Military Benefits
Health Care
Most importantly, you will receive health care through the managed care program called Tricare. Tricare has several plans you can choose from to best suit your specific needs and budget. At first glance, it may be a bit intimidating, but by becoming familiar with the different plans and talking with a Tricare Representative, you will be able to make the best decision for you and your family. The scope of this article will not cover each plan available, but check back often and you’ll soon find an entire section devoted to this topic.
Dental
The Tricare Dental Program is separate from your Tricare medical benefits. The dental plan is completely voluntary to enroll in. If you decide to enroll you will have a monthly premium that is taken directly out of the sponsor's pay. See their website for information concerning the premiums, co-pays and covered services.
The Commissary
The Commissary is basically a grocery store. Their commitment is saving military families money. However, depending on the area, you may find greater savings by shopping around or buying in bulk from certain discount retail stores available nationwide. Visit their website for locations and more info.
You do not pay taxes when purchasing items at the commissary. There is a surcharge of 5 percent added to your bill at the checkout. The surcharge is calculated on the total bill before coupons are deducted.
Baggers work for tips only and do not receive any other compensation. You will be expected to tip the bagger who bags and escorts your groceries out to your vehicle for you. There have been great debates on how much to tip, but ultimately the decision is up to you and your budget. Generally speaking, a few dollars should work for the average trip to the grocery. If you cannot afford to tip, you can certainly bag your own groceries and take them to your vehicle. Just be sure to be kind and free up the bagger so he or she may proceed on to another customer to earn their living.
The Exchange
The Air Force refers to their Exchange as the BX (Base Exchange) and the Army refers to their Exchange as the PX (Post Exchange). The Navy and Marine Corps refers to their Exchange as the NEX (or just 'the Exchange'). The difference between them visually is more than likely slim depending on the area. However, the NEX and PX/BX are operated by separate systems. The Army and Air Force is operated by AAFES (Army and Air Force Exchange System) and is not affiliated with the Navy Exchange System. As an ID card holder, you can shop within any Exchange regardless of the branch of service you are associated with.
Many consider the largest benefit of shopping at an Exchange to be not having to pay taxes. Unlike the commissary, the Exchange does not have a surcharge. Depending on the taxes in your local community, purchasing expensive electronics and other items without having to pay taxes may save you a substantial amount.
Legal Services
JAG (Judge Advocate General) offices provide certain free legal services to sponsors and their families. These services generally include wills, powers of attorney, assistance with contracts such as leases or rental agreements, Soldiers and Sailors Relief Act and more. The key word is "generally." Some installations may offer more services than others. To find what your base legal offers, we suggest you call them with your specific needs.
Community Services
There are community services available to military spouses and families that not only benefit you personally, but are also a great way to make new friends and feel a part of your community. These also vary from installation to installation, but generally you can find parenting classes, improvement classes (anger management, stress management etc.), resume and job hunting assistance, education assistance and more.
Recreation
Each installation will have recreational activities, but these often vary. A movie theatre, bowling alley and golf course are normally a few of the activities you may be able to enjoy at your installation. Others may also offer skiing, skating, MWR (Morale, Welfare and Recreation) trips. These activities are not free for the most part, but they are usually reasonably priced.
Travel
Space A flights can be taken by spouses, but the regulations are vast. For most situations, the sponsor must accompany the spouse and family, but, as with all things military, there are exceptions to the rule. Space A flights are free, but there are certain things you should know. For instance, you may fly in a loud plane and ride in nets. You may be lucky and have seats. You can be bumped and sit in a terminal for days because the military mission comes first.
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