Military OneSource for Foreign Military Service Members

Being stationed in the United States as a foreign military service member is a great opportunity to experience life in America. However, the culture may be very different from what you’re used to. Military OneSource can connect you and your family with the resources and services you need to navigate your new home and thrive while you’re here.

Military OneSource is a U.S. Defense Department program that provides service members and their families with comprehensive, confidential counseling, coaching and consultations, and information on every aspect of military life.

It is free and available 24/7 to provide information, answers and support.

See at a glance the range of support Military OneSource provides to service members and their families.

These resources can help with the basics as you settle into your new environment.

You and your family may be eligible for health care through the military’s health care program, TRICARE. Learn about eligibility, coverage and accessing care through the TRICARE page for foreign force members and their families.

Miliary pay, taxes and navigating other expenses of living in the  U.S. may be new to you and your family. Military OneSource offers free personal financial management counseling as well as answers to your tax questions.

RESOURCES FOR PERSONAL FINANCE AND TAXES

• Financial Management
• MilTax

Spouses of foreign military service members have access to the same Military OneSource resources as their American counterparts. Support specifically for spouses can ease transitions, prepare them for a career and help them find a job.

• The Spouse Education and Career Opportunities Program can help spouses of foreign military members stationed in the U.S. prepare for and find a job. SECO provides free career coaching, online tools, job searches and much more.
• Transferring Licenses or Degrees Earned Outside the United States discusses the process of verifying non-U.S. credentials to work in the U.S.
• Military OneSource spouse relocation and transition consultants can provide personalized support, including information about your new duty station and more.

Public schools in the U.S. provide free education for students in kindergarten through grade 12. Your child has the right to free language assistance in school if they don’t speak English. Children with special medical or educational needs also have the legal right to a free and appropriate public education, according to U.S. law.

If your military installation has a Department of Education Activity school and you live in permanent living quarters on the installation, your child may attend the DODEA school for free. Otherwise, you may enroll your child in the public school that serves the district where you live, pay tuition for private or parochial school, or send your child to a charter school.

The Exceptional Family Member Program is a critical part of the support network of military families with a child, spouse or other dependent with special medical or educational needs. Enrollment in EFMP ensures the family member’s needs are considered during the assignment process.

You have several options for affordable, quality and licensed child care, as well as referral services and other resources. You’ll find child development centers on installations, providers who care for children in their homes, care for school-age children and options for non-traditional hours.

Older children can meet new friends, engage their interests and connect with the community through programs designed for youth. These range from sports and fitness programs to summer camps.

Check out the Youth & Teens MilLife Guides for information about opportunities for this age group.

Morale, welfare and recreation programs have something for everyone. You’ll find fitness programs, opportunities for indoor and outdoor fun, libraries and much more. Your MWR Information, Tickets and Travel office is your gateway to enjoying all the country has to offer with discounted admissions on local attractions and travel planning when you want to explore farther away.

For motivation with your fitness or any other goals, free health and wellness coaching is available through Military OneSource.

BENEFITS & MILITARY ONESOURCE SERVICES

• Morale, Welfare and Recreation Programs
• Information, Tickets and Travel Program
• Health and Wellness Coaching

Military OneSource services and programs on your installation can help you adjust to American culture. Here are some ways to feel comfortable in your new surroundings.

• Get on-installation support. The Military and Family Life Counseling Program can help the adults and children in your family navigate life in the U.S. Your installation chaplain is another source of on-installation support.
• Visit your Military and Family Support Center. This hub for social support is a place to meet new people and get to know your community. You’ll find opportunities to try new hobbies, volunteer, attend local events and more.
• Learn the language. Some installations offer English as a Second Language classes. You may also be able to find classes in your community. Check with your installation’s Military and Family Support Center. Or, a Military OneSource consultant can help you locate a local class.
• Be on time. Punctuality is the norm, particularly at work or for appointments.
• Be open-minded. Take the time to learn about your new community and the people around you. Explore the area and learn about its history.
• Learn about gun safety. Gun ownership is common in America, with the right to bear arms guaranteed in the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Gun laws vary by state, so familiarize yourself with the gun laws where you live.
  
  Talk with your children about what to do if they see a gun. They should not touch it, but let you or another responsible adult know. If you have a gun in your home, learn about keeping yourself and your family safe.