What is an 'army' wife?

I got asked today "What is the difference between an army wife and a 'non' army wife?". I have only been married once so I can't compare to a 'non' army wife.

The main points that stand out in my mind are:

-You are likely to move every 2-3 years. You have to pack up your life into a billion boxes, leave your "new" friends and leave your "new" job in search for another.

- You learn to enjoy your own company. Sometimes army guys go away for days, weeks, sometimes months on end. After the first few days it's relaxing, by the end of the week you are starting to talk to yourself and well at the end of months apart you are going totally insane.

-Your husband has to keep things from you. Sometimes army wives aren't allowed to know where their husbands have gone. Sometimes there is minimal to no contact. Whilst they're away there's always the thought in the back of your mind that the next time the phone rings or someone knocks on the door you're going to find out your husband isn't coming home.

-You learn to adapt to change. Moving, new jobs, new friends, partners coming and going. You wouldn't cope if you didn't adapt quickly!

I yet have a LOT to experience and I will take it all in my stride. I am not saying army wives have it harder than others. I am not saying that we have it easier either. I'm allowing those who don't necessarily experience these things to have an insight into what it's like.

Growing Up

Family and friends have always been an important part of my life. Growing up in a small country town our closest neighbours were 5 ks away, we knew everyone and everyone knew us, going to the "city" was a exciting trip for the whole family, we went to playgroup, kindy, primary and then high-school with our friends.


I loved having a close knit family and friendship base.


It all started to change when I moved to the "city" to finish year 11 and 12 at boarding school. Leaving my family and friends behind was the hardest thing i've ever had to do, although now i'm glad it happened because I have grown a lot and I belive it has made me a stronger person. I made great friends at boarding school. It's sad to think most of those friendships are fading away.


Moving to the city to finish school was a big change. It was a big deal. I've now moved to Sydney to be with my husband who's currently in the Army.


My blog is about my life and my stories about being an army wife.