Dear Ms. Vicki, 

“We are what you would call ‘infantry elitists.’ My husband and I are snobs about his branch and we admit to it. Infantry Officers and Soldiers are who make up the Army. They are on the front line. As a spouse I think those who serve in this capacity should earn more money and definitely get more perks. 

I have lost friends and some spouses refuse to interact with me because of my feelings on this issue. However, let’s be honest about this and help them face the truth about the other MOS’ and branches. What does Signal Corp do? How about Field Artillery? Do we even have to mention the laughable Chemical Group? I will even go as far to say that Special Forces does a good job of hiding out and acting like they work when they do nothing.

I’m sure I read in the past that your husband is Infantry too, right? I’m sure you will agree with me then and set the record straight. Our husbands bust their butts and pave the way for so many other services and branches. Infantry spends many days and nights in the field training in preparations for deployments and fighting to make our country free. If it wasn’t for them we wouldn’t have an Army. Personally, I think there should only be one branch and one MOS: Infantry. I’m not afraid to stand up and proudly say that I am not only an Army spouse, but I am a proud and snobby Infantry spouse and loving it.” 

-- Others Must Step Aside

Dear Others, 

Every now and then I get a few letters that leave me speechless. Your letter is one of them. “Infantry elitist, huh? So you think we don’t need the Medical Corp, Engineers, Support, Signal, FA, and no Special Forces? I’m sorry lady but I think you’ve got it all wrong. 

I think you should look at the Army as being “one body” with many “parts or members.” For example, I’m sure I don’t think about my feet until I need to walk. What in the world would I do without them? My arms and hands do so much for me. All of my limbs make up this body that I have. Every part of me is important. One is not better than the other. To answer your question, yes, my husband is Infantry. He’s never considered himself to be a snob even though he loves being in the Infantry branch. I’ve never called myself a snobby Infantry spouse or Army spouse. To think that you’re losing friends and associates over this issue is preposterous. Bottom line, I think you’re way off base and totally out of your lane. Honestly, I think you should change your tone and get a life. You spend too much time being the banner for Infantry when you should try to be a good neighbor. Think about what you like to do. What are you passionate about? Isn’t there some organization or effort that you would like to volunteer for? There are many of them. Spend some time on your own personal growth and leave the Infantry job to your husband. 

I really wish you well.

Hi, 

"I’m a SPC in the Army and  currently deployed in Afghanistan. I recently got married in April 22, 2009 while on R & R. My wife is starting school in the fall, she applied for financial aid and she is not getting any help. Now that she’s married to me what benefits can she get and from where? I know there has to be many grants or scholarships out there that she can apply for. She is goin to school in the medical field.  Please help."

Hi SPC, 

I hope you’re doing well and in good spirits. Please take care of yourself while you’re deployed and congratulations on your new marriage. I wish you both much success. 

Now, your wife should qualify for financial aid. She should complete a Financial Aid Form for Student Aid (FAFSA) this can be done online, and they should have this information at her financial aid office at school. She will be notified immediately of the amount she qualifies to receive. Filling out the FAFSA will qualify her to receive a Pell Grant. There are some other grants that could be available to her but I’m not sure of the qualifications. If she is near a base she should visit the Army Community Service and also the Education office on base, they would have this information and would be happy to assist her. Again, I see no reason why she should not qualify for some government financial aid. Let me know if I can help further and please take care of yourself.