For many milspouses, navigating the ups and downs of military life can feel like a journey with no map. Constant moves, new communities, and figuring out how to build a life alongside constant change can be overwhelming.
One of the most meaningful ways to make it all a little easier?
Finding a mentor.
Imagine having someone by your side who truly understands what it means to be a mil spouse. Someone who can share their experiences, offer a listening ear, and help you find your way through the challenges that come with military life. That’s what a good mentorship program offers. This is less about guidance and advice and more about building relationships, finding support, and becoming part of a community that has your back. Wondering where to start? Here’s how to do it.
Choosing the perfect program for your journey
The first step is finding a program that feels like the right fit. There are tons of choices out there. The best one for you depends on where you are in your milspouse journey and what kind of support you’re looking for. Here are a few specific programs that have made a big
Military Spouse Advocacy Network’s Mentorship-HUB connects military spouses to mentors who provide support across various topics, including mental health, employment, and finances. The Mentorship-HUB operates 24/7 and offers a virtual education center tailored for military spouse needs, making it a valuable resource for spouses worldwide.
American Corporate Partners (ACP) Active Duty Spouse Program pairs military spouses with professional mentors for one-on-one career development, networking, and entrepreneurship guidance. This year-long mentorship program is ideal for spouses focusing on career transitions or professional growth while balancing military life.
USO Military Spouse Mentorship with Veterati: Through a partnership with Veterati, the USO offers a flexible mentorship program where spouses can select mentors who align with their career or personal growth goals. Mentorships are conducted over the phone, providing an accessible option for spouses on the go.
Every mil spouse’s journey is different, so don’t be afraid to try a few programs or groups until you find the one that really feels right. The key is finding a community that makes you feel seen and supported.
Starting a mentorship program from scratch
So what if you’ve explored the options and still haven’t found the perfect program? Don’t be discouraged! This is your opportunity to create something amazing and start your own mentorship program. Chances are, there are other spouses who are looking for the same kind of community and support that you are. By stepping up, you can make a huge difference.
Launching a program doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Maybe you start small by connecting with a few other spouses in your community who are interested in helping one another. Or you post in a local group or on your social media, sharing that you’re interested in starting a mentorship group for mil spouses in your area or within your branch. It’s amazing how quickly a simple idea can grow into something that changes people’s lives.
When we were stationed in Germany, I felt completely lost at first. Everything was new – the language, the culture, the military base. I couldn’t find a local mentorship program that clicked, so I decided to start one with just a couple of other spouses who felt the same way. We began meeting once a week, sharing our struggles and successes, and soon, it turned into a network that helped each of us thrive. Don’t underestimate the power of taking the first step. It might just be exactly what you and others need.
Life-changing benefits of military spouse mentorship
The benefits of being part of a mentorship program are huge. For one, it’s an incredible way to learn. Whether you’re new to military life or have been around for years, there’s always something to gain from the experience and wisdom of others.
Mentorship is also about building lifelong friendships. Mil spouses often talk about the deep connections they make through these programs—the kind of friends who will be there through thick and thin, who understand what it’s like to move across the world on a moment’s notice or to rebuild your career from scratch again and again. It’s about finding people who are on your team, no matter where you are or what challenges you face.
Tips for getting the most from your experience
If you decide to join a mentorship program, be open and honest with your mentor. Don’t be afraid to talk about what you’re struggling with or what you really want to achieve. The more open you are, the more your mentor can help.
Stay engaged. Mentorship is a two-way street. Make time to meet with your mentor or mentee, follow up on conversations, and be genuinely involved. The more you put into the relationship, the more you’ll get out of it.
Set goals. Whether you’re focusing on adjusting to a new community, balancing a career, or just trying to feel less overwhelmed, having specific goals can help guide your mentorship experience. Share these goals with your mentor so they can help you stay on track.
How mentorship builds community and makes an impact
Whether you decide to join an existing mentorship program or create one of your own, the goal is the same: to find your people, to feel supported, and to make military life a little bit easier. Mentorship can be the bridge that helps you not only survive military life but thrive in it.
So take the leap. Reach out, join a program, or start one yourself. The connections you make could be the key to feeling at home no matter where you’re stationed, and your impact could be exactly what another mil spouse is searching for. And in the end, that’s what military life is all about: lifting each other up, creating community, and finding strength together.