Ten Things I've Learned as a Military Wife in PCS Status

There's a lot to be learned from being a Military Wife. There are many events that offer a challenge to the military family but one that leads the list is making a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move.

Here's a list of Ten Things I've Learned as a Military Wife in PCS status:

10. Whoever coined the term "Smooth Move" must not have been making one alone, with kids and pets, to a foreign country. No amount of preparation or planning makes it "smooth".

9. A Military Wife knows the acronym PCS really means Probably Causing Stress.

8. The amount of paint drops that hit the ground increases as the use of the drop cloth decreases.

7. There is a reason why a spouse and a 12 year old in the midst of a Military PCS (see definition at #9) should not attempt house painting alone (see item #8).

6. Being a Military Wife in PCS status has helped me refine my list of jobs I'd consider accepting in a career change. Painter is permanently off the list, with landscaper ranking right behind it!

5. Making a large investment in the home like new windows, or installing a new pool is a catalyst to a set of PCS orders.

4. You really can sleep on an air mattress for an indefinite period of time, regardless of how uncomfortable it is.

3. The amount of stuff a Military Wife willingly disposes of before the packers start increases in proportion with the number of PCS moves in the past.

2. Even if your kids claim "Military Brat" as their home town, they will still recall the moments they cherished about each PCS move.

And the number 1 thing I have learned about PCS moves as a Military Wife:

1. Regardless of how many times you go through a PCS move and how stressful it is, when the words are uttered "I think we may get orders soon." You will still be curious and excited about what the next place will be like.