do you override your brain telling you to not get attached?

Don’t Overextend

At first this tip may seem counterintuitive. But in the grand scheme of PCSing and staying happy not overextending yourself is very important. Taking on too many activities and getting burned out can lead to poor contributions, shallow friendships and a lack of interest in getting involved later on.

Don’t stress out or overextend yourself; stay relaxed and enjoy your new home.

Invest in Yourself

Investing in yourself is a great way to make sure you aren’t just focusing on the next move. Some spouses decide to take classes and work toward a degree; others pick up a hobby. Either way, you’re working to develop skills and better yourself. Classes or hobbies can fill your free time and fulfill your passions.

Community Projects

Taking on a community project can ensure you’re getting involved where you currently live. Projects and the organizations attached to them are a great way to meet new people and help out the community at the same time. Whether this is something like building a park or organizing an event with the PTA, don’t be afraid to help out.

Take a Minute

At the end of the day, the best way to avoid short time syndrome is to take some time for reflection. There are going to be good and bad things about every place you go and you’ll be a lot happier focusing on the good things.

Apply the concept of reflection to a lot of aspects of living on a new base. Take a minute to say hello and meet someone new. Take a minute to listen and help out someone if you can. Take a minute to explore your new surroundings. Take a minute to be thankful for the good things in your life. You’ll find that taking time to think about positive things can help your outlook.

Short time syndrome often means avoiding life. If we avoided relationships or friendships that might end one day, we would never meet anyone. Keep this idea in mind the next time you PCS and remember to get out there and meet new people and get involved.

Photos courtesy of Dave Stokes and nanny snowflake

We asked readers at our Military Spouse Central Facebook page to share their advice new military spouses. They rose to the occasion, submitting dozens of excellent tips to help new military spouses start off on the right foot. Below are some of the most common military spouse tips shared:

Find a battle buddy and you’ll have a friend who always knows what you’re going through.

Battle Buddy

The No. 1 tip was finding a battle buddy, which means finding a fellow military spouse to confide in and relate to as time goes on. Anyone who understands what you’re going through can be a big help in dealing with the little things everyday as well as bridge the loneliness during a deployment.

Army wife Ashley Brantley wrote: “Find another military spouse, even if it’s online. Your world will become so much easier if you have someone to talk to that’s in the same boat. That made the world of difference to me.”

Benefits

Using military benefits wisely was another common theme. Spouse group member Jessica Wilson Nolan said, “Take advantage of any & all incentives. Gym, discounts, free oil change for spouse of the deployed, dinners for spouses of the deployed.”

For some families living on a deployment budget can be difficult. Military discounts can make it easier. Also, being aware of benefits like a VA home loan can save your family thousands of dollars on the bigger purchases in life.

The military is full of red tape, last-minute decisions and the we-need-it-now mentality.

Document Everything

Marrying into the military means marrying into bureaucracy. Many spouses mentioned the importance of keeping your documents in order.

Navy wife Jenna Levin shared this: “Never lose your ID. Know where your ID is, where your POAs (power of attorney) are, where copies of orders are, marriage licenses, birth certificates, Social Security cards, etc. Have copies of everything and my suggestion would be to either have a designated drawer for important papers or a fireproof lock box. Trust me on this one.”

It may seem like a no-brainer, but having all of these documents lined up and ready to go at a moment’s notice will make life a lot less stressful down the road when you’re fighting your way through red tape.

Take Care of Yourself

Taking care of yourself was another recurring theme. While many view deployment as a difficult and lonely time, it’s also seen as an opportunity for self-improvement. Army wife Angie Hayes also shared this great tip about deployment opportunities : “Try finding a little job or go to school so you won’t have so much time on your hands”

Whether you finally sign up for that gym membership or start working toward a degree, the free time that many fill with negative thoughts is better spent building your skills.

Deployment Milestones

A really interesting tip we received was about breaking up a deployment so it doesn’t seem so overwhelming. Jenna Levin suggests setting up some important events that you will look forward to. Whether this is starting and finishing an online class, taking a small vacation, getting concert tickets or simply catching up with some old friends, a nine-month deployment won’t seem so overwhelming with a fun event every few weeks.

Marrying into the military can be intimidating but it’s manageable and worth the extra work.

Relax

Some of the best tips recommended going with the flow, taking a deep breath and relaxing. Many military wives are stuck feeling like they have to take care of everything right away when it comes to a PCS or deployment.

Military Spouse Facebook user Julia Heflin shared this great piece of advice about relaxing as a military spouse: “Instead of trying to control everything, just go with the flow. When things get frustrating, don’t take it out on your spouse, and enjoy each duty station because chances are when you move again, you’ll miss it.”

The military lifestyle is full of hurry-up-and-wait moments. Expect that dates will change, documents will be lost and there will always be a hoop to jump through. Remember that these changes are no one’s fault and even though you may be annoyed, you’ll make it through and still be glad you married into the military.

Photos courtesy of winged photography, Ed Yourdon and thinkvisualdesign

For years military spouses were left struggling to find new jobs, shuffling stacks of paperwork and tiptoeing around miles of red tape just to get settled in a new state. The Military Spouse Residency Relief Act, signed in 2009, makes these moves a little bit easier in that it allows military families to move without having to change their state residence!

Military spouses should all be aware of this legislation and how the Military Spouse Residency Relief Act works in your favor to relieve some stress when you’re faced with your next PCS.

Military Spouse Residency Relief Act helps remove some of the burden of moving across state lines.

Drivers License

One of the most common annoyances associated with a PCS is having to renew your license and registration in a new state. Unless you’re a fan of taking the driver’s test three, four or more times, the constant trips to the DMV are most likely an annoyance. And that doesn’t count the fees you incur getting a new license each time.

Because the Military Spouse Residency Relief Act allows you to remain a resident of your last state, you can keep your previous license and registration free of penalty as long as you only remain there under military orders.

Taxes

Taxes are another area where military families and spouses were left in a mess of paperwork that generally leads to unnecessarily paying too much on your taxes. The Military Spouse Residency Relief Act allows spouses to maintain their residency in their home state if desired so they will only need to pay the taxes for their state of residency.

This is especially beneficial if you are from one of the seven states without income tax. Regardless of your home state or current state, you’ll want to check out the state-specific rules, as the Military Spouse Residency Relief Act applies differently across certain states. You may want to consult a military legal specialist on base before deciding to switch residency.

Nursing Licensure

Nursing is a popular occupation for military spouses because of the significant need for trained medical professionals. In the past nurses faced with a PCS were forced to switch their state licensure within 30 days of moving, which in some cases can involve extra licensure fees not to mention the hassle of getting it.

Thankfully, the Military Spouse Residency Relief Act allows military spouses moving due to government orders to continue practicing while in a different state than their licensure because they never technically switch their state of residency.

This benefit is only available to nurses with an active compact license moving to another state that participates in the compact licensure program. A full list of participating states and more information can be found at this link.

Photo courtesy of pheaber

Command sponsorship is a hot topic for spouses and dependents of service members hoping to accompany their loved one overseas. The most common command sponsorships are granted in European countries but are also used for many Asian countries as well as families moving to Hawaiian bases.

Command sponsorship can be complicated but its the easiest way to travel with your spouse overseas.

Applying for Command Sponsorship

Getting command sponsorship for your move has a number of benefits for spouses and dependents. From use of base facilities to reimbursement of travel expenses, you may be surprised to learn all of the things command sponsorship can do for you.

Check out the following list if you’re hoping to receive command sponsorship for your family’s move. Be aware that each branch, region and base may have special requirements that you can ask your current commander about.

1. The first step in getting command sponsorship is to really understand what command sponsorship is. In the most basic sense it allows service member’s dependents to travel with them and have the government pay for it. For instance, European command sponsorships are approved for a three-year accompanied deployment.
2. Once you understand what a Command Sponsorship is, you’re ready to start filling out some paperwork. DA Form 4187 is among the most important because it contains the actual permission from your current command. This form will have to be signed by the service member and their commander upon approval.
3. Once you have current command approval, you’ll want to start filling out DA Form 5888, which confirms the health of all traveling dependents. Ensure you start this process well in advance because it can take around three months to obtain full approval. Health screenings must take place at approved military care facilities. Results must be mailed to the Army hospital where they will be approved and then you can forward them to your destination.
4. While you wait for approval on your current tax documents, you’ll need to fill out a few other forms and have them handy. First, you’ll need your Enlisted Record brief provided by the Squadron S1 section. You’ll also need to fill out DD Form 2792.
5. One of the final steps in getting command sponsorship is gathering documents, which can include: notarized copies of marriage and birth certificates, proof of custody and the actual PCS orders for assignment.
6. Once all of your documents are collected and the approved health screenings are mailed, service members must arrive on base with their packet for approval. This approval process usually takes about three weeks.

Get a Head Start

Although numerous documents and forms are required, as long as you get a solid head start on applying, you should have no problem getting approval for command sponsorship without delay and start enjoying all of the great benefits that go with the official approval.

Photo courtesy of Official U.S. Navy Imagery

Here are a few things to know about no-fee passports and the process of getting one:

What it is

No-fee passports identify the owner is abroad for official travel. Aside from any service fees, no-fee passports are free of charge for the dependents of those needing to travel on government business. Spouses, children, parents and siblings of fallen member with an overseas funeral may also apply.

How to Apply

If a passport is deemed necessary for spouses, the installation’s human resource office will provide a DD Form 1056, or you can download one online. The application for the passport should be submitted to the local military passport and visa sector.

Once approved, the form becomes proof of your authorization and can be presented to the Department of State with the official travel orders. After the paperwork goes through, the Department can issue the passport. Typically, passports take 8-12 weeks and are sent to the branch of service, rather than the individual.

What You Need

The official forms aren’t the only required items to submit for a passport. You will also need to present:

• Passport Photos: Two identical pictures, measuring 2×2 inches on white or off-white background. Your head must be clear of all gear, including glasses. Your military installation may have a DA photo lab to get pictures done, but you can also go to store photo departments.
• Birth Certificate: You will need the original as well as a copy. You may not use birth registrations, notifications or hospital birth certificates, even with notarization. Previous passports may be used in lieu of a certificate, unless for a child under the age of 16.
• Original Marriage/Divorce Certificate
• Parent IDs for children:Children under 14 must have both parents’ IDs presented as well as a copies made. Those aged 14-15 only need one parent ID.
  • If a parent is divorced, single or the only one listed on the birth certificate for a child 13 and under, the parent must present: 1) An original notarized SPOA/DS-3053 for either single biological parents/divorced biological parents that have joint custody OR 2) The original finalized court document that states that a biological single parent and/or biological divorced parent has sole custody/primary custody.

What Else is Required

When families PCS, the DoD Directive requires members and dependents to have a Status of Forces Agreement stamp. A SOFA stamp gives legal rights that exempt the holder from the host country’s immigration laws regarding alien registration.

Where to Apply

Depending on your current location, you can use Department of State search tool to find where you can apply.

What Else to Know

No-fee passports are only used for official business. If you want to travel for leisure, you must obtain a regular-fee tourist passport. You are able to have both at the same time.

Apply as soon as you can. Peg Crippen describes her extra lengthy experience  and advises spouses to “hope for the best, but plan for the worst.”

Photo thanks to clapstarr via Flickr Creative Commons

On the 1st day of Christmas, the military gave to me:
PCS orders for across the country!

On the 2nd day of Christmas, the military gave to me:
Two Skype calls,
and PCS orders for across the country, second time in three years!

On the 3rd day of Christmas, the military gave to me:
Three children fighting,
Two Skype calls, long awaited,
And PCS orders for across the country!

On the 4th day of Christmas, the military gave to me:
Four sets of ACUs,
Three children fighting, throbbing headache,
Two Skype calls,
And PCS orders for across the country!

On the 5th day of Christmas, the military gave to me:
Five M. R. E.s!
Four ACUs, in need of cleaning,
Three children fighting,
Two Skype calls,
And PCS orders for across the country!

On the 6th day of Christmas, the military gave to me:
Six days R&R,
Five M. R. E.s, why’d he bring these home?
Four ACUs,
Three children fighting,
Two Skype calls,
And PCS orders for across the country!

On the 7th day of Christmas, the military gave to me:
Seven FRG meetings,
Six days R&R, twice delayed.
Five M. R. E.s!
Four ACUs,
Three children fighting,
Two Skype calls,
And PCS orders for across the country!

On the 8th day of Christmas, the military gave to me:
Eight handwritten letters,
Seven FRG meetings, with melancholy spouses!
Six days R&R,
Five M. R. Es!
Four ACUs,
Three children fighting,
Two Skype calls,
And PCS orders for across the country!

On the 9th day of Christmas, the military gave to me:
Nine military forms,
Eight handwritten letters, delayed in customs,
Seven FRG meetings,
Six days R&R,
Five M. R. Es!
Four ACUs,
Three children fighting,
Two Skype calls,
And PCS orders for across the country!

On the 10th day of Christmas, the military gave to me:
Ten job interviews,
Nine military forms, just for the pediatrician!?
Eight letters on the way,
Seven FRG meetings,
Six days R&R,
Five M. R. Es!
Four ACUs,
Three children fighting,
Two Skype calls,
And PCS orders for across the country!

On the 11th day of Christmas, the military gave to me:
Eleven months of waiting,
Ten job interviews, no job yet in sight,
Nine military forms,
Eight letters on the way,
Seven FRG meetings,
Six days R&R,
Five M. R. Es!
Four ACUs,
Three children fighting,
Two Skype calls,
And PCS orders across the country!

On the 12th day of Christmas, the military gave to me:
Twelve homecoming signs a-waving!
Eleven months of waiting, for this very day,
Ten job interviews,
Nine military forms,
Eight letters on the way,
Seven FRG meetings,
Six days R&R,
Five M. R. Es!
Four ACUs,
Three children fighting,
Two Skype calls,
And PCS orders for across the country!

We also found this one, the 12 Submarine (Wife) Days of Christmas, check it out too, and of course, Have a Merry Christmas!

Thanks to all of the spouses who contributed so many great ideas, but special thanks to those we borrowed inspiration from: Breanna Ajitsingh, M’kayla Wriston, Elizabeth Glassman, Tanya Reeve Reudgen, Chrissie Skahan, Lindsey Nicole Russell, Natalie Barnes, Paula Linder, Lacey Garcia-Medina, Gayle Salley, Brenda Shartle-Miles, Gina Canaday & Kayla Dugay!

Photo thanks to Mukumbura via Flickr Creative Commons

But some degrees and career paths are a bit more travel-friendly than others. If a military lifestyle is likely part of your future, consider five degrees and professions that travel well.

Nursing

The obvious route for nursing would be any hospital or medical facility, but nursing degrees may go places you never thought. A My Online Nursing Degree article mentions job opportunities ranging from pediatric home health care to elder care facilities. Blood donor centers seek nursing degrees as well as critical care transportation jobs.

What’s even more expansive is the field of on-site nursing. You may just find yourself working next to Mickey at an amusement park or a lion at the local zoo.

Teaching

Chances are, wherever you move, there are going to be schools to teach in. Even international stationing can offer English teaching jobs. The Fan Groups site has a great explanation of what you may experience with a teaching degree ranging from early childhood education to corporate training careers.

Accounting

With an accounting degree, you’re looking at career opportunities in auditing, budgeting, inventory, payroll and more. The doors of accounting jobs will continue to open as you expand your degree. From associate degrees to a master’s, World Wide Learn explains multiple accounting career options.

Dental Hygiene

People require dental care, no matter where they’re located. Career Overview mentions how dental hygienists have unique flexibility in part-time and full-time schedules as well the ability to work in multiple office locations.

A bonus fact: The dental hygiene field is projected to be one of the fastest growing industries in 2012.

Information Technology

Technology usage is rapidly expanding, as is the Internet, which means IT degrees will be in high demand. According to Street Directory, an IT degree offers jobs far beyond computer programming and network security. You may find yourself as a Webmaster building, fixing and expanding company websites, or generating computer graphics for sites or video games.

Higher education is a respectable decision so be sure yours works in your best interest. (And use your military benefits to pay for it!)

Photo thanks to siladsen via Flickr Creative Commons

The current job market makes it hard for anyone to find employment but due to the many extra difficulties of the military lifestyle the scarcity of jobs hits them harder. To help counteract this problem, the Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP) was launched.

Why This Program Is Needed

Military spouses earn on average 25 percent less than their civilian counterparts and are plagued with high unemployment, according to My Military Life. Due to the instability of the military lifestyle, employers are hesitant to even consider a military spouse.

According to Deborah Mullen, wife of Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, military spouses “are turned away for jobs, not due to their qualifications or training, but due to the frequent moves their service member spouse is required to make.”

How it Works

Created by The Department of Defense, the MSEP provides military spouses with a platform to connect with the corporations that are willing to hire them. Through the MSEP website, www.msepjobs.com, spouses can simply input their address and view the job opportunities in their area.  

The Military Spouse Employment Partnership consists of corporations that have pledged their commitment to supporting military spouses.

According to the American Services Press Service, as part of the MSEP corporations agree to:

• Increase employment opportunities for military spouses; while maintaining employment during relocation
• Provide deserving military spouses with opportunities for promotion
• Provide military spouses with pay equity that is based on their experience, level of training, and credentials
• Post job opportunities to the MSEP job database

A Comprehensive Resource

The goal of the MSEP is to offer military spouses the tools to be successful in their job search.

To encourage success, the MSEP website provides link to Military OneSource and other sites where spouses can obtain tips on resume writing, cover letters, interview tips and other assistance.

Additionally, to give military spouses a better chance of finding employment, 100 job fairs have been planned across the country. The first fair was held July 10, 2011.

Photo thanks to Fort Rucker via Flickr Creative Commons

To avoid being overwhelmed with culture shock you can prepare yourself by making important property decisions, acclimating yourself to change and learning as much as you can about the location.

Consider Language Barriers

English speakers might surround you, but you may still want to learn the local language. According to the Department of Defense numbers as of 2010, the largest military installments are in Japan, South Korea, Germany, and Kuwait. Consider language programs like Rosetta Stone, which has 31 different programs (including the languages of aforementioned countries). Check with your command, Rosetta Stone is often offered for free or at a discounted rate to military.

Learn the Cultural Customs

Kwintessential.co.uk provides proper etiquette and protocol for multiple countries. For instance, if you go to Japan, pay special attention to facial expressions. Frowning is considered disagreeing, while scratching your eyebrow is seen as disrespectful. Do the research so you know what your body language is saying and you can avoid social faux pas.

Plan on Driving?

Simply knowing which side of the road to drive on won’t cut it when you consider foreign driving. An Associated Content article lists must-haves for driving in a foreign place with a U.S. license. Consider:

• Insurance: does yours extend to other countries? You may need proof with an International Motor Insurance Card.
• Driving Regulations: speed limits, cell phone usage, blood alcohol content levels, etc.

Speaking of Driving…

If you decide to ship your car, you will need to make sure your vehicle is acceptable. You may need to make modifications on items like lights and mirrors to make it drivable. Also, consider replacement parts for your car. They will most likely need to be shipped, so allot time and have a manual on hand.

According to this Associated Content article, large vehicles are seen as “American” and may not be the most conducive to narrow roads. They may also be the target of damage and theft.

If you decide to purchase abroad, look into the base you’ll be transferring to. You may be able to buy a car from service members returning to the states.

Living Quarters

Will you need adapters for electricity? Voltage Vallet provides an index of countries, their electric voltage, and proper adapters to accommodate each. Also, most countries have smaller living arrangements than that of an American home, so be aware of what you pack.

Money Matters

Learn the currency exchange rates and monetary values. If you’re wondering whether or not your bank is available at the installation you’ll be moving to, there is a website that indexes each bank per location. You still may want to consider opening a local account. Paying your bills in a foreign currency can be made easier and cut the costs of funding money transfers.

Photo thanks to lukehoagland via Flickr Creative Commons