A mother, father, and daughter sitting on a blanket in a grassy field A mother, father, and daughter sitting on a blanket in a grassy field

Family Life

You and your family enjoy benefits like housing and medical coverage, along with the flexibility to spend quality time together.

Your Family. Our Priority.

Behind every strong Soldier is an even stronger family. No matter your family situation, the Army has you covered with dedicated support for their needs.

Female Soldier in combat uniform smiling and holding her baby in the air Female Soldier in combat uniform smiling and holding her baby in the air

STAY CLOSE, ON ANY PATH YOU CHOOSE

Home life might look different for every Soldier depending on the path taken, but there’s always the opportunity for meaningful moments with family regardless of your service choice.

A babysitter sits with two young boys as they play with chalk on a driveway A babysitter sits with two young boys as they play with chalk on a driveway

Treating Your Kids As Our Own

Many active-duty Soldiers are parents with children, whether they’re on or off base. Either way, the Army makes sure your kids experience a fulfilling life with all the tools they need to grow and be happy while you serve. This includes world-class daycare programs, hourly care, one-on-one tutoring, counseling, and more.

“I did not know what to expect when I became a mom while serving. I thought, my schedule will change, what I can physically do will change—but the one thing that did not change was the stability I get in the Army.”

-Staff Sgt. Ashley Williams

Get A Familiar Family Experience

Living as an Army Family is an adjustment, but there are many similarities to non-military life. Enjoy your time off doing what you love with those you love.

BALANCING WORK AND LIFE IN THE ARMY

Staff Sgt. Ashley Wilson talks about the exciting juggling act of having a family and thriving career in the Army.

MAKING FAMILY LIFE EASIER

The combination of Army life and family life brings a unique set of circumstances to Soldiers, which the Army helps navigate with networks and programs that create a balance.

Overall Support

The Military Family Readiness System is a network of programs, services, and agencies that provide support for families adjusting to Army life, with financial management and emergency family assistance.

Relocating

The Army continues to implement policies and initiatives that improve Permanent Change of Station (PCS) relocations for Soldiers and their families, offering money for moving expenses along with scheduling flexibility for a smooth transition.

Transitioning to Army Life

The Army Family Team Building development course empowers your transition to Army life with community resources and tools to help you understand Army acronyms, achieve financial readiness, build personal relationships, manage stress, and more.

A young girl sits on an examination table at a doctor’s office A young girl sits on an examination table at a doctor’s office

BENEFITS YOUR FAMILY CAN LEAN ON

Beyond the networks and programs centered around family life, Soldiers also receive an Army benefits package that makes it easier to raise a family. This includes:

  • Health care coverage for families
  • Paid days off for vacation
  • Employment resources for spouses
  • Education and financial assistance

Common Questions

Will I be able to contact my child after they’re deployed?

Yes. The Army has many services that allow Army personnel to contact their families including phones, video phones, email (and other online methods of communication like social media), military networks, and a mail system. The Army encourages Soldiers and their families to stay in touch whenever possible.

Can my family live on base with me?

Soldiers' spouses and dependents can live on-base with them in family housing. Parents, extended family, and friends cannot live on base but are welcome to visit. While visiting family members and friends cannot stay overnight in the barracks, there are on-base accommodations for them, if you choose, and your service member can stay the night with you.

Can my spouse or loved ones deploy with me?

The Army does not allow spouses or family members to join Soldiers during deployment. However, the Army has a strong network of resources to provide support for families while the Soldier in their lives is deployed.

What if I have a family member with special needs?

The Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) is a mandatory enrollment program that works with other military and civilian agencies to provide comprehensive and coordinated community support, housing, educational, medical, and personnel services to families with special needs. Soldiers on active duty enroll in the program when they have a family member with a physical, emotional, developmental, or intellectual condition requiring specialized services, so their needs can be considered in the military personnel assignment process.

Talk to a Recruiter

Don’t worry, there’s no obligation if you reach out.

Thanks for reaching out,

Here's What Happens Next

  1. You'll receive an email confirming your request

  2. We'll provide additional information about next steps

  3. You'll work with us to decide whether the Army is right for you

Questions you may have right now

Who will reach out to me?

One of our recruiters will either call or email you to set up time to talk.

Who will reach out to me?

One of our ROTC recruiters will either call or email you to set up time to talk.

What will you ask me?

Our conversation will likely begin with some basic qualifying questions, like your age and education level. From there, the conversation will be about getting to know you and your goals for the future. Expect us to ask about your interests and skills so we can suggest Army jobs that might interest you.

How can I prepare for the conversation?

While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:

How can the Army help me pay for college?

Do I have to go to Basic Training?

How can I prepare for the conversation?

While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:

How can the Army help me pay for college?

What is the time commitment for part-time service?

How can I prepare for the conversation?

While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:

Can the Army help me pay for medical school?

Do I have to go to Basic Training?

How can I prepare for the conversation?

While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:

How do I apply for ROTC scholarships?

How do I join ROTC at the college I want to attend?

Will I be expected to join if I talk to someone?

No. Our goal is to answer your questions and help you decide if the Army is a good option for you. We understand you may not be ready to join yet, or that we may not be the right fit, and that's fine. There's no obligation for talking to us.

Thanks for reaching out,

Here's What Happens Next

  1. You'll receive an email confirming your request

  2. We'll provide additional information about next steps

  3. You'll work with us to decide whether the Army is right for you

Questions you may have right now

Who will reach out to me?

One of our recruiters will either call or email you to set up time to talk.

What will you ask me?

Our conversation will likely begin with some basic qualifying questions, like your age and education level. From there, the conversation will be about getting to know you and your goals for the future. Expect us to ask about your interests and skills so we can suggest Army jobs that might interest you.

How can I prepare for the conversation?

While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:

Do I qualify to join the Army?

Can I join as an Officer?

How can I prepare for the conversation?

While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:

Do I qualify to join the Army?

Can I join as an Officer?

How can I prepare for the conversation?

While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:

What type of health care jobs are available in the Army?

Can the Army help me pay for medical school?

How can I prepare for the conversation?

While we'll ask you questions, this is your opportunity to ask some of your own. Here are a couple to get you started:

Can I join ROTC at my age

Can I join as an Officer?

Will I be expected to join if I talk to someone?

No. Our goal is to answer your questions and help you decide if the Army is a good option for you. We understand you may not be ready to join yet, or that we may not be the right fit, and that's fine. There's no obligation for talking to us.

Thanks for reaching out, .

We admire you for considering such a big career decision at your age. Unfortunately, we're unable to directly reach out to you until you are at least sixteen years old and a junior in high school. However, the following ROTC info is something that may interest you now.

Questions you may have right now

How old do I have to be to serve in the Army full-time?

To become an enlisted Soldier, you must be 17 years old. To become an Army Officer, you must be at least 18 years old and have a college degree obtained either through ROTC, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, or from another college or university program. Learn more about Army Eligibility Requirements and how to receive Officer training while in college.

How can the Army help me pay for college?

There are a variety of options available to help you pursue education with flexibility, such as ROTC programs, the GI Bill, and other programs that help pay for college tuition, trade school, technical school, or trainings. View all of the Education Benefits available to you

How do I apply for ROTC Scholarships?

Army ROTC has several scholarships available for college-bound high school students. Review your options at ROTC Scholarships, or immediately apply by creating an account at my.goarmy.com to get started.

How old do I have to be to serve in the Army part-time?

To become an enlisted Soldier, you must be 17 years old. To become an Army Officer, you must be at least 18 years old and have a college degree obtained either through ROTC, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, or from another college or university program. Learn more about Army Eligibility Requirements and how to receive Officer training while in college.

What are the ways to serve part-time?

You can serve part-time as a Soldier in the Army Reserve or the Army National Guard. By serving part-time, you are able to continue your college education or work a civilian job, while earning an extra paycheck and maintaining many of the benefits of military service.

How can the Army help me pay for college?

There are a variety of options available to help you pursue education with flexibility, such as ROTC programs, the GI Bill, and other programs that help pay for college tuition, trade school, technical school, or trainings. View all of the Education Benefits available to you.

How do I become a health care provider in the Army?

You can serve part-time or full-time as you train in our health care program. Upon graduation of the program, you will enter the Army health care team as a Commissioned Officer.

What types of medical careers are available in the Army?

There are numerous health care careers available through the Army Medical Education Deparment (AMEDD), including physicians, dentists, nurses, veterinarians, and many more. View your career options.

How can the Army help me pay for college?

There are a variety of options available to help you pursue education with flexibility, such as ROTC programs, the GI Bill, and other programs that help pay for college tuition, trade school, technical school, or trainings. View all of the Education Benefits available to you.

What are the benefits of joining ROTC?

ROTC makes it possible to achieve your ambitions. Become a leader and serve your country in one of the nation's top leadership training programs. You can do this while maintaining your college curriculum and earning up to 100% tuition coverage. Upon graduation, you're guaranteed a career as an Army Officer.

How do I prepare to join ROTC?

When you're at least 16 years old and at least a high school junior, you can reach out to us, or even talk to your high school counselor. Together, we'll talk options and decide if ROTC is the right path for you.

Will I become an Officer if I complete ROTC?

Yes. After graduation, you are commissioned as a highly respected second lieutenant in the Army, entrusted with leading other Soldiers.

Choose the Army career path you're most interested in.

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