Treasure 
People don’t know what military spouses and families go through! I admire the families that have to live it. Though they wear no uniform or rank, they still serve the country! We all know that the military owns the soldiers, but the spouses are also along for the ride. The military still RUN their lives, and that’s why I call them the “Silent Ranks.”
I’m a firm believer that the majority of military spouses are stronger and braver than regular spouses. I’ve known some amazing military service members who told me that military spouses are the “Silent Heroes”, holding down the home front while their service member is in the field.
“Kudos to all military spouses who are able to adapt and support their service members……hang in there, fellas, and thank you for your all you do.
*the kinda things you do for love, eh???*
Anyway, military spouses face many challenges, so it’ll be nice to have benefits to balance the scale. Most military spouses already know the standard benefits that come along with the lifestyle……YEAH….we all know the common benefits of being a military wife.
Did I hear you say health insurance?
No Way, soldiers pay for it. It comes out of their paycheck.
I would rather say the following:
Opportunities to travel – such trips wouldn’t have happened if not for military service.
A wide community of friends – I have met so many people and friends (really good friends…….yeah, awesome people)
Become so wise – You’ll grow up fast because you’ll grow through whatever the military offers you. Regular spouses (especially wives) rarely grow up. I don’t mean to be abrasive, but chances are, you don’t get to live away from family and close friends. As a military spouse, you may live miles away from home. You may even live in another country, which means chances are, “You’ll figure out things on your own most times.” You’ll pretty much be on your own and independent, especially hubby leaves.
- Knowing that your spouse has a steady income and housing in most cases and, of course, “Being married to someone who looks amazing in camouflage”.
These standard benefits cannot really add much value to individuals and society. It can’t make them become economically productive or independent. Hence, the need to establish functional welfare schemes and programs for military families.
There’s a need to take a comparative look at what applies in countries like the United States, Canada, and other developed Armies and use the same here.
Thanks to my friends, I’ve compiled a detailed list of some of the fantastic benefits of being a military spouse or dependant in most countries.
In such countries, spouses can find many advantages, from educational benefits to employment opportunities. Many programs are provided automatically upon entrance to military service or marriage to a service member.
Listed Below are Some Amazing Benefits of Being a Military Spouse or Dependant in other Countries
Educational Opportunities
Depending on your educational pursuits, you might make out as a military spouse. You will be eligible for thousands of scholarships. Pretty much every college will give you a discount for being a military spouse.
The Military Spouse Career Advancement (MyCAA) Scholarship is available to spouses of active duty, guard, and reserve members holding certain ranks. The program offers up to $4000 in financial assistance to military spouses to pursue a license, certification, or associate’s degree.
Educational benefits can also be transferred from service members to their spouses and children. Benefits may be used while the military member is still serving in the Armed Forces; however, spouses can use the benefits for up to 15 years after the military member separates from the Armed Forces, and children may use the benefits until they reach 26 years of age. Children may also be eligible for additional benefits, such as a monthly housing allowance.
Hiring Preference (Military Spouse Hiring Preference Program)
Under the MSP program, military spouses are given preferential employment placement in vacant Department of Defence civilian positions.
These vacancies may fall under civil service or Appropriated/ Non- Appropriate funds.
Also, as a military spouse, you will have a hiring preference for government jobs when there are vacancies, and the spouse is qualified. This is great for career-minded spouses.
Some civilian companies also give hiring preference to military wives because they know how challenging it can sometimes be to find employment as a military spouse.
Unemployment Compensation
Do you know that thirty- seven(37) states in the United States of America pay unemployment compensation to military spouses due to their spouse’s transfers? (PCS move)…..AMAZING!!
Patriot Express
The U.S. Small Business Administration established this small business loan program for veterans and spouses. Its purpose is to assist with the initial costs of establishing a small business. Low-interest rates are assigned to the loans, typically ranging from 2.25% – 4.75%.
The SBA guarantees up to 85% of the total loan, with a maximum loan amount of 500,000.
VA Loans
A VA loan is a mortgage loan available through a program established by the Department of Veterans Affairs. VA loans assist service members, veterans, and eligible surviving spouses to become homeowners.
They can access the loan with a zero down payment, meaning they don’t have to worry about PMI fees or stuff like that, and are eligible to buy a house with credit as low as $600 or even lower in most cases.
Military ID Discount
Holders of valid military ID cards get discounts in several countries.
Space A Flights Program
Under the Space A travel, spouses, dependents, and soldiers can get updates on Department of Defense-owned or controlled aircraft routes. Eligible passengers can fill the open seats and save a lot of money.
I can go on and on. There are still so many excellent benefits like the Separation Pay, Rental Partnership Program, Family Servicemembers Group Life Insurance, Basic Allowance for Housing, etc.
I certainly don’t expect or believe I’m entitled to any of those benefits, but they are nice to have.
Based on realities on the ground, there can’t be a better place where such benefits should be given priority than in our Nigerian military, as the risk of having a spouse in the military is beyond comprehension. There’s a need to have a solid structure in place to support the dependants of servicemen and veterans who have sacrificed it all. Hence, welfare packages should be tailored to benefit military families.
