MyCAA, Military & You: Creating Your Own Military Life Cycle

Spouses of enlisted military personnel might feel like they’re just along for the ride in the military life cycle, but it doesn’t have to be that way and they can begin to forge their own path today. One way many spouses create their own future is by taking advantage of MyCAA military benefits to pursue education and a career of their own.

The military life cycle starts with a welcome into the service. It can be a very challenging transition time as the spouse goes into basic training. You may be alone for the first time. Many families are then deployed to another city, possibly on the other side of the globe. Spouses may need to work through a period of separation with many transitions during enlistment. All these parts of military life are worth it, especially if it ends with veteran honors and benefits.

There’s no need to put your life on hold even with these challenges. Beyond staying flexible and supportive, you can also use this time to your benefit. One way to do this is by gaining an education paid for through the MyCAA Military Scholarship Program. Here are some ways to live a fulfilled and happy life as a military spouse.

Seek Out Support Resources

Once you are part of a military family, you can access many different benefits and resources through the Department of Defense. You’ll always have a great gym or other recreational equipment to use, so consider following an exercise plan if you don’t already. Military spouses can check out books from the library and even get free, confidential counseling services. Take time to think about how you’d like to grow personally and what changes you’d like to make. There are resources available to you through the programs provided by the armed services.

Connect with Other Spouses

Friendships that last a lifetime can easily form among military spouses since you share so much in common and understand what other spouses are going through. Part of the military experience for spouses can be making strong connections with people you can depend on. Make time to meet for book clubs, lunches, and organized events, wherever your family is deployed.

Train for a Mobile Career

My Career Advancement Account Scholarships, or MyCAA, are military funds all spouses should consider using. You can qualify for a total of $4,000 – in increments up to $2,000 per fiscal year – in scholarship money from the Department of Defense for career training. This could involve taking online courses for professional certificates or licensure or even completing an associate degree.

You could start a career in a high-demand field like healthcare or information technology, with job opportunities all over the world. MedCerts is an online school that is approved for qualifying MyCAA assistance.

Enjoy Different Cultures and Opportunities

Of course, along with developing skills and possibly a new career, you can make time for all the interesting opportunities that present themselves to military spouses. Deployments are often located in interesting places throughout the world, and you can learn in-depth about different cultures and natural environments with just a little planning.

Have Your Own Military Life Cycle

Spouses can create their own fulfilling lives in the military by thinking ahead and working toward goals that would help them feel fulfilled and happy while their loved one is enlisted. Take advantage of benefits like MyCAA military scholarship funds to realize your dreams, too.