Hypothetically Speaking

Lately, because of cuts, we have been talking hypothetically pretty often; whether it’s concerning the options the husband has for his military career, or his interest in the Guard or civilian jobs, or where we would like to go next depending on how things pan out.  But even after talking through several different scenarios, the husband admitted that he couldn't really imagine doing anything other than being in the Air Force.  And it isn't that he’s not qualified or interested in doing other things.  Or that he is so in love with life on a base that he couldn't bear to be parted from it.  But after less than two years at our first permanent duty station, I can totally see why it is so difficult to imagine life outside of the military.

Granted, he spent about two years just training to be able to do this job, but it’s a lot more than that time investment.  His job choice has had an impact on almost any facet of our life that I could list.  And after a while, you get used to the military and the culture and community that comes with it being a huge part of your life.  For instance: we were recently trying to figure out where we would like to move next if the husband chose voluntary separation from the Air Force.  It was like watching two poor ants suddenly derived of their queen, their hive mind, railing against the horrifying array of choices before them. 

Freeeeeedom!  Terrible Freeeeedom!!!

In about 4 short years, we have become completely adapted to being told where to move, how to move, how long to stay, if we must live on base, etc.  Whether or not we can buy beer on Sundays.  (OK, that last one was just The South, but we were there on orders so its kind of the military's fault) Which is kind of terrible because I think now we would be completely baffled by the amount of choices we would get to make all on our own. 

It’s exactly like my first visit back in the states after living on an air base in Japan.  My mom and I went to the biggest Wal-Mart in the nation.   As if they weren't big enough already.

I freaked out a little bit in the peanut butter aisle.  I just went to get peanut butter.  I thought there would be your usual two or three brands, maybe a couple healthy variations or organic lines. 

There were like twenty things I’d never even seen before.

Coconut butter?  Hazelnut butter?  Cashew butter?  Biscoff spread?  They made cookies into a butter??  Granola spread (wtf)? Soynut butter? Chocolate, honey, maple, cinnamon raisin swirl  peanut butters?  I was gone for like two years!  And all this stuff besides the usual varieties that have become more popular lately like sunflower butter and almond butter.  Don’t get me wrong, I am a big fan of peanut butter and these creative variations and more consumer choice.  But this peanut butter aisle was also kind of scary because I was like, this is a great metaphor for my life if we leave the military.  It’s not going to be simple anymore.

And all this is independent of whether either of us likes military life or not.  Honestly, my answer changes by the hour.  I hate it. I love it.  I don’t like that my career has been put on the back burner for the time being, but I do like being able to play a supporting role at home for my husband (shockingly) and I have gained a new perspective on marriage, and a little humility, though this lifestyle.  I don’t like my husband being gone for months on end, or suddenly leaving and messing up weekend plans basically all the time, but I am thankful that it has led us to not take for granted the time we do get to be together.  I grumble when I have to scan my ID at the commissary or have to take 20 minutes to have security check guests onto base, but I feel very safe in my home and running at night.  Couldn't say that in the No.  I definitely would miss the community, and I never thought I would say anything like that.     

I could really go on and on with these dichotomies but I think you get the point.  What's your favorite part of military life?  Would you be excited or terrified at the idea of getting out early?  Would you miss base life or not?