Hello ladies :) Can I ask you a few questions please?

[Rhiannon]

My husband has decided he'd like to join the army. We're a young family - we have a baby daughter - so I wondered if I could pick your brains on what family life is like, things to consider before joining etc?

He wants to join the REME - we are off to see the recruitment office next week. He has a degree, so I'm assuming he'd start off at Sandhurst?

I think my main concern is what life will be like for our daughter. Part of me thinks it will be exciting and varied for her, but maybe also a bit disruptive? We currently have a pub so I'm used to not having him about and getting on with things by myself, but him being away for months is a very different kettle of fish!

Anyway, I would love to hear your experiences and reccomendations, if you'd like to share them with me :)

[cheeky.xx]

Hi hun, Welcome to Wags.

I'm Stacey, 21 and my oh is a sergeant in the REME. Can't help all that much I'm afraid (but on a little off shoot I kno that there is a little boy who comes to my nursery who's dad is a marine and the SSFA pay for his fees.)

There'll be someone around who can help :D xxxxxx

[pebbles]

hi! I personally think theres lots of pros and cons of being an army family.When the children are very young the childrens only problems are missing daddy when he goes away, and for you as a wife its coping without him, but as the children start playgroup or schools it does get more difficult changbing schools and leaving friends, This i find at least as hard as when hubbie goes away because it is extremely emotional for the children . I have 5 aged 20, 16, 8, 3 and 10 months! but there are alot of advantages. we have a fairly good standard of living. army quarters are quite cheap and the cillcot includes both council tax and water. we pay just over £ 400 amonth for rent on a 4 bedroom house including council tax and water. we dont have to pay any repairs and this allows you to buy your own house and rent it out. although it is very hard when hubbie is away it keeps the marriage alive!theres loads of help and support from other army wives and family welfare. theres always something going on for both you and the kids. it is hard being away from family and friends but plenty of oppurtunity to meet new ones.this list goes on and on.but i would say that its a fairly good life!

[Rhiannon]

Thanks ladies.

I did wonder about schools and things - what happens when they get a bit older and need to take their exams, do you consider boarding school? Pebbles, you have my respect dealing with five children - I only have one and she's enough work, heheh.

The money side of it is important, isn't it? Especially the pension side of things - we can't afford a private one at the moment but the way the economy is going, I think we'll need one.

I like the idea that it's a way of life rather than just a job, but then I think I've been institutionalised, being in education so long!

[daisygirl]

Hey hun, i have a young daughter but dont live with my Oh, but I was an army brat and i moved schools every couple of years, it didnt effect my education at all, and i went on to college etc. I did go to boarding school for a short while but it closed down so i went back out to Germany.
FOr me it was a great experience and a way to make loads of friends who i am still in touch with.
So i wouldnt worry about her schooling xxx

[Rhiannon]

It's good to know that you were happy, daisy :) I do think the travel aspect is a plus.

[shellbell]

Hi welcome to wags Rhiannon! Im married but dont live on camp we dont have any kids so I cant really help you sorry!!