Adjusting to Military Life | Military OneSource

Overview

New home, new rules, new routines — the transition from civilian life to military life can be exciting and challenging. Get the lay of the land and use these tips to make the most of your new military life.

Adjusting to military life

The more you know about what to expect from military life, the easier your transition from civilian life will be. Here are some core tenets of military life:

Structure and discipline

You’ll be in a highly structured environment dominated by orders, routines, standards and schedules.
You are accountable not only to yourself, but your unit, command and the mission.

Culture and identity shift

Military culture stays true to its core values of duty, honor and commitment.
You may feel like you’re entering a new community with a new language and customs.

Physical and mental demands

The military will ask you to be physically and mentally strong and ready for anything.
You’ll be expected to adhere to specific fitness standards.
Mental stress can come from being away from your regular support system and adjusting to new routines.

Commitment and sacrifice

The military is more than a job — it’s a lifestyle that requires total dedication.
You may miss out on some of the things you enjoyed in civilian life due to a PCS move or deployment.
You’ll have less control over your schedule, your living situation and assignments.

Opportunity and growth

You may get to travel to and live in different states and countries around the world through assignments.
The military comes with benefits for you and your family, like access to Morale, Welfare and Recreation services, travel and more.
You’ll get leadership training and technical skills you can use beyond your military career.

Settling in

As you adjust to living the military life, follow these tips to help you feel at home.

When you arrive at your first duty station, head to the reception or personnel office with a copy of your orders. Each base has specific check-in procedures that will tell you where to go — you can find your check-in procedures and discover services and support near you with MilitaryINSTALLATIONS.

Spend your first few weeks getting oriented, meeting leadership and fellow service members, learning base life and settling into your unit and job. Learn where the essentials are, like dining facilities, medical clinics, gyms, post offices, libraries, transportation routes, commissaries and exchanges.

Create consistency from the start. Set and follow a schedule that balances mission requirements, PT and rest. Adopt healthy habits — focus on sleep, hygiene, nutrition and exercise.

Staying socially connected improves morale, reduces isolation and gives you a support system during demanding periods. Tap into your unit, mentors and surrounding military community to build new relationships.

See a friendly face at your first installation by getting a military sponsor. You’ll be matched by rank and work together while you get acquainted with military life and your installation.

Keep communication lines open with your friends and family to create consistency and relieve stress.

Listen and Learn: Hear real stories about the challenges and importance of keeping strong relationships while serving and discover practical tips for building connections. Listen to our podcast.

Understand that big changes can be challenging — but you are not alone. Reach out to your support system during times of stress to talk things through.

Our counselors are trained to understand military life and can help you talk through stress. Learn about confidential counseling.

Talk to someone who gets it.

Peer-to-peer support offers confidential, one-on-one consultations with a professional who has military life experience. Work with a peer and:

Ask questions
Talk through stress
Get help to navigate challenges

Stay informed on military matters.

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