How to find deployment resources off base, no matter where you live during deployment

Living close to a military post means having access to many support systems during your spouse’s deployment. The FRG, military mom groups, and free childcare can be right at your fingertips. But what happens if you don’t live close to a military installation? Those who have spouses in the National Guard, Reserves or who do not live at their spouse’s duty station can struggle to find deployment support in their local areas.

Here is how you can find support wherever you are, through your civilian communities.

Community events

Don’t underestimate the value of local community events. While these will not be specifically military themed, that doesn’t mean they can’t help you. You can attend free concerts, festivals, and even shopping events right there in your city. Some of these events give out freebies or have giveaways and can be a great way to connect with your local community.

Playgroups

If you have small children, you will be able to make friends and stay busy by going to playgroups. You will meet people, and you can share your story. When people find out your husband is deployed, they will want to help you out in some way. Even if that help is just spending time with you. If you are not making friends at first, that is okay, keep going and find new groups to try until you find a good fit.

These civilian communities provide great deployment support, no matter how far you live from a military base. #ThisisDeployment Click To Tweet

Faith Community

If you are a member of a faith community, that can be one of the best places to go to find support. You can join groups and connect with others. You can also volunteer and give back that way, making friendships along the way. You might even talk with your church about starting a deployment group of your own. You might actually not be the only one with a husband whose career takes them away from home sometimes.

Online

When you can’t find any support in person, you can always look online. There are plenty of military spouse groups to join and connect with others. You can also look at your local Facebook groups in hopes of meeting up with people that live near you.

Not being near a military installation can feel isolating, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find the support you need during deployment. Don’t be afraid to try new things and reach out to others.

This new Deployment Masterclass provides a workbook, video interviews, and exclusive access to a supportive online community.

This guest post is by Julie Provost, the owner of Soldier’s Wife, Crazy Life. She is a freelance writer and blogger married to a National Guard soldier and raising three boys. She lives in Tennessee and loves a good book, a nice cup of coffee, and time with friends and family. You can also find her on FacebookTwitter, and Instagram.