Topic: Military Family

U.S. Marine Corps drill instructors with the 4th Recruit Training Battalion, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island. Photo by Lance Cpl. Vincent White, courtesy of U.S. Marine Corps.

Without Birth Control Help, Marines’ Readiness Suffers

Declining access to birth control services and education at boot camp are linked to increased birth rates in the first two years of military service.
Heidi Agostini embedded with the Regimental Combat Team 7 Female Engagement Team during Operation Enduring Freedom in 2010. Marjah, in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Photo courtesy of Sgt. Megan Sindelar

Why Isn’t Infertility in Military Women a Bigger Conversation?

For female service members, putting off children and career advancement are linked. Yet, research shows that military women are at a higher risk of infertility. What is the Defense Department doing about this dilemma?

When “Be Strong” Is Bad Advice for Military Spouses

A military spouse wants to redefine what having strength looks like.

Finding Peace in Lederhosen

A jaded Gulf War veteran needed a break, and found it in a small Bavarian town. A reflection by Dave Boe
Barnhill said that sometimes military families look like pinups, but more often than not there is more to the story. She believes the entire family serves, not just the service member. Photo courtesy of Jean Jacobs.

A Military Spouse’s Journey From Annoyance to Advocacy

A military spouse seeks to change an antiquated narrative.
The author on bridge watch as the Officer of the Deck, 2007-2009. Photo courtesy of Alison Maruca

Minding the Ship During a Storm of Poor Leadership

Even with sound decision-making by a capable and loyal team, the wrong leader can make any mission feel doomed.

Moving Again. And Again. My Experience as a Military Spouse.

It’s not easy to start over in a new place, and few people understand this better than a military spouse.

The Suicide Bombing of December 21 and What Came After

A reporter’s journey through war, trauma and healing
Navy LT Stephen Thompson, the author’s son, in Afghanistan, 2013. Photo courtesy Sarah Colby

When It’s Hard to Be a Military Mom

It was one thing to be a military spouse during peacetime. It was quite another to have a spouse and eventually a child serve during a war.