Some struggles of military dating

Military men and women are a blessing to this country and a blessing to you, if you’re lucky enough to find the right one to fall for. Soldiers have honor, respect, spirit, an appreciation for life, a sense of pride and, let’s be real, they’re usually pretty hot. The list can go on and on as to why it’s a good move to date a man or woman in the military, but it has its pitfalls.

First of all, be ready for the acronyms. The military holds a love for abbreviating terms and they can be hard to follow in a conversation. Trying to understand my boyfriend’s talk about military work is like trying to understand someone talking backward. Everything goes right over my head. It’ll get better with experience, though, so don’t lose hope if you’re facing the same trials.

Time apart is one of the largest aspects of being with someone in the military. Even if your soldier isn’t on active duty, there are still times when you’re alone. Annual training, schooling, drill every month, etcetera. Plus, a deployment can lead to months, if not years, apart. Being alone could tear you apart, but stay strong and know your relationship is worth it.

If your soldier is in the military for an extended time, it’s a possibility that he or she could be stationed wherever he or she is needed … and you move with he or she, along with your pets and/or children. Military couples and families are often seen moving about the country every couple years, uprooting lives and homes to go make something new. This lost sense of “home” and the necessity of acclimating to a new environment can be tough.

A last military “issue” that I want to bring up includes the equipment necessary for involvement in the military. From uniforms to ruck materials to dress uniforms to other gear, it can be a pain to keep everything together, available and in good condition. Rucks are heavy and bulky, dress uniforms need to meet specific requirements/standards and nearly everything else involving the military in general has rules attached to it.

Don’t be overwhelmed by these things and definitely don’t base your love life on a non-acceptance of a soldier as a significant other. Just keep things relaxed and accept that a soldier’s life directly relates to your life. From my own experience, dating a military man is worth it ten times over. ‘Merica.