Military Terms Spouses Should Know

As a Military spouse, you will learn a whole new language. Military terms and acronyms can be intimidating to new spouses and may seem like a foreign language to learn. Taking an alphabetical approach to learning military terms can be helpful to spouses. These terms are certainly not all inclusive. This list of military terms for spouses includes ones which would pertain to the spouse or family more than just to the military member. New spouses might consider a small notebook for jotting down terms which may be needed again in the future. Here are a few to get you started

Military Terms Spouses Should Know #1: BAH

BAH is the acronym for Basic Allowance for Housing. This is a military term every spouse who lives off base/post will become familiar with because this is the added income included in the military member's pay to help with housing costs. BAH amounts are determined annually based on surveys of each area. The amount of BAH received is based on rank and area you are assigned. Each January when the new appropriations act takes effect there is the possibility that BAH rates could change. BAH amounts are grandfathered so that your rate does not go down. Military Spouses can find out information regarding revised BAH rates on the DOD per diem site http://perdiem.hqda.pentagon.mil/perdiem/bah.html

Military Terms Spouses Should Know #2: BAS

Basic allowance for Subsistence (BAS) is another Military term spouses will need to know. It is also part of the member's income. The amount is a set rate per month. Amount is different for officers and enlisted. This allowance provides money in place of the member eating his meals at the dining facility. In years past, this amount was taken away when a member deployed. This is no longer the case. Military spouses viewing the LES will note the military term BAS and a monthly amount shown for it.

Military Terms Spouses Should Know #3 BOQ, BEQ, and Barracks

New military spouses may hear the acronym BOQ or BEQ. These stand for Bachelor Officer's Quarters and Bachelor Enlisted Quarters. Often bases will have quarters for single officers or enlisted separate from the barracks. Your new may have lived in the BOQ, BEQ or in the barracks. These are military terms a spouse should know as the military member may talk about his friends who live in these locations.

Military Terms Spouses Should Know #4 Base Pay

As a Military Spouse, you will become very familiar with the term Basic pay or Base Pay. This important military term is the core of your finances. Basis Pay is the taxable salary your soldier earns based on his rank and time in service. You will learn to look forward to crossing hurdles (years in service) which increases base pay. Each year you'll find yourself anxiously looking at what the new base pay amount is based on the annual pay raise and will check out what you will be making if our spouse makes the next rank. Base pay is definitely a military term spouses should know.

To be able to understand all that is going on in your new life, there are many terms a military spouse should know. Use these as a starting point and continue to learn more each day. For more military terms spouses should know see Military Spouse 101, Terms you need to know.