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After years of living the military lifestyle full of moves, deployments, and learning how to make every place feel like home, we’re officially stepping into a brand-new chapter. Our military to civilian family transition feels both exciting and overwhelming. But above all, it feels like the right path for this season of life.
Why We’re Making This Transition
My husband is transitioning out of the Air Force this year, and soon, we’ll be moving to Tennessee to be closer to his family. This decision wasn’t made lightly. After the recent loss of a beloved family member, we knew that being close to family was exactly where we needed to be. Sometimes, life redirects you in ways that feel unexpected and yet deeply right.
For more than a decade, the military shaped our lives. I married my husband at 18, right out of high school. Together, we’ve navigated every PCS, new assignment, deployment, and tough goodbye. But now, with this military to civilian family transition, that rhythm is shifting. There will be no more orders telling us where to go. We finally get to choose where to plant roots and grow together as a family.
What Our New Civilian Life Will Look Like
We’re starting this next chapter in Tennessee, staying with family while we search for a home. My husband’s military separation finalizes in September. Our youngest begins kindergarten in August and for the first time, all three of our children will be in school. This change offers new beginnings not just for him, but for all of us. I’ll be job hunting, rediscovering my passions, and finding my place in this new world.
The military to civilian family transition means less moving and more stability. Our children can make long-term friends, we can spend holidays surrounded by loved ones, and we can finally build the kind of lasting home we’ve dreamed of.
The Challenges
Like any major change, this transition won’t be without its challenges. Adjusting to a civilian routine after years of military structure will take time. We’ll need to establish new community connections, navigate the job market, and support our children through this adjustment. But even with these hurdles, we’re filled with hope for what lies ahead.
It’s unfamiliar, yes, but full of promise. Please keep us in your prayers as we begin this next chapter. I truly believe this is where God wants us to be.
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FAQ: A Whole New Chapter: From Military Life to Civilian Roots
What is the biggest challenge during a military to civilian family transition?
The biggest challenge is adjusting to stability and creating new routines after years of frequent moves and military structure.
How can we help children adjust to civilian life?
Open communication, maintaining familiar routines, and helping them build friendships are key to supporting kids during this transition.
What steps should families take when leaving the military?
Plan housing, job searches, school enrollments, and build local support networks early in the transition process.
How do you stay connected during a transition?
Stay in touch with military friends, seek local or virtual communities, and create family traditions to strengthen bonds.