How does having a child affect enlisting in the military?

I'm considering enlisting in the military, but I have a child. I'm trying to understand what additional considerations or impacts this might have on the enlistment process. Are there special programs or benefits for military parents?

Enlisting in the military as a parent is definitely possible, but it does require an extra layer of preparation and consideration. The military has policies in place to ensure that service members are able to meet both their duty obligations and their family responsibilities.

First, you'll need to have a Family Care Plan in place before you enlist. This is basically a set of legal documents that outline who will take care of your child during your periods of training, deployment, or any other times when you're unable to do so. The designated caregiver can be a spouse, a relative, a close friend, or anyone else who you trust to look after your child responsibly.

For single parents and dual-military couples with children, it's a requirement to have this plan in place to ensure your child’s needs are covered when you’re away. This document is mandatory, especially if you don't have a civilian spouse who can assume full-time childcare duties.

As for benefits, being a service member comes with a breadth of advantages that support families too. The Military offers comprehensive healthcare coverage through a program called TRICARE, along with life insurance policies. The Department of Defense operates a network of schools both on base domestically and around the world for military children too.

There are other benefits and resources available to military families as well, including child care assistance, exceptional family member programs, Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) facilities, and military discounts.

Another considerable benefit includes the GI Bill, which allows you to transfer educational benefits to your dependents, providing an avenue for financing future college costs.

Remember that while the military can provide many benefits and supports for families, being in the service also entails periods of separation and the potential for relocation, which can impact the family dynamics.

Be sure you fully understand these commitments and have a robust support system in place to help manage the unique challenges military families often face. In the end, many military parents tout the advantages of raising kids in the military—exposure to different cultures, developing resilience, and a strong sense of community.