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MilLife Guides

Getting Settled in the Military

Overview

Considering military enlistment? Just graduated from basic training? Congratulations, and welcome to the armed forces – and a new home, new rules and new routines.

Get up to speed on your new military life and community.

Get Connected

Military OneSource can connect you to the lay of the land, along with information, resources and benefits you’ll need to launch into your new military life.

Put your best foot forward for boot camp

When it comes to basic training with any service, you’ve got to pack the right stuff and prepare yourself mentally and physically for what’s ahead. Here’s what you need to know.

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Basic Training

  • Army: Find out what to expect when attending Army basic training and officer candidate school.
  • Marines: Find out what to expect when attending Marine Corps boot camp and officer candidate school.
  • Navy: Find out what to expect when attending Navy boot camp and officer candidate school.
  • Air Force: Find out what to expect when attending Air Force basic training.

ARTICLES FOR PUTTING YOUR BEST FOOT FORWARD FOR BOOT CAMP

Here’s how military housing and health care work

Welcome to your first assignment – now it’s time to understand room and board, along with the military health care program, TRICARE.

TOOLS & RESOURCES FOR HOW MILITARY HOUSING AND HEALTH CARE WORK

Take advantage of your installation’s commissaries, exchanges, recreation services and more

Installations offer you more than just barracks and mess halls. In fact, most military installations have a lot of affordable resources for service members and their families, like deeply discounted grocery and department stores, called commissaries and exchanges.

You’ll also find libraries, golf courses, recreation areas and special events – many available on-base for free or at greatly reduced prices.

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Learn how you can save money by shopping at your installation commissary and exchange.

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Learn more about the many resources and services available to you when living on an installation.

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Find out what your installation’s library has to offer.

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Find what MWR programs are available at your base.

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Learn more about deals on travel and recreation.

Get paid – and make the money work for you

Every month, you’ll get your Leave and Earnings Statement – a form that tells you how much you got paid and where that money went (besides your bank account).

There are lots of different types of pay and tax-free allowances you can earn during your service, and the military’s retirement savings program can set you up for life. Our free financial consultants can help you figure out your finances – from paying down that credit card debt to putting a down payment on a car, and even free tax help.

ARTICLES FOR GETTING PAID AND MAKING THE MONEY WORK FOR YOU

BENEFITS & SUPPORT SERVICES FOR GETTING PAID AND MAKING THE MONEY WORK FOR YOU

Resources, benefits and support services for getting settled in the military

Learn about military bases worldwide. Get installation overviews, check-in procedures, housing, neighborhood information, contacts for programs and services, photos and more.

Find an Installation