A&FRC sends Malmstrom spouses to boot camp

  • Published
  • By By Airman 1st Class Kristina Overton
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  The Malmstrom Airman and Family Readiness Center is launching a new program called Spouse Boot Camp on Nov. 18.

The skill and knowledge development program is intended to strengthen military spouses and enhance mission readiness and support by providing them knowledge of the Air Force way of life through resources and services.

The objectives of the program are to: involve spouses in obtaining knowledge about the mission of the wing and the agencies that support their day-to-day operations; educate and provide opportunities for spouses to interact with different base agencies; provide hands-on experience in developing skills, abilities, and strengthen resiliency for job preparation, readiness and education; and help spouses learn the best ways to cope with a military lifestyle.

"A lot of spouses come to Malmstrom as their first duty station or they are new to the missile world, and tend to isolate themselves," said Jamie-Lynn Smith, 341st Force Support Squadron community readiness technician. "If we can give them tools such as information to pursue education and job exploration, information about the base and opportunities they have available to them, they'll be able to connect better with the military lifestyle."

Spouses will be able to attend monthly workshops, such as career exploration, financial aid, stress management and money management, which will also include money management for children.
 
The A&FRC also plans to coordinate activities and events with other base agencies to give spouses a broader range of knowledge of the different organizations and what they offer.

"In developing this program, we really wanted to help spouses understand their connection to the military community and help them realize what a valuable resource they are," Mrs. Smith said. "They'll have everything they need to be an informed military spouse, better able to complete their own personal goals whether educational or career oriented."

Participants will be required to attend a sign-up orientation for the program, which will be held at the A&FRC on Nov. 18 from 9 - 10 a.m., Dec. 14 from 2 - 3 p.m. and on Jan. 12 from 5 - 6 p.m.

To sign up, or for more information, contact the A&FRC at 731-4900.