Top 10 Reasons I Love the Army

Last Updated on August 15, 2023

Don’t worry, I’m not all sunshine and rainbows about the Army life. In fact, my next post will be about the top 10 reasons I hate the Army. Without further adieu, let’s get started.

10. I Met a Variety of People

I suppose before he joined the Army, most would say I had lived a somewhat sheltered life. After he joined, I met people from various backgrounds and cultures.

I’ve learned so much about other parts of the country and the world through my friendships. Not to mention that it has taught me how to get along with all kinds of different people.

I find myself being much less judgmental about others, which is a good thing!

9. It Taught Me How to Give Up Control (Sort Of)

Now, I haven’t totally mastered this yet. But I have to say I’m much better at it than I was when he joined.

To have someone else in control of where you will move and when is an eye-opening experience.

I needed to be able to give up a little control and learn how to go with the flow. I’m still working on it but I’m much further than I was before we became an Army family.

8. I Recognized My Own Strengths

Because of everything the Army threw our way from multiple deployments to a medical retirement, I learned that I can handle just about anything.

And if necessary, I can handle them on my own.

I can’t even tell you how many times I have had friends outside of the Army tell me they couldn’t handle the Army lifestyle. Before he joined, I doubted whether I could handle it too. But you do.

I discovered an inner strength and confidence that I didn’t necessarily know I had. I learned not to take time for granted or waste time on the little things.

It makes for a great answer in an interview when they ask about dealing with stressful situations.

7. I Have An Enormous Sense of Pride

Having a family member serve in the military gives an indescribable feeling of pride. Every time I saw him in uniform, my heart would swell…and not just because I thought he looked hot in his beret! 😉

I can also barely utter the Pledge of Allegiance or listen to the National Anthem without starting to get a little misty.

6. He Has The GI Bill – Hello, Free Education!

The GI Bill has enabled my husband to finish his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and pursue a culinary degree (he’s had MANY careers!).

Because of how the payments worked, we could also pay for my MBA with his GI Bill funds. To be able to both graduate with degrees without a single dollar owed in student loans is incredible.

5. We Have A Stronger Marriage

I know that some don’t make it out of the other side of a deployment with a stronger marriage but we were lucky enough to do that.

Being forced only to communicate verbally allowed us to get to know each other on a deeper level.

To be able to reconnect and experience those second (and third, fourth, fifth…) honeymoons when he returned home only reinforced our love and commitment to each other.

We now know not to take each for granted and petty arguments are a thing of the past (most of the time! ha!)

4. I Started My Business

My business came about because my husband joined the Army.

After all, that was our deal. He could join the Army and go for special operations if I could start my own business.

Initially, my Army sites would be a hobby on the side. I had no idea it would turn into what it has but it has been one of the biggest blessings in my life and has enabled me to meet some amazing people.

3. He Has a Steady Paycheck

Even though the paycheck could always be bigger (and I think I would say that regardless of how big it was! lol), the paycheck from the Army was steady.

We could count on it twice a month no matter what. With a questionable economy, that’s quite the benefit.

2. We Have Free Health Care

Yes, Tricare can sometimes be a pain to deal with, no doubt about that.

But if you come from a typical health plan where you pay hundreds and hundreds per month for 80% coverage plus a deductible of thousands and co-pays, Tricare starts to look awesome.

I’ve dealt with some health issues and can’t even imagine where we would be if we had to pay out of pocket for all of these bills.

1. We Have a Built-in Family

What I love best about Army life is the built-in family.

From the first day we arrived at his first duty station, I was embraced by other spouses. They took me under their wings and showed me the ropes.

There are members of my website that I have known for years now and I know that I can count on them no matter what.

I’ve stood by spouses during the birth of a baby, the death of a loved one, and all the trials and tribulations of Army life. We celebrated together, cried together, and lifted each other up (or provided a proverbial quick swift in the rear) whenever it was needed.

They are not just friends, they are family.

And that’s what I am most thankful to the Army for – my extended family.

All of our sacrifices are worth it in the end because of what I know my husband was fighting for and what we have gained in the process — individually, as a couple, and as a family.