EA-6B1
I believe you said you're not married yet and plan to talk to your girlfriend before you make a commitment to the Corps. Getting some info here for her is a really great idea to help her understand what she could be in for. First, I'll say that I am thoroughly enjoying my time here at Quantico. Of course, every assignment is as good as you make it. The Marine Corps offers all sorts of family team building classes and activities to help people new to the Corps understand how life with a Marine works. AS a matter of fact I will be attending a LINKS (Lifestyle Insight, Networking, Knowledge and Skills) class on Tue and Wed. That's a class for spouses that teaches you how to use all the resources offered by the Corps. I can give some more info after the class if you want it.
As for a job while at TBS at this point I have chosen to stay home with our 6 month old son. But I know several of the other Alpha Co wives have been working. Most of them have jobs off base. Jobs on base are hard to come by and the pay isn't always as competitive. Some of the wives have put their names on the list to substitute teach at the base schools. I think if you really want to work you best to look for a job off the base, at least here in the Quantico area.
Yes, wives get togehter all the time! It's the only way we stay sane. Each company at Tbs usually organizes several activities for spouses so we can all get to know each other. I recomend attending as many as possible. So far I have had a great time at all the events.
If you can I would try to live on base. One, you don't have to come up with deposits or pay utilities and two it's like living in a small town. You get to know all your neighbors and there is always someone around to help you out if you need it. For me, this life is great!
Yes, it will be hard when my husband gets deployed but that is something you just have to accept when you choose this life and yes, he may have to go to war someday and that is scary but it's a price I pay for loving someone who cares about his country. I couldn't ask him not to do it because then he wouldn't be himself. Those times are when it's most important for spouses to know how to use the resources available to them and to have taken the time to get to know the other spouses in the unit. You will all need each others support then. Basically, as a spouse if you get involved you can lead a really fun and full life whether you work or not.
If you or your girlfriend have any more questions that I might be able to answer feel free to e-mail me.