Update: If you missed the show, click here to listen to our conversation with Wendy Davis. It was a fascinating interview. Click here to review a list of our previous shows.
Original post as follows:
Join us tomorrow at 6:00 p.m. EDT on SpouseBUZZ Talk Radio. We’ll devote the full hour to the television series, Army Wives. We will be joined by Wendy Davis, who plays LTC Joan Burton. If all works out, we’ll also be joined by another cast member.
You can join the show live and talk to Wendy by dialing 646.478.5665. You can also join us in the Yahoo IM chat room and submit questions for Wendy.
Click here to listen live tomorrow evening at 6:00 EDT.
See our weekly discussion threads where we dissect and discuss each episode of Army Wives after they air:
Army Wives: Episode One Discussion Thread
Army Wives: Episode Two Discussion Thread
Army Wives: Episode Three Discussion Thread
Army Wives: Episode Four Discussion Thread
Army Wives: Episode Five Discussion Thread
About Andi
Comments
I spent 20 years as a US Army Military Policeman, and lost count of how many "Domestic Disturbances" I had to repond to and seperate spouses temporarily. Some even involved weapons. I like this show and would like to write a script for review based on my experiences…
I did not like the show. I don't know where to begin with such contrived stoy lines.
I do watch the show every week, with a friend. Honestly, we just laugh and say "that never happens"! Don't get me wrong, there are some things that are true. But not alot. I can say this being a Real Army Wife.
I LOVE this show! Glad to hear there will be a 2nd season!
I love the show! I don't know how real the show is as I've only been a military wife for two years. Is the difference between enlisted and officer spouses that different?
I love the show, its really hard for me to set a side time with my busy schedule…but I set a reminder for this hour!! I look forward to every sunday.
I can not believe that Military organizations are supporting this show. The story lines are ridiculous! The manner in which these "Army wives" are portrayed is so far from the truth it would be laughable if not so seriously insulting to those of us who are real Army wives.
I have been married to a Army Officer for 20 years, and I can assure anyone who is interested in knowing what military spouses experience;it is nothing like this modern day made for TV soap opera. Colonels' wives do not wear their husbands' rank, spend their afternoons having tea and gossiping and they certainly do not help move a young widowed wife out of her quarters. (as seen on last week's episode: the Army hires professional movers for all household moves) We do, however, offer any and all kinds assistance to those who are in need through our family support groups. We are a very close knit community and we understand the pressures and commitment our spouses have been entrusted with and support them unconditionally. We sacrifice our careers by moving every 18 months to 3 years in order to be with our spouses. We raise our children alone and become stronger women because of these challenges. I wish the producers of this show would have actually interviewed real Army Spouses before producing this show because I was really hoping for a show that truly portrays who real Army wives. The world needs to know………
I love this show! It's the only show I make sure to watch every week. I've had a lot of those experiences, and I think the show is amazing!
I love the show also! However, some things I have found are true, and some are fictional. I think everyone needs to keep in mind this is just a television program. And as for Veronica's question, Yes their is that much difference in enlisted and officer wives. I am married to an officer and sometimes the politics are just to much, they are worse that daytime soaps! Glad to hear there will be a second season!
I love the show. Is it really this way? No way!! Some things are very similar, but not at all how it really is. Enlisted spouses and Officer's wives do not congregate this way. And come on, wives are being portrayed as always being tempted and/or succumbing to temptation to cheat–most of us are very faithful to our husbands. But, hey, it makes for a wonderful laugh and some things make you cry when you think of your soldier gone to war. And the soldier being shot?!? OMG, who came up with that?? It was so not ever going to happen this way!!
Proud of my soldier, Sgt. Riccardino OIF 06-08
Hey, I have an idea for next season!! Come visit the bases–Hood, Benning, Bragg, Bliss, Irwin, Lewis, Leavenworth–pick one or more. COme talk to the real Army wives, experience the heartache and the heartbreak when our lives take a turn for the worse and the Higher ranking personnel turn down your red cross msgs and your kids are lsoing control. When you have a death in the family and you have to face it alone…when your kid is hospitalized for whatever reason and you have to stay strong and keep going. When your soldiers commanders tell you not to tell your soldier because of the mindset that he/she is a soldier first and everything else is second to that. Or how wives in the village they reside in will come together just to stay sane, or how wives will just pull away from everyone and stay in their home unless they absolutely need to go somewhere. Come see just how mundane and lonely life as an Army wife really is.
But, again, I love the show–it gives all of us Real Army Wives something to talk about every week. Keep it up and keep it coming.
I am former military (enlisted) and the wife of a deployed 1SG. Sure, the show has "drama" but overall they do an "ok" job. Yes, it is true, an officer's wife would NEVER help an enlisted wife move, but it did make a good point for the FRG.
I have watched the show Army wives an as a miltary spouse myself I can agree and disagree with the comments made by others. My husband has served 19 years enlisted and to say there is no differenciation between the enlisted and officer spouses is absolutely crazy. I agree that they may not all wear their husbands rank and sit around drinkng tea, but does it happen. WELL YES IT DOES> Within the enlisted ranks themselves we also have that differenciation between E6-E7 as well. Are there situations experienced like the ones portrayed, WHY YES THERE ARE. Yes the military moves our goods, but have there been families financially stressed and kicked out of their apartments for whatever reason, forced to move, or the military is unwilling to pack their goods due to the condition of their property or lack of cleanliness, yes and in these situations we do come together as a community to help each other, but keep in mind there are very few officers wives that have been at an enlisted's home helping pack or clean, while the same is true for enliste helping an officer. That just doesn't happen and when it does, it is due to that one amazing person that doesn't allow rank, job, race, religion or any other factors come in the way of who they choose to associate with and their willingness to help is clearly from the heart and not out of duty due to position, rank, etc… As is with all shows it is exaggerated a bit, but there are situations that happen and are experienced by military families all over the world at all levels.
Army Wives is clearly not a reality show, but they do touch on some important aspects of our lives. This is entertainment, with some grains of truth sprinkled in. We've had some very spirited discussions about the series from day one here at SpouseBUZZ.
Please join us each Monday here at SpouseBUZZ when we discuss each episode of Army Wives. Feel free to browse through the previous discussions. You'll see that sometimes we like the show, and sometimes we don't, but overall, most people think it's a pretty good show and are happy to see some aspect of our lives shown on national television: http://www.spousebuzz.com/blog/2007/05/yesterday_… http://www.spousebuzz.com/blog/2007/06/army_wives… http://www.spousebuzz.com/blog/2007/06/army_wives… http://www.spousebuzz.com/blog/2007/06/army_wives… http://www.spousebuzz.com/blog/2007/06/army-wives… http://www.spousebuzz.com/blog/2007/07/army-wives… http://www.spousebuzz.com/blog/2007/07/army-wives… http://www.spousebuzz.com/blog/2007/07/army-wives…
I get the biggest kick out of seeing the colonel and major's wife going out and having shots with the enlisted.
That would be the day. :)
Heck, I have never seen or met the either on in my husband's direct chain of command and we have been at this base for over a year.
The show is awesome. I have been a Marine wife for eleven years now and I was married to him when he was a little pfc. and now being a snco's wife it is totally defferent. Everyone sits and complains about this show being far from the trueth. We sit around and talk about this show. It lightens up our day when we are at home alone. Every week I watch this show and it brings tears to my eyes. If anyone knows how it is to be a military wife then you know the parts of this show that are real and which are not. Do the military come back a little off shall I say…Yes. Do they need help adjusting, again yes. Are there really military spouse out there that cheat and run around while their spouse is out to war…. Heck yes. Does this all define ever military spouse…. no. Is there officer wives out there that care only about their selves and their spouses standing in the military… yes. However there are the few that do not see rank. Let me tell you all one thing…. spouse do not wear rank, atleast they should not. There are a few that think and I use this word loosely, that because their spouse is an office that they are better then inlisted. I have had the previllage to have officer wifes as friends. Would they help me move if my husband was killed in action and the military wanted me out when the time came…. yes they would in a heart beat. You forget that just because you are an officers wife does not mean you check your heart at the door and exchange it for a dark one. Come see how a Marine wife lives. I see it day in and day out just every military spouse out there, sometimes I see more. So as for the show. I love it and I will keep watching it. These things can and most likely have happened. Keep up the work. If you'de like to see how other military wives live come see me…. The army is not the only branch who have spouses…….
I like the show. I think there are a few similarities to real life as an army wife but the storylines are a bit over the top. Unfortunately I missed the first few episodes but I liked the ones I've seen so far. My husband is currently in Iraq and we've been married for a year. Our lives were very different from these families but I think overall, I can relate to Roxy the most (but w/o the kids).
I have stayed away from watching the show but plan to catch up with the episodes once my husband gets home from Iraq. Anything that has to do with the military at the momment makes me cry. Sounds like the show is fun, I do think they should interview some of us and find out what it's really like. Add a little more truth to the stories and maybe pick up some original stories. I figured they would portray everything Hollywood style because well it catches all types of viewers. That's Hollywood for you got to make the big bucks! I like the fact that it brings our beloved soliders to the eyes of the world in a different manner other than just the news. Sometimes it seems that we are forgoten at times.
I may be one of few, but I am married to an officer and I actually have gone and helped enlisted families that I know move- on more than one occasion! I have also been helped to move myself by those who are enlisted. Yes, the Army can move you, but I usually choose to do a DITY move and many people I know choose the same and I love to see the help of the community come together during those times. So, when I saw the officer wives helping that widow on this last episode of Army Wives, I was greatly pleased because it shows that, yes, there are still good people out there who despite what rank their husbands may wear, really want to help others, and go about doing something good in this world that makes a difference to someone. I applaud the writer of the show for the hard work that she puts into it, and yes, they may make mistakes on the show, but they are new to the military, and weren't we all new to the military once? Maybe we should cut them some slack and be a bit more patient as they learn just as we did the difference between the PX and the Commissary. But the real issues that are true to human nature such as helping another in need are dead on and I am pleased with the show when I see moments like that.
I THINK MICHELLE SAID IT ALL. I AM A WIFE OF A E-7 (KEY WORD WIFE) FOR 12 YEARS AND WE DO HAVE OUR ONCE A MONTH COFFEE FOR E-7 AND ABOVE YEAH THATS RIGHT OFFICERS AND ENLISTED IN ONE ROOM DRINKING COFFEE.AND YEAH IF A WIFE OF A HERO ASKED ME TO HELP THEM OFFICER OR ENLISTED I WOULD BECAUSE THEY ARE A WIFE AND DO NOT HOLD RANK…BUT THAT IS JUST ME AND I AM A FRG LEADER, MY RANK IS MOM OF 2,BEST FRIEND WHEN YOU NEED ME,AND THE WIFE THAT HOLDS IT TOGETHER WHEN THEY ARE GONE( IF WE COULD OLNY GET PAID FOR WHAT WE DO)LOL I THINK THE SHOW IS GREAT, WE KNOW WHAT IS TRUE AND WHAT IS NOT.THE MILITARY IS OUR FAMILY AND WE HAVE FAMILY ALL OVER THE WORLD.
I whole-heartedly agree with what Michelle has written. I also agree and disagree with parts of the show but we have to keep in mind that this is not a documentary, it is a drama television show. Having been an Officer's wife, yet having very close friends that their husband's were enlisted, I have seen the differences between the two. It IS rare to see the friendships between officer and enlisted wives like on the show, but it does happen. And yes there defintately are women who try to wear their husbands rank. There is the cattiness that goes on, there are spouses that are tempted to cheat, there is abuse that goes on, etc etc. But at the same time, there is the opposite of each. To say that none of that goes on is denial though. What 'Army Wives' shows, may not all be in our lives, but there will be something that all of us will be able to connect to in some form or other. I do not feel that this show is insulting in the least. I feel it brings about questions from civilians. Yes they may think thats how our lives are and ask "is that really how it is?" but then that gives me the opportunity to tell them how my life has been as a military spouse… Keeping in mind that I am ONE spouse and that we all have our stories, just like on 'Army Wives'.
I love the show I look forward to it each week. I am a army wife and there is some truth to this story but really it is just fun to watch.
Anyone that watches this show, must remember that it is just that…A SHOW! It is not reality tv and be honest with yourselves, who would want to watch a show that depicted our real lives! I wouldn't and I know that this show wouldn't be as big of a hit as it is, if they did! Yes most officers wives do not hang out with enlisted and vice versa, but I am sure that some do! Take it for what it is, a great show! If it upsets you this much becuase it isn't real…DON'T WATCH IT! It is a great show and I looked forward to this show every Sunday!
Hi everyone! Personally, I couldn't wait to see this past Sunday Night's episode. ROLAND!! Young man you have a lot of explaining to do! Like many of you, when the affair scene aired, I was shocked at how much they showed. And I agree with the one who said that Roland appeared to be very strong. Personally, I thought it would be Pamela who would have cheated because that is what most civilians that I have encountered think about military spouses (who are women) when their loved ones are deployed or away from home. See this episode just reeled me in to another episode because I can't wait until Joan hears about this! Now, what I didn't like about this episode is how it seemed as if Roland had no remorse afterwards and had went on as if nothing ever happened.
Where is Lenore? I know she comes back next week but at the same time, I kind of wanted to see her with this episode to kind of stir up everything that was happening with widow. Although I have no idea about the proper protocol with what truly happens in situations like that, I can't help but to think that they should have had Lenore in the midst stirring up trouble somewhere. I know if they had, that scene would not have been so sad.
Claudia Joy, your daughter is 18. She can stay at home by herself and with the way she speaks to you, she should. But I did agree with Claudia Joy about Amanda not staying with Denise. She didn't need to be there to mope about Jeremy all the time. Denise had enough going on with Jeremy enlisting and Frank's return. I would not be surprised if Amanda is pregnant and Jeremy has a change of heart about their relationship.
About Roxy, I LOVE HER! But Lifetime, directors and producers of the show, hear my cry! Put the lady on some clothes!! I am tired of seeing her navel in every episode. I know she can wear proper clothes and I would like to see her do it so my husband can get his bottom lip off of the floor as he drools over her.
Can't wait to watch again this Sunday and with hubby out of the house, I can watch it and react to it as loud and as truthful as I want to!!
I think it is silly. I am a military wife and i know how military wives are…both the good and the bad of it. If you want it to be real, make them each have more kids and make them fat.
I just hate it!!!!So unreal!
I would have to say that I have been married to my husband for a year. We have been together forever though. He has only been in the army for a year and I don't really know what goes on. He has just gotten his first duty station. I would have to say that I love the show army wives. I mean of course everything on the show may not be real because it's television…come on people. Although, I would have to say that somethings in the show are very very real, trust, in a year I have been through a lot of it. Like getting used to the army thing, knowing the "rules" of the army wife an so on…I wouldn't say that I have coffee with my friends bu we do sit around and talk, and some friends I have made do outrank my husband. He's an e-4. So for all who love the show great we are on the same page and for those who don't…realize that you are an army wife and it's only television!!!
I think we all know that we are army wives and for me i am a proud army wife but it still dont make me like that show,its showing off civilians how our life is like or what tehy make to look like and i don`t like that.They should show more of the sress we are going through as an not that high rank and all that being apart,preparing for deployments and make it through it(without cheating) there are some faithful army wifes out there too not just cheaters.
It should be more real,like all the pcsing…..
Hey Michelle- I am a military wife too. But guess what, I don't have any kids and I'm not fat! I don't even know why you would say that. I actually think that civilians are probably worse off as far health goes than military spouses. Think about the active lifestyle many of us lead and the opportunities we have to exercise- not too mention the health care. Wow, I am still shocked you would even make such a comment.
I LOVE THE SHOW, WOULDNT MISS IT. I USE TO GO TO BINGO ON SUNDAY NIGHT, AND BELIEVE ME I LOVE MY BINGO NIGHTS, BUT THIS SHOW BEATS BINGO ANY DAY.AND FOR THOSE THAT HAVE BAD TO SAY ABOUT IT, REMEMBER IT IS TELEVISION.IM SURE THEY SIT AROUND AND WATCH SOAP OPERAS, DO THEY THINK THAT IS REAL LIFE?????? DO THEY THINK STAR WARS IS REAL????? THINK ABOUT IT "HAVE THEY EVER SEEN ET" IN REAL LIFE.
OOH RAH!!! I am a proud wife of a Marine who is currently in Iraq. My husband is a Cpl (E4) and has served 4 years and just re-enlisted. This is his second deployment. It is rough, I admit. However, I love this life and would not trade it for anything. I have been watching "Army Wives" and have not missed an episode.
I am not aware of what it is like to be an Army wife, but I am a Marine Wife. We have been married for 3 years. The Marine Corps is harsh. They tell your husband what to do and family does NOT come first to them. The Corps is their life. They can keep my husband late at work even if I had some sort of emergency. The Marine Corps does not have as many programs for the family/community like it seems the Army does.
I am pregnant right now, and my husband does not get to come home from Iraq if the baby is born before his tour is over. He gets no R&R (rest and relaxation). I have moved myself, fixed broken washing machines, did car repairs… all of this alone, with out him. I consider myself a very strong an independent woman. This life is definitely not for everyone.
Several of you have made comments about being faithful wives. I am also a faithful military spouse. However, I see cheating way to much when those guys are gone. It is a sad, very sad situation. And you want to tell your husband when it is a friend of his.
Sometimes, I just sit here and want to cry because I have not seen my husband in days… and this is when he is in the country. Or months when he has been deployed. I just hold my head up high and remember that he can retire in 20 years and we will have so much life and fun times ahead of us.
I have made a lot of friends and I have to say generally the Officers wives do not hang out with the enlisted's wives. In the Marine Corps there is actually some sort of policy to keep this from happening. It does happen sometimes, though. Usally not the officers that are really high in rank, but possibly some of the O1 & O2.
Big note on this show…. it is great, but it is Tlevision and we must remember that. We may not like how they are portraying us, but it is entertainment. And I like it!!
The people who make the commits on about this show needs to get a grip. Why do you think this is real. That's why they call it show biz. It's not from real life and if it was then at the start of the show it would have "Base on real life stories". So just sit back and watch the show or watch something else. And yes I'm retired military.
I was an army wife for 23 yrs my husband ret 17 yrs now!! yeah!! I can say I have lived both worlds. My husband went into the Army right after we got married, this was durning the nam era. I have lived on many posts and I can say some of this is real and some is not. Not all military wives are fat, nor are all civilian wives fat. I was not one to get involved in there teas and so on. But when it came time to helping another wife I was one of the first to help out, regardless of rank. Alot of you may not agree with me, but being an army wife there was more drama and gossip than there is in the civilian world. Maybe because we all lived so close and have more time on our hands. There is alot more support for army wives now then there was durning our first yrs in the military. There is also alot of good faithful wives in the military as there is alot who do cheat and have a Jody somewhere. I loved being an army wife but I have to say girls, I love having roots again. One thing on the show that hit close to home was when Jeremy said to his mother "where am I from? all I can say is from the army" My sons have also said the same thing, where am I from? My youngest would say, you mean where was I born? Remember this is just a show, sit back and enjoy!!
I love the show I am sooooo hooked on it… It is a great show….. Always can't wait til Sunday night when it comes on……. I would give the Show a A+
Well I'm a soldier who has deployed and stayed back. I have seen it all and to think that ARMY WIVES is not real because it's only TV, wake up. The problem is the real Army Wives can't handle the truth that is being displayed. If the shoe fits wear it. The show is only for those that it applies to. See as long as it's the men: soldiers or males spouses that is constantly being trashed its fine. Not just Army wives but Military wives are just as trifling as the men. While Soldiers deploy and die, the spouses get weak and lonely. Soldier comes home to find that the wife or husband is leaving them for someone else, cleaned the bank account out, or some are so mean they can't wait for them to get home. They tell them all that crap while fighting a war hoping the soldier commits suicide. Army Wives is like the outside looking in because the real Army Wives are on the inside looking out and are blind to the fact. Most officer wives do wear their husbands rank on their sleeves. Soldiers hate going to FRG meeting because when it come to enlisted soldiers or E5 and below FRG can give a damn about them unless the soldier is dead and then FRG can be seen as if they really care. When soldiers are deployed guess who get shafted when it comes to family emergencies and guess who misuse the emergency leave. Private Joe Blow wife could die from complications of a pregnancy has to stay and hope she lives. Major Jim Blow father is flying in from Spain and he gets to go home under emergency conditions. There is a big difference between the enlisted and officer wives. None of this has happened to me but where I work I see these things go on all the time. Enlisted are punished quickly for anything but officers are swept under the rug. Trust me ladies anything that goes on that you read in the Post news paper that is bad officers are never in it.
I love Army Wives…. This show does have some TV drama in it, but it is based on a book called Army Wives by Tanya Biank. She based her book on actual Army Wives and the struggles that they were going through at the time. She was a military journalist who lived on post and knew these women and their families. So while the show may not represent ALL Army Wives or situations, it does have actual people's lives for its foundation.
Everyone needs to get over themselves! This is a TV drama… not a news documentary. It's supposed to be entertaining, so some of the story lines will be embellished for entertainment's sake. I think the topics are valid and legitimate issues faced in the military community. Quit taking yourselves so seriously. I am just happy to see that someone at Lifetime had the vision to see the need to reflect on how we, too, serve our country. Bravo to the cast, producers and writers of Army Wives.
I was not only a military brat for 23 years, but now I'm a military wife. My father was an officer and my husband is enlisted. For those of you who aren't military… this show is very fictional. don't get me wrong… I watch it, but I have to laugh a lot of the time. Officers wives do not socialize with enlisted wives (we even have separate "clubs" to have lunch at and separate swimming pools for our kids to go to). If something happens to a soldier overseas, everyone on the base doesn't know the fine details and knowingly give them out to their spouses. We are not all skanks and cheat on our husbands as soon as they leave and we surely do not walk around talking about eachother ALL THE TIME! Most of us have real lives… Jobs, kids, groceries… the same thing as everyone else, just without our husbands around to help. The family readiness group will be there ANY time you need them but the military certainly will make arrangements for widows. they don't just come kick you out of your home and rent you a trailer! I like the show, I think it's funny and I think a lot of it is real. It's hard when they're gone and most of us do have a group of wives we hang out with b/c they can relate. Enjoy it for what it is, but keep in mind it's tv drama. don't assume all posts and wives everywhere are just like this.
I was prior active duty military and I watch this show every week with my mother because my husband is deployed and I can tell you first hand that there is a big difference between being active duty and being a wife to being just a military wife and when you are just a military wife you are treated like crap by the military. Like I had said before my husband is deployed I had an emergency c-section with our first child and the military did not send my husband home to help me until I recovered from it. Yet I have seen military members husbands come home for there wife's when they are both active duty for less of a reason I had so family to help me and no friends because I use to be active duty so the other spouses do not speak to you. My husband's grandfather died and they also did not allow him to come home for that either I went to our congress men and he did not even give me a response. as for people saying that they don't have tea parties and officers and enlisted don't hang out together that is wrong there are plenty of officers and enlisted spouses and active duty that go places with each other. I also want to touch subject about those who say that spouses don't cheat that is so false I have personally had to tell people that there spouses have been cheating it does happen a lot more then people know about my friends and I have been faithful to our husbands every minute of every deployment I know people who started cheating on there husbands one week after they left. After my surgery I had spouses I never knew calling me and asking me if I needed them to do anything for me but the only people who offered to help were spouses. All of the active duty military would not help one little bit nor would they give me answers as to why my husband was not sent home and to this day he has still not seen his first born child. In truth 90% of the military spouses really do stick together like that because they can all relate to having to always move, give up there careers, raising there children by them selves with out there spouses, and having to deal with the emotional strain it takes on there children. They say that the military offers all of these programs to help the spouses left behind but in truth there is no program that will help them feel better when the only family they have are gone to other countries for a year or longer. When they do come back there is nothing to prepare you for what's in store when they go through there readjusting phase there drinking, nightmares, there paranoia, there flash backs that they believe are really happening to them all over again. My husband is a police man for the military and I will tell you that what they go through during there deployment is harder then anything else in this world. Some people in this world can not handle the loneliness that comes with being both a military member and military spouse nor can they handle the pressure and responsibility that comes with being a military wife. Having to take over everything in a house hold, things like paying all the bills, cleaning, food shopping, car maintenance, caring for children and animals that you have together, and all the other little things that come up in your normal everyday life. I think that this show is trying to show the truth about what life is really like as a military wife but as everyone in this world knows politics are involved in everything. There is a lot of truth to the show and it touches home for some of us who really have had to experience those things.
I have to say that I agree with alot of what SGT Williams said he spoke the truth like no one else has. if you are not a military wife then you will never understand what it really is like to live that life and that goes for all branches
What a fantastic website! We sure didn't have this communication tool during the Viet Nam days. I am a Navy son (Yes, a Navy brat!), now 54. Dad (Capt. USN 1939-1969) and mother are both departed. I want to put in my bit about "Army Wives" but first I want to salute all of you! The military spouses (female and male) who take on this incredible job, follow the rules, hold it together, (and sometimes not), keep the family together, and do the job of two spouses at one time. You give us children love, hope, strength, and you manage in an astonishing way to keep the family pasted together. I truly believe that a gold star is in order for the military spouses. Thank you for what you all do, it is by no means an easy job. "Army wives" is the closest TV series that American civilians can watch to see just what the military life is all about. It shows the Dad's who are sworn to do their duty, the mom's who almost soley deal with the family, it shows the teen kids who rebel against the military rules when they just want to live a normal life, it shows the isolated frustrations that spouses deal with, it shows what it's like to come home after a tour of duty to a family life you may not understand, and "Army Wives" shows my understanding wife (civilian raised) exactly what I have described about military life to her for years. This show brings it all to the TV screen. Yes, it is a bit "soapy" and does need some real military spouse input but it's a better show than the those ridiculous cop shows. It's about the military but it's more. It's about a life that no one can understand but us military people. It's about family, country, patriotism, heroes, dads, moms, sons, daughters, base life, and survival. I like the actors because it seems they do their best to portray the military life. Each of their personalities is a type you'll be likely to find on base. My wife and I look forward to the show each week. Above all it reminds me of dad and mother, the Navy life, and all of my base friends, some of these friends were sailors and marines, young sons and husbands just home from Viet Nam.
Wow…I'm sorry to see so many comments about O wives and E wives not hanging out. Wives don't have rank! Try and tell me who I can hang out with and it will be a short conversation. My husband is a commander. I don't know about those tea party's but all the women in the squadron, active or wives know that Margaritas are available at my house anytime. We meet together when we can and my phone rings a lot. Its usually a young enlisted wife calling me and I'm happy to answer. My door at home is always open, and they have opened theirs to me. Yes a lot of the show makes me laugh, but some they have right. Especially the family away from family bond. You can't understand unless you're in it.
I also love this show…yeah, not all of it is true – but who cares?? At least it's getting the civilian population to talk about the lives we lead, instead of sitting there and pretending to care when they hear a soldier dies.
My wife and I really enjoy the program and look forward to it each week. I am sure some things are real and some aren't. That is very much like other movies. Someone asked me if Marine bootcamp was like Full Metal Jacket. I said much of it was very real and very similiar to when I was in during Vietnam but NO ONE would have even one bullet let alone a full mag in the barracks. I see Army Wives as entertaining and also keeps the thought of our troops guarding our freedom in our minds as they should be. Keep up the good work and we will continue to look forward to each episode.
I LOVE Army Wives. I am a Navy Spouse but there are so many things in this show that even I can relate to. And for those of you who don't think it happens, We used to have 2 Master Chiefs who regularly came to back yard barbques. We lived off base and one Master Chief lived 2 houses down from us and the other is my best friend's step-father. Our feelings on this were that once we were off base and outta the clothes, they were just people. There was the use of rank name sure but as far as we were all concerned work ended at the front gate. Master Chief's wife even had offered to drive me to the hospital in case I went into labor when I was pregnant and for whatever reason the command could not find my husband. And there are also women like the character Marylin who think they are better that thou and will talk a good game and then get caught red handed doing something like seeing a jody. I have also know some active duty who cheated on their spouses while deployed, and even while back. No one ever said that military life was tame and I for one think this show is light on the drama. I also know that the creators and the cast did actually talk to military wives. In fact they went to a retirement ceremony and a military funeral the day they were with the wives. I am glad this show is coming back for a second season. I am so addicted that I got my entire Pampered Chef group addicted too! Now we start our meetings talking about Army Wives!
I am an enlisted spouse, and after reading a few comments, I am saddened when I see that an officer's wife would "NEVER" help an enlisted wife. I have quite a few friend's that are officer's wives, and they would be at my side in a heartbeat, and have been there for me. A few have been my husband's captain's and Sgt Major's wives. This show has some validity to it, and it's Hollywood for sure, but never say "never"! These things do happen :)
Please people…this is just a television soap opera. Why are some of you taking this show so personally, it is for entertainment. Enjoy it as such or don't watch it at all.
I have to say that as I was reading on I was getting upset with some of the comments listed above… especially the ones that you can tell THEY are written by O wives who DO WEAR THE RANK! I am glad I continued reading because the one that said it all was Jim Eddy. I am a Military Wife (20 years) and Military Mom (6 years). I have been working for the Department of Defense for over 23 years for both Army and Air Force so, I can relate in more ways then one. Mr. Eddy, THANK YOU soooo much for the awesome comments and I will take that Gold Star :) I know I have earned mine :) My husband is currently in Iraq, not his 1st tour and surely not his last. I love this life even when I don't see eye to eye with the politics in our life style. My sincere thanks for this show, thank you creator, writer, etc. I cry over and over with this show but, it's also a healing hour for me because I can relate to what I have been through, what I deal with and definitely what I see. I am PROUD of my men and of ALL our brave troops. Keep this show coming!! I LOVE IT!!! Proud Wife and Mom.
I had to laugh when reading Sgt Williams input lol As I said earlier I was also an army wife for 23 yrs. Sgt Williams I can tell you that you are correct about alot of this. I can remember when the guys all left for reforger, it was party time for alot of the wives on post, I know, I use to babysit for alot of them. couple wks before the guys came back, alot of those wives (the ones that stayed around) became the merry homemaker once again. I can remember husbands coming home to find there quarters empty not to mention there bank accts. Dont get me wrong, there were alot of faithful wives also. Military life can be and is so lonely at times. I am from the Nam era. I didnt live on post intill I went to Germany, wow was that an eye opener!Talk about a soap opera !! The communication is so much better these days that the wives can stay in better contact with there husband/wife, I can remember waiting weeks for just a note from my husband while in Nam.
Those were really some hard times back then. Most ppl didnt even want to know you if your husband was in Nam. Times sure have changed, but I am sure life on post hasnt changed all that much. Some of my best years and friends was while my husband was in the Army, from 1967- 1990 so you see I have seen alot of change. Amy I have read your post as well, hang in there. Once when having my second son, I had a really hard time, I remember they had to move an officers wife from her private rm so I could have it because of my condition, at the time my husband was a SP/5 I just knew I had made this women mad lol I had never had any dealings with officers wives other than the gossip I heard about some of them. Anyways, this wife was full of grace, she made it a point to come by to see how I was doing. That changed my attitude about officers wives after that, and to this day we are friends!! I love this show! some is far fetched, but it sure brings back alot of memories too!! For those who have someone deployed bless you and your family. My prayers are with all of you. Someday you wives will say you came from the Iraq/middle east era. Time goes by so quickly while in the military, even though time seems so slow right now.
I like the show as well. There are times though that I do say "hay that would never happen." But I guess thats TV. I think it would make for better tv if things were based on true stories. Of course they would have to be careful of people's privacy. But it wouldn't be looked at so much as a soap opera. It makes the Army/military look bad. We don't All cheat on our spouse! However, there are many situations that are out there that I guess if they actually did ask us "real active duty/dependents" that they would have a real soap opera on their hands. I really don't know what to say about the show the way it is. If they asked me about my life, besides moving and all the things that can go wrong when hubby leaves, and volunteering and taking care of the kids, and so on like everyone else, they would have a boring story, however they could ask the person next door and get a whole different story and we may all wish they didn't ask at all! We all know what it means in the military when we say "Be Careful for what You Wish for!"
I like the show as well. There are times though that I do say "hay that would never happen." But I guess thats TV. I think it would make for better tv if things were based on true stories. Of course they would have to be careful of people's privacy. But it wouldn't be looked at so much as a soap opera. It makes the Army/military look bad. We don't All cheat on our spouse! However, there are many situations that are out there that I guess if they actually did ask us "real active duty/dependents" that they would have a real soap opera on their hands. I really don't know what to say about the show the way it is. If they asked me about my life, besides moving and all the things that can go wrong when hubby leaves, and volunteering and taking care of the kids, and so on like everyone else, they would have a boring story, however they could ask the person next door and get a whole different story and we may all wish they didn't ask at all! We all know what it means in the military when we say "Be Careful for what You Wish for!"
I have to admit I am an Army wife and I love the show, my husband is deployed right now and it gives me something to do on Sunday! As for enlisted and officer wives hanging out together I hate to say it but IT DOES HAPPEN!!! Maybe ya'll just don't have a close tight knit unit that we have, but no need to knock it for being on TV people. The reason they do it is so you have both groups and their individual situations, yet everyone has to be tied together for the story plot. Now as for the cheating, yes most spouses are faithful, however some do stray and so what if they show it on Army Wives. It is just a TV show, and face it… if it didn't have some sort of drama happening we wouldn't watch it, because it would be down right boring!! The book is based on real events so for those of you who say that it never happens like that…. all I have to say is read the book and you might be in for a surprise!
Wow too much drama with this people who are upset about a SHOW! Grow up man. This is just and entertainment, if don't like it DON'T WATCH IT.
I am a navy wife… doesn't matter where you come from; as soon as you become a military wife, you're civilian world will change for ever. And let me tell you the bad things that YES happened in this life: military wife not only cheating with other mans, they also cheat with women too, OH YES! I have a friend he's wife was with other wife and he found out. Anyway military wife, who wait for them husbands to leave to any place out of USA, to take over the bank account and leave it clean… or vice versa military members who have been transfer or deploy and leave there wife without a penny or don't want to pass the child support and fall in love with any other military member or any other woman. IF you don't believe me please visit the military.com discussion. And domestic violation and drug abuse, Oh Yes THIS HAPPENED A LOT. But hey not everything it's lost in this wonderful life… And please don't get mad with me because I say all this, maybe you don't know about someone in this situation but I know people in these situations. About the military wife been fat, hey not all but yes… not all of us have does cute sexy bodies, with perfect hair styles and make up all the time. The good part, this life its very excited, you meet people from around the world, you learned about diversity, you have new friends, who become part of your family and you have money to paid the rent, a health plan, a place to buy grocery safely, a gym to look good for you're self and husband (but most of there wives never use it). You get to visit places around of you, to travel and you become strong, independent, mature, intelligent, you become and expert of the military life. But most of all YOU ARE A DO IT YOUR SELF PERSON, most of the time alone with your kids or pets and talking to your husband on the phone or by computer. Welcome to the military. P.S. I have new best friends and am proud of them, they are military wife and there husband have high ranks and they don't ware them WE ARE A FAMILY NOW.
I have met, attended BBQ's and Beach parties with the officers and their families. I am sure there are many who think they are "too good" to hang out with us enlisted wives, but I have yet to meet them. And if I did meet a person like that, I wouldn't want to be around them anyway. Im sorry to hear so many of you agree that E and O's don't associate. I find it very sad. As for the show, I love it! What is real is, and what isn't real is entertainment. Get over what's not real about it. Do you think ER is real? It's TV!!
I am and army wife and I love the show. There is some truth to each episode I think. I mean I know everything about the show is not true but it is on TV. I am more surprised about how some of you are reacting to officer wives though. I am an officer wife and several of my closest friends are enlisted wives. It doesn't matter what rank you are, we are all praying for the same thing and that is for us to stay strong and for our spouses to come home safely. Just relax and enjoy the show. It is just for one hour a week.
I have been in the military and am an army wife. It doesn't matter to me if the show has some falsifications. It is drama and that's what makes the show so good. As for officer's wives and enlisted wives not associating… I don't get that. In my husband's last unit overseas, it was his BN Co's wife that went and unpacked my new quarters after the birth of my son took my son and myself to a children's hospital in another city. She not only did that but she organized a food drive to keep my girls fed while their daddy traveled back and forth between our home and the hospital. And she is not the only officer's wife that I know that associates with the enlisted's. Maybe some won't but those are generally the ones that try to wear their soldier's rank. Shame on them, they didn't sign a contract.
We just retired from the Army after serving 23 yrs. and the first thing I wish to mention is that it has been good to alot of us. The Military has afforded us the opportunity to meet many wonderful people of different nationalities, cultures,facets and origins. Experience different states and countries, learn new trades, assume different job prospects with every PCS, a steady paycheck (never quite enough, but enough to manage,it's not the high price of living, it's HOW high you live), military discounts (even when some merchants couldn't understand why 'dependents' were included, unbeknownst to them, we make sacrifices too.) Free housing, medical and dental. The price we pay, is being apart from our loved ones, acting as a single parent in their absence, giving birth alone and learning how to maintain cars, homes and medical issues. The show, is exactly that – a show. It depicts situations that trivialize actual events. 20 years ago, our regulations were crystal clear and never questioned. However, ammended changes to those regs, have clouded the very existence of what our military is founded on. It's called change. Esprit de corp, knowing your soldiers and looking out for their welfare (and their dependents, is what keeps them focused on their mission) and seeking self improvement, that's called basics. The comradry and unity found in any supported military lifestyle is unique and was meant to be shared and extended to the civilian sector, as an example, as well. As a military wife, I always felt it was more important to set an example of being appropriate in dress, tactfully selp profient, honest and direct. See a need, fill a need. Aloha a me pumehana, Nettie Colleado
I just have to say that I have only been married to my marine for going on close to 2 years. He is an e-5 and pretty much told me everything I really needed to know before we got married and I moved with him out here. I am pretty new to all of this but alot of the stuff I have been through is getting old. The whole officer wives and enlisted wives hanging out the reason alot of them don't hang out is because our husbands can't hang out. Why make friends when you all just can't do stuff together. Oh and wearing rank by the way isn't just with officer wives, I have seen it with enlisted too. Someone told me a joke once, A gentlemen asked the wives to stand up between certain ranks (can't remember what the rank was)They stood up and then he looked at them and said you don't have rank sit your asses back down. Hah just goes to show unless you are actually the service member YOU DON"T HAVE RANK. Also this show is just a show. I love it. My husband laughs his ass off everytime I watch it, but it is just fiction. They do touch on good points though. They do show civilians what our life is really like whether some of that stuff may or may not happen. It just shows that it is hard. I love being a MARINE wife. I am also glad to say my dad served in the airforce and proud to be a military brat. So I have to say just watch it and have fun. Just keep in mind they are just stories. Anyways it was great reading everyones stories gives so much insight. Not really drama.
Hi, I love the show it's great
However, why does it have to be based on one branch of the mil. The Army isn't the only branch of the mil. I am a military wife. I love all our military we all fight the war together
the show is great i love it
god bless ALL of our military
I don't know what Army bases some of you have lived on, but these story lines are right on. I love this show and wish I could write an episode!
I love this show and it is very real to me. I was an Army Officer's wife (my husband died in the service). The Col's wife is definitely in control. You can have good or bad. I love the person you have portraying her. I'm so glad she's sympathetic to people. Those are the truly good women of the men in service. I think this show is very real and keep it up. It's the only show I watch every week without fail.
I am an army brat. My father was in the army for thirty years and I married a solider. I think the show doesn't truley represent army wives. I have never experienced a close bond with another wife and the FRG is completly worthless as a support system where we are stationed. I have to agree with the fact that deployment is hard on everyone in the family. This is my husband's fourth deployment and while it makes me stronger it is hard and even more difficult on my children. I don't like the fact that the show depicts wives as deceptive while their husbands are gone. Although there are some that do it, it dosen't represent those of us who don't. I wished that the producers had a better grasp on the reality of the lives of real army wives. I enjoy watching the show and understand without the drama there would be no show. It would of been nice to be able to relate more.
I love the army wife's show but some thing's are not fair,I' m army wife been maried 13 years,you would never see a lower rank and a Cap.or even higer rank. to hang out.
My husband worke's his but off
to other wise than that I like the show
I have to agree with a lot of these posts. My dad was a Lt.Col in the USMC and I lived on Bases most of my life. My mom made a point of teaching myself and my siblings that we were no better than any enlisted people. They worked just as hard as my dad and served the same country as him. I also married an enlisted Sailer and my father never said one thing about his rank. My dad was just happy I found someone who took care of me and had a good job. Now, not to say that there aren't some overly snobby officer's wives! The first time I went to the FRG meeting here I wasn't married yet and when someone asked me what my husband did and I said "he's my boyfriend and he's a nuke" the woman behind me said "uh this is the FAMILY support group, not the enlisted girl of the week club". there are crappy people in and out of the military, that's character. There are also just as many women who cheat on their husbands in the "outside" world. It's sad, but true. As for the show… I think it's funny. Some of it is TOTALLY unrealistic, but so is most of the stuff on lifetime right?!? But the true part is those are the men we love and live for. I may have a life while he's gone, a job and I can be strong on my own… but I live for him the way ANY wife lives for the man she loves, not just military wives. Enjoy the show for the parts that hit home and laugh at the rest. It's tv drama
At 33 my husband decided to join the guard. Living here without him and raising our one year old daughter for about six months (basics and AIT) scares the crap out of me. Watching Army Wives has actually helped calm my nerves some. Of course I do not expect everything on the show to be realistic but it's a show…it's entertainment. For the record if the "high ranking" wives don't associate with the "lower ranking" wives then they should. The last time I checked a title or rank or position did not make you better than anyone else. I live in the south…we talk to everyone and if you aren't one of those who do then we talk about you!lol
I have read some of the comments and have to agree that the show is funny to the extent that most of the stuff does not happen. I have been military all my life, was a dependent child of a Retired/Deceased Military Policeman and then went on to marry into the complete life as a wife and was even going to join at 18 but Asthma kept me from getting in. But we all know that Officers wives and Enlisted do not associate like that. Officer's and their spouses are taught they are better than Enlisted (and I will hear some flak on this one) and they are not to associate with one another. Yes I have seen where they do host teas for all to enjoy together, but that is where it stops. Also FYI to the writer's make sure your cast members when in uniform actually wear the arm/unit patch the correct way and not upside down. That was a real laugh for my husband and I when were watching the episode where the girl's father went to the park where the kids had gathered and talked to the boy about hitting his mom. Have not watched the show for several weeks as I found it to far fetched. Not sure where you all got the information for this but it is a funny show with some true to form parts.
The first time I watched the show I though "Are we Army Wives really like that?"….Wow. Well, some are, some are not. The Colonel's wife wearing the rank…very normal, not only for officer's wives but also for those E7s and above. How sad…Officers Wives hanging out with Enlisted Wives?LOL Never!! You can always tell who is an officer's wife…the attitude is right there. I have been an enlisted army wife for the last 13 years and I don't ask for the husband's rank when I meet a wife. However many do.
I love the show and I can't wait to read the book.
Love the Show! If they did portray the life of a Military "spouse" it would be fairly boring when your "spouse" is deployed. What I think the Civilian sector does not understand is having to Live day to day WITHOUT your spouse because he/she is fighting for our life and freedom. We do have struggles that most civilians WILL NEVER go through and NEVER understand. Your birth family may not understand unless they were prior military themselves. Spouses now have it 'easier' with being able to keep in touch with their military spouse while they are deployed in most cases.
As far as the differences of Officer and Enlisted, it has to do with WHO the spouses are. I have been a PROUD MARINE WIFE for over 20 yrs and have had the pleasure of meeting MANY exceptional Officer Wives! There were a few who were standoffish but those were few and far between. There were many Enlisted wives who would wear their husband's rank as well. But as far as the "Tea party", That would not happen unless it was a Unit function! Ha! But THAT'S HOLLYWOOD!!!!!!!! All in all it is entertaining and gives a little view for the civilian sector into what military spouses go through when the Military member is not home. Keep the entertainment coming!
I do like the show very much..but as for some people saying that there is no difference with officer wives and enlisted wives they are wrong. I have been mistreated by officer wives the past 6 yrs that I have been a military wife-my husband is an E-6 (SSG). When my husbands unit had his formal this year, the officers wives would look down upon and gossip about us wives who weren't officer's wives. The show does have some truth to it but also things that are not true.
Being a soldier myself it use to erk me when I would see how Hollywood would screw up the Military Uniform. It doesn't matter what branch of Service or time. Well I asked a cousin of mine who happens to be a big time actor. He told me that because of national security actors can not wear any United States rank, decorations, or citations correctly when making movies.
I think there are a few things that people forget about the officer/enlisted spouse relationships. As the wife of a 04 it is not that I wouldn't spend time with the wives of enlisted Marines it has more to do with other circumstances. I do not care what rank your husband or wife holds, which has nothing to do with me or you for that matter.
Some of the issues that I see are this;
1. You and your enlisted spouse cannot come to our house for dinner on a regular basis because that may be perceived as fraternization and potential damaging to our spouses career. In social settings where it is a all hands function it is not a problem but in our home one or two times a month is asking for trouble.
2. You and your enlisted spouse are probably quite a bit younger than we are as in many cases. After 4 years of college and 18 years in the Corp, there is a big difference between our ages and that of E-7's and below.
3. There is often a perceived difference between enlisted and Officers by enlisted. It is sort of like a blue collar vs. white collar. I have met enlisted men and women who think of officers as "the man," and that enlisted are the heart of the Marine Corp and that they actually work for a living while the men and women with shiny things on their collars sit around and drink coffee all day and talk about being masters of the universe.
4. We aren't going to run into one another at "The Club." You have and "E" Club and we have an "O" Club. The only time the two shall meet is on boss's night and any Marine wife knows that we don't want to be within a five mile radius of said engagement.
5. There is a large difference in the amount of money that an E-4 and an O-4 make. Just like Fortune 500 companies, the spouses of the folks wearing suits to work and living in million dollar homes aren't usually having tea and crumpets with wife of the guy who tightens bolts and wears a hard hat.
I happen to get involved with the sports where we are stationed right now and I have several enlisted families whose children participate, they are not any different than my children and I love each and every family for the strengths and differences. Our children play together and we talk about sales at the commissary. I have been to lunch with wives of enlisted Marines and we have taken our kids to movies together … truth be told, I would rather hang out with enlisted wives over officers wives in some instances but there are differences and we are separated by circumstances. In a perfect world we could all get along and love one another and sit around in a circle talking about our "feelings" ending each encounter with a big hug and a, "I think you are special." However, it doesn't work that way as military spouses or even in corporate America.
A Marine wife is a courageous woman who deserves all the respect in the world. My heart goes out to all of those wives who wait for the phone call because their Marine isn't in an office with a phone and an internet connection. I would gladly step up and help any Marine wife (notice I didn't say enlisted or officer) who was in need of my help and not because of any reason other than she is the wife of a United States Marine.
I am noticing an ongoing debate regarding officers wives and enlisted wives hanging out together. I am an Air Force wife rather than Army like the show, but I do have a real life example. When my husband was in tech school (after basic training and before being sent to his first base) we would be there during Thanksgiving. (I technically "wasn't there" but I had been living in the car with our baby in San Antonio and his tech school was also in Texas so I decided to drive north a few hours and sleep in the car in the same town as my husband, but I digress.) His tech school was done in a series of phases and his training was only 6 and a half weeks long so he would not be rising very far in the phases. In the first phase he could not leave the base at all, and that included Thanksgiving. But the base had a great solution to this. Since the base was a training base, they had an adopt an Airman program where they would pair up volunteer families with the training students to give them a full day off base and a nice big home cooked thanksgiving dinner. My husband hadnt signed up because he didnt want to leave me and our baby alone for our first thanksgiving. The sunday before thanksgiving we went to church at the base chapel. Our son started fussing so I took him out to the foyer. Another woman was out there with her baby boy. We started talking and eventually she asked if we had signed up for thanksgiving. I said no because we were told that it was for the airman only. She said that they would love to have us over for the day and wrote all her info down, and told me she would let them know at the Adopt an Airman program. I thanked her about a dozen times and put the folded paper in my pocket. After church got out I told my husband who was really excited to be getting of base for a full day. I gave him the paper and he read it, then his face went pale. He told me that I had gotten an invitation from a Lieutenant Colonel's wife. I, of course, was clueless and wouldn't know the difference between a Lieutenant Colonel an Airman Basic. (For those of you who don't know, VERY big difference) We went to their home for thanksgiving and I went to their home with the wife several more times. She gave me a bunch of things that we needed, and just before Christmas she bought my son several high ticket toys and she bought both me and my son some much needed new clothing. The rank didn't matter to her at all, and it didnt matter to me since I was so new to the military that I didnt even know the difference. (It was also during this new friendship that my husband learned that you always call higher ranking officers by their title and not by their first name! lol!)
I love the show. I am a NG wife and I have to live the civilian and the military world when he is deploy. When my husband were in Iraq, last year, I found out that a lot of incomprehension in the civilian. As soon as I joined the military support group I realize why we are different beeing an army wife is like a vocation such as teacher, nurse, etc. We love what we are doing. Support our heroes. It is nice to know that there is someone out there who knows an aprecciates what your doing. Thank you producers no matter if is real situations or not. Can't wait to see the show tonight
I hate to say it but Jen's post says exactly why "most" officer wives "don't get it!" How demeaning! Do you really thing we are all younger than you? My husband joined the military when he was 17. He spent 15 years in the full time guard and transfered to active duty and has already served another 6years and plans to finish out with a total of 20 active duty. He is currently 38 years old and only an E-5 because they wouldn't let him keep his rank since he was "only guard!" He also has a B.S. and his MCSE. Also for the most part depending on the base your at, they have combined the O and E clubs to be one club now, yes there are an O and E loung so you can drink in different places but for the most part the club is one. As for the amount of money sooooooooo WHAT!!!!! Do you not think that maybe the spouse has a job? And maybe a good job. I happen to have a degree as well. Some friends of ours are doctors, RN's, lawyers, CPA's and the list goes on. I guess the point is stop looking down on us "enlisted" because you "think" things are the way they are, get your feet wet and find out for yourself! I agree most are young most need guidance but if your turning your nose up and looking the other way they will never get it, but then again maybe it is better they obtain it from someone else.
I enjoy the show. It's only a SHOW, fiction, not real, but it keeps my interest.
One more thing. Jen is right as well when she says:
There is a large difference in the amount of money that an E-4 and an O-4 make. Just like Fortune 500 companies, the spouses of the folks wearing suits to work and living in million dollar homes aren't usually having tea and crumpets with wife of the guy who tightens bolts and wears a hard hat.
Because my husband along with everyone else he works with and a whole bunch of other enlisted jobs, wouldn't be making E-5 pay out in the real world for the job he does he would actually be making 95K. So I guess then we could sit and have tea and crumpets? NOT!
For those ladies who posted comments regarding my 2 cents on the subject of enlisted and officer spouse relationships, I never meant to offend.
Perhaps I wasn't clear in my posting … I am friends with Marine wives. I dated an enlisted Marine and I married an officer. They are the SAME person. My Major stood in the yellow footprints @ Parris Island and was not accepted to the MSEP program until after 5 years as a Sgt.
I DONT CARE WHAT RANK YOU ARE!!! IF YOU ARE A MARINE WIFE, WE ARE THE SAME!!! The climate on a base often lends itself to me fostering relationships with with other officers wives because of social gatherings but it hasn't procluded me from spending time and making friends with enlisted.
Don't think for a single second that there isn't a hierarchy within the world of officers. If you were not the graduate of the Naval Academy, if you are a "mustang" there are people who look down on you.
Joanna, I am sorry if I offended but perhaps I understand a lot more than you do.
BTW, I make twice what my Marine husband makes … how do you think we made it financially??? 1st and 2nd Lt. don't make squat!
One more thing. Jen is right as well when she says:
There is a large difference in the amount of money that an E-4 and an O-4 make. Just like Fortune 500 companies, the spouses of the folks wearing suits to work and living in million dollar homes aren’t usually having tea and crumpets with wife of the guy who tightens bolts and wears a hard hat.
Because my husband along with everyone else he works with and a whole bunch of other enlisted jobs, wouldn’t be making E-5 pay out in the real world for the job he does he would actually be making 95K. So I guess then we could sit and have tea and crumpets? NOT!
One more thing, Joanna, had you read my whole post, you would have read that I spend time and consider many enlisted wives my friends!
At first I didn't think I'd be able to watch the show with my fears of a possible deployment for my husband, but it's actually pretty enjoyable. I've only been an army wife for a little over a year, and I'm not very happy about it. He actually joined the army after 7 years of marriage in a civilian world. But, another user commented that the army always hires someone to move you and that's not true. When you're moved off base or thrown out of military housing after a spouses' death, they don't hire anyone. You're pretty much on your own, and I learned that the hard way recently when my neighbor's husband died in combat. Or at least they don't HERE. And you know, the movers that moved us here were IDIOTS and broke so much of my things that I decided next time, I'm doing a FULL DITY instead of a partial. At least the things I brought myself in the back of our truck made it here safely…and I'm no professional mover. Just an old navy brat who grew up moving every 3 years. Anyway, I like this show, and I hope they keep showing it. It shows that we CAN make friends and we CAN all get along, despite rank.
I just have to say to Jen: You are completely stuck up! How can you be so stuck on rank and pay and actually suggest that some of us wouldn't spend time in the civilian world with people who get their hands dirty with their jobs if we have corporate positions? My husband had the same job for 8 years before joining the army and it was a job at a retail store. He worked his way up to management and NEVER looked down on ANYONE. We had roofers, plumbers, electricians, OBGYN nurses, and everything in between to our house for dinner, and vice versa. When money means more than friendship, you KNOW you're cold-hearted. And, it doesn't take a 'perfect world' to associate with people YOU feel are beneath you. Good grief! You're the kind of person I loathe to meet in church every weekend. Fake. Selfish. And WRONG. And the day that age determines rank is the day my 27 year old PFC will dance in the streets for he will be promoted probably to E5 on the spot. Get over yourself…cause we're over YOU and people LIKE YOU.
I just have to say that people who post such set 'rules' as what Jen has posted are the ones who keep us new army wives in our shells and homes in fear of being snubbed. I'd rather sit here alone with my children than encounter someone with the attitude of a shark and the personality of a goldfish.
Jen I think you stuck your foot in your mouth lol
I do have to agree with these ladies you are stuck up and arogant. My husband served and retired from the army, once he became a civilian is when the real money was to be made. So go on with your foo foo attitude its ppl like you I try to avoid. I dont care how much a person makes, nor do I care what rank they are, if I like them, they were and are always welcomed in my home.
Hey Jen,
As an officer's wife, thanks for making us all look bad. You do not speak for me. Comments like yours are the reason there is animosity between the wives. You actually buy into the fact that you're better because of rank, money, or position. Although you're defending yourself by saying you hang out with all wives (how noble and charitable of you) your so called rules erased any kindness that might have been there. I grew up as the daughter of an E-7, I was an E-4 myself when I just happened to fall in love with an O-3. I got out to marry him. When I was a SrA the only time we saw ANY wives was for holiday party, and they only looked at us active duty women as a threat or with pity. When I became an officer's wife, personally I was embarrassed considering my background. I ran into those kinds of wives I expected to find. I have seen snobbery on both sides. Enlisted wives that don't want to be my friend because of who I am and officer's wives because of who I was. Guess what? those people, don't matter and are not worth my time. I was surprised and delighted to find some great wives and I use them as my example on how to be. My first great impression was a Navy Seal Captain's wife that showed me officer's wives could be fun, personable and friends with whomever they wanted to be friends with. Thank God for her! I have Active duty friends, enlisted wife and officer wife friends. I can only hope that I'm a good example as a wife, not an E or O, just a wife. My officer husband is proud of my prior enlistment and service to the Air Force. As far as doni's comment: "Officer's and their spouses are taught they are better than Enlisted (and I will hear some flak on this one) and they are not to associate with one another." I never went to a class to teach me that I was better because of who my husband is, that's just an ignorant comment, there's your flak. We're not members of the Club, since they exclude. I'm a proud veteran and wife and will remain friends with whomever I choose.
Wow, Can't we all just get along?
Honestly, I've never seen the show. I've heard it's not an actual portrayal of a true army or military wife's role. But, I'm sure it's funny. I would like to comment on FRG a bit. I think it's wonderful that there are so many women who like to participate in FRG. I also think it's great that they are creating paid positions for FRG to take the pressure of certain wives. However, as the spouse of an officer, the whole Army wife role was very new to me 3 years ago. I learned very quickly that people look down upon officers and their wives often without even knowing them. Rank means nothing to me. I'm just happy that my husband loves his job and I'm very proud that he's brave enough to do the things he does at work each day. However, I know everyone doesn't share these opinions. My main issue with the Army so far has been the FRG requirement if you will. Army wives do wear their husband's rank as officers and are expected to participate in FRG no matter if the guys are here or overseas. My issue with this is that it's hard enough to find jobs when you're a spouse with the remote locations of bases and the constant moves. To top it off, we're "expected" to participate in FRG or our husbands are looked down upon. I understand the importance of an organization like this but as a married woman with no children whose trying to work full time and go to grad school full time, I don't have the time for these groups. I don't know how many other women out there feel this way but I know the role I play in supporting my husband is a big one. I just feel that we have our own lives to lead as well and we shouldn't simply be the "backup" for these guys. I don't come second to my husband and neither will my career. We're there for each other through thick and thin, Iraq and back, etc. My only serious gripe so far has been the expetation of participating in FRG. My husband's taking over a command soon and I'll have to start going to meetings again. The other issue with FRG is it's often nothing but DRAMA. Any spouse can tell you whose been an FRG leader through a deployment as I have, women bring drama no matter what you do to help them or how much you try to avoid it. I can't avoid it anymore with this new command my husband's taking. I already get tons of coffee invites every week from wives who have nothing better to do then sip coffee all day. I also love the fact that many meetings are held during lunch hours or in the afternoons when some people actually work lol! Anyway, props to FRG leaders out there. I just wish the wives got paid for all the extras like FRG that they contribute for their husband's jobs. Make sure when you marry a military man that you know what you're signing up for. Of course, when you pick the right one, they're worth it :)