Ultimate Guide to Military Spouse Lingo
It can be very overwhelming being in a military relationship, let alone learning all the new terminology and acronyms that come with this lifestyle. It really should be its own language because that’s just how many acronyms and abbreviations there is. So, I have put together an ultimate guide to acronyms every spouse or girlfriend should know. This is your new Bible. Learn it, live it, breathe it… Okay, maybe not breathe it but you get the idea. Also, there is seriously way too much terminology to include it all here but I am going to provide you with the most basic and essential terms. So here we go.
- BAH – Basic Allowance for Housing (allowance given to members so that they can provide housing for themselves and their dependents)
- BAS – Basic Allowance for Subsistence (is used to pay for food for enlisted soldiers and officers)
- CHIT – A Request
- CO – Commanding Officer
- COLA – Cost of Living Allowance
- Commissary – basically a grocery store on or just outside of the base.
- CONUS – Continental United States
- DEERS – Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (database for members, military retirees, VA disabled veterans, dependents, who are entitled to public key infrastructure and TRICARE eligibility)
- DOD – Department of Defense
- EM – Enlisted Member
- FCP – Family Care Program
- FRG – Family Readiness Group (command-sponsored organization that provides support and assistance)
- FSSA – Family Subsistence Supplemental Allowance
- ITT – Information, Tickets, Tours
- Leave – permission to be away from one’s command
- MILSO – Military Significant Other
- MOS – Military Occupational Specialty (basically a code to identify a specific job)
- NEX – retail store owned and operated by the NAVY
- OCONUS – Outside the Continental United States
- OPSEC – Operational Security (protects US operations)
- PCS – Permanent Change of Station
- POA – Power of Attorney
- PX – Post Exchange (retail store)
- SGLI – Service Members Group Life Insurance
- TDY or TAD – Temporary Duty
- TSP – Thrift Savings Plan
- Tricare – Military health care program
- VA – Department of Veteran Affairs
- LES – Leave and Earnings Statement
- DFAS – Defense Finance and Accounting Services
Do you have any acronyms or terminology that you think should be added? Or do you want to leave us feedback on how this list has helped you be a better military spouse? Please leave us a comment and let us know. Can’t wait to hear from you!
