USAGPAN spouse here!

I would love to get some insight from a spouse's point of view. I am looking to apply to the program next year to start in 2018. I am currently already on active duty and understand all the hardships that come with being in the military. More insight into the academic side of the course is what I would like to know about.

I have spoken to peers in the program and other SRNA's and they have all said that the program is challenging, difficult but manageable. I would like to know from a spouse's point of view and experience how much family time do you actually have with your spouse in both phase I and phase II on weekdays and during the weekend typically. I have two young girls and I missed 10 months of my oldest life due to a deployment which was very difficult. I worry about how much more I will miss over three years where I may be "there" but not truly present in there lives due to the challenges and expectations of the course. Thanks for any input you can provide.

We have two kids as well, 4 and 7. Classroom hours in Phase I start at 0730 and you're usually out by dinner time. Some spouses would go home and have dinner with their families before hitting the books again. Mine has a hard time shutting it down for 30 minutes to eat, plus the noise of two little ones. It worked better for him to stay in the classroom and study. I would pack him lunch and dinner. He would often come home around 7 or 8 to read to the kids. We reserved Saturdays for family time, but Sunday was back to the books and study groups.

Phase II is MUCH earlier. He leaves the house at 0400 and comes home around 5 or 6. I believe the OR hours are 0600-1500. We have the same weekend routine. He is always so tired in the evenings that we don't interact much. He usually falls asleep before the kids.

Honestly it doesn't bother me that much. I'm pretty independent and I try to stay social and busy so I don't get lonely. He's got it the worst. He has no time for any personal interests or hobbies. He's extremely stressed all the time, and of course tired. I feel bad and wish there was more I could do. He is usually able to make it to performances and weekend games. The kids sometimes say that they miss him, but we do our best to make up for it on Saturdays.

I took last year off from work and it felt like an extended vacation. I am choosing to work this year. If you are able to keep your wife at home (unemployed) and she wants to stay at home, I, as well as every program faculty member, will recommend it. Make sure you have your finances and everything you possibly can in order before you start. You won't have any reserves to deal with extra stress. If your wife is 100% committed and you both have the end goal in mind, then you will be fine as a family. If there are cracks in your relationship though, this program can very easily rip them wide open.

You're not deployable for 3 years of school, plus your first year out of school if that's any consolation.

Thanks for the info and painting a realistic picture. It is what I I was expecting from speaking to other SRNA's. I'm glad to hear that while your husband is stressed you and your kids are doing ok. Good luck to you and your family through the rest of the course.

Thanks for this info! My husband is starting the program in 2017 and I've been wondering what life will be like. We have a 2 year old and a 5 mo old and we have decided I will stay home with the kids during Phase I, at least. My husband has done a lot of talking to current students about the program, so I feel like we have a pretty realistic idea of what life will be like when we move, but it's always nice to hear it from the spouse's perspective and to hear that it's 100% doable and worth it!

Best of luck to you and your family! I'll be around if you have any questions along the way.

At which phase 2 site are you stationed?

El Paso/Beaumont

We considering that for our #1 choice. I have so many questions! Would you mind answering some?

I'm surprised. It's not usually peoples' top pick. So if you want it, you will get it. It's is probably one the top, if not best sites, as far as experience. But it may also be one of the toughest. The site director is leaving next summer though. I'm not sure how that will affect the program here, but something to consider.

Would you be willing to exchange some

Contact info so I can email or Facebook message you? My husband and I would love to pick your (your husband's) brain.