As cliche as it sounds...expect the unexpected!

Oh yeah...life in the military, whether you're the soldier or the wife (or husband) is more than you'll ever bargain for. Is it worth it? At times, yes. At times, no way! But it's an experience you'll never forget.

You know that show "Army Wives"? Well...it's NOTHING like the real deal. Sure, a few things here and there are similar. But it doesn't come close to depicting the reality of it all.

So, first and foremost...be prepared for anything. Separation, hard times, war...did I mention..war? Yup. They go. They always go. Sometimes more than once. It never gets easier and it never feels safe. But, they also come home. For those that don't...grieve for them, miss them and honor them. But have faith that they WILL come home.

The money is decent. If you get ahead in rank. It's pretty good. The DFAC has great food. Soldiers hate it because they are forced to eat it throughout their training. But for a military wife, it's cheap and tastes like Picadilly.

If you are fortunate enough to get stationed overseas, it's an amazing experience. I had visited more countries by my 21st birthday than most of my family member...combined.

Be wary of the title "Military Wife". It's loaded. People will think you've got it easy, you've got it made, tons of money, lots to do, no problems at all. Don't buy it. It's the hardest job out there. If you have kids, you have a dual role as both a mother AND a father. If you're married without kids, it's worse for you. Because you have to deal with it alone. If you're overseas and your family is in the states, it's hard. It's you against the world while the one you love is fighting a battle that won't be won anytime soon. But above all..you're damn proud of him!

Don't get me wrong. It's fun too. You have this special rank in the world. You are tagged with a gift of honor. A part of history. A part of the world that is untouched by many people. The military life is a gift and a curse. But it can be worth it, if you work it.

Prepare for a LARGE family. Maybe not blood, but family all the same. And this family will never falter. They will always answer the phone at 2 am to hear you cry. They will pick you up from the train station when you can't understand what "Hauptbahnhof" means. They will drive 3 hours in the wrong direction so you can catch a glimpse of a castle that's long gone. They will pick you up when you fall to the floor after you lose someone near and dear to your heart. And pick up the pieces after you receive orders that you husband is going to Iraq...again. NEVER FALTER. They are true and true.

It's a risk, but worth it. The military life is a hard life. With tests and constant struggles. But it's the most gratifying risk you'll ever take.