Our troops are known to have an immense amount of discipline in their lives, as it’s required of them as part of their work. They must practice discipline to excel in their careers and meet the strict standards of their branch, which includes waking up early and showing up on time, overcoming physical and mental challenges, and tackling operational difficulties with tactical efficiency and precision.

Our troops practice an impressive amount of self-discipline, and it’s possible for you to develop this skill so you can use it in your everyday life to achieve your goals. Continue reading to learn why discipline is important, the benefits of practicing discipline in your life, and actionable steps you can take to develop this skill.

Why Discipline Matters

Discipline refers to a person’s ability to do what they need to do when they should do it, even if they don’t feel like doing it. It’s the ability to motivate oneself to continue to handle responsibilities and pursue passions despite the desire to relax or do something other than what’s required. A person who has good self-discipline can push through the voice in their head that tells them to quit and has the self-control to continue pursuing their goals.

Some people may have the misconception that discipline means being inflexible or rigid, but this isn’t always true. Discipline is more accurately associated with having set rules and orderliness in day-to-day life, and being willing to make sacrifices to achieve goals.

Benefits of Developing and Practicing Discipline

Discipline is a way to control your desires so you can pursue your goals and passions in life. Over time, practicing discipline can help someone take control of their emotions, behaviors, and thoughts, but it takes some time and dedication to master such a skill. When you practice discipline correctly, you can reap the benefits, which include:

• Increased likelihood of rational decision making
• Ability to break unhealthy habits
• Ability to stay present in important moments
• Increased productivity
• Ability to avoid procrastination
• Ability to carry out commitments

How You Can Incorporate Military Discipline Into Your Routine

Being disciplined in the military means being able to respond to demands and stay compliant with strict regulations. There is a level of rigidity associated with military discipline, which can turn some people away. However, those who incorporate this type of discipline into their lives can reap some significant benefits. Practicing military discipline can help you get your life on track while helping you pursue your goals and passions for the future. Below are some of our best tips for incorporating military discipline and practices into your routine:

1. Practice Time Management and Make a List of Your Priorities

It’s important to manage your time correctly if you’re trying to achieve your goals, and our service members have mastered time management in order to meet the demands of their command. Some of the ways you can manage your time and priorities include:

• Creating a schedule: The first step you need to take is to make a daily schedule that has dedicated time for everything you need to do, including work and personal tasks. Also include time for relaxation so you don’t burn yourself out trying to accomplish too much at once.
• Prioritizing tasks: Create a list of all your tasks and decide which are the most important so you can tackle them first. This method helps you prevent procrastination and allows you to go after the tasks that are most important first.
• Blocking your time: When you’re creating your schedule, make sure to block time for specific activities. Blocking your schedule helps prevent you from bleeding your time into one task more than the other, and it will be easier to maintain focus if you know you have time set aside for your other responsibilities. You can even set timers to remind you when it’s time to switch tasks.
• Eliminating distractions: Distractions are unhelpful to your productivity, so it’s important to limit them when you can. Limit your social media use and consider putting your electronics on do not disturb so you’re not getting notifications that can pull your attention away.

2. Start Practicing Self-Discipline

In order to start practicing self-discipline and cultivating the skill, you will need to start by setting clear goals. These goals should be achievable and something you can work toward each day, whether it’s in your personal or professional life.

Once you have your goals in place, you will need to practice self-control. This means delaying gratification and resisting your impulses so you can stay on track as you’re working toward your goals. You will also need to develop positive and disciplined habits that help you achieve your goals, replacing any negative habits that could be holding you back.

3. Develop Attention to Detail and Focus

Focus and attention to detail are critical for discipline, and they are skills you will need to develop to reach your goals. Make sure you’re paying attention to all the details in your tasks, even if they’re small, since they can have a significant impact on your ability to overcome your challenges and reach your potential. Take some time to practice mindfulness so you stay in the moment and improve your focus, not letting outside distractions or other tasks get in the way of what you’re doing now. As you’re doing your tasks, make sure you’re completing them to the best of your ability with thorough attention to detail.

4. Start Being Punctual

In the military, punctuality is everything. If you’re not on time, you’re in trouble. Practicing this in your own life can help you cultivate your self-discipline and help you stay on track as you work toward your goals. One of the easiest ways to do this is to arrive early for your appointments or commitments. Showing up early shows you have respect for your time and others. You should also be planning ahead for your activities or events to avoid errors or having to rush to make it on time. Planning ahead can also help you overcome any unexpected delays or obstacles, making it easier for you to show up on time.

5. Foster Teamwork and Unity

Teamwork and unity are a big part of the military lifestyle and are a great way to stay disciplined since there are other people relying on your work. When you’re working with a group on a task, make sure you’re actively participating so you’re reaching your goals and contributing to the overall success of the team. You should also support and encourage those around you in what they’re doing, even if you’re pursuing things individually. Staying positive and motivated in your work can help you stay disciplined, even on days that you don’t feel like doing something.

Go All Out With Gear From MLC

Military discipline is an excellent way to get your life back on track so you can reach your goals, but you might need some help along the way. Whether you’re tackling day-to-day applications in the civilian world or your own personal tactical operations, Military Lugage Company has what you need to make things more efficient so you can stay focused on what matters. We offer a wide selection of tactical luggage for the most disciplined troops and civilians, including assault packs, bugout bags, duffles, rucksacks, computer and tablet bags, and more. Get started by picking from our impressive selection today, or contact us if you have any questions.

Different Types of Military Bags Civilians Can Use

Military bags are designed specifically with service members in mind, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use them as a civilian. In fact, you can get just as much use out of these bags as one of our troops, and they’ll offer tactical benefits you might not find in a typical bag you’d find in the civilian world. Below, we’ll go over some options you have when looking for a bag for civilian use. 

1. Assault Packs

Assault packs are designed for military or tactical operations, but they can also be handy in heavy-duty civilian applications, such as camping trips, hiking, or work. These bags are designed to be compact for easy handling and can carry anywhere between 24 to 72 hours worth of supplies depending on their size. You can carry a lot of different supplies inside one of these bags, including:

• Clothing
• Water and food
• Batteries and first-aid kits
• Equipment of tools
• Personal necessities

While these bags traditionally have tactical applications, they’re a sturdy bag for the more rugged civilian who wants a bag they can rely on to store and carry all their supplies for their daily needs. 

2. Wheeled Duffles

If you’re traveling, wheeled duffles or wheeled loadout bags are an excellent option. In the military, these bags are often used to carry gear required for a mission and are a popular choice for service members leaving on deployment. These bags vary in size but are known for their durability since they’re meant to handle the rugged conditions of military operations. 

Wheeled loadout bags come in different sizes to accommodate different supplies and they’ll often boast different features based on the needs of our service members. However, civilians can also use these bags when they’re traveling or need to carry a lot of supplies from one place to the next. These bags are excellent if you’re dealing with more rugged conditions than what a typical civilian duffle may be able to handle. 

3. Rucksacks

Service members often use rucksacks during their training or during ruck marches as a way to maintain and improve their physical health while preparing for real-life missions or deployments. These bags are designed to carry a lot of heavy items over long distances, which means they’re notoriously durable with more than enough storage space for a wide range of items. As a civilian, you can use these bags similarly to a backpack when you have a lot of bulky or heavy items to carry. You can trust that a rucksack has the necessary durability to help you carry what you need for your personal applications. 

4. Bugout Bags

Bugout bags are common among service members and tactical enthusiasts who want to be prepared during emergencies. These bags are specifically designed to carry emergency supplies, including clothes, food, water, first-aid kits, flashlights, camping supplies, and more. Just because you’re not in the military or a tactical professional doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be prepared. You never know when the next big weather event might roll through and cause power outages or when you need to leave home suddenly for a few days. Getting a bugout bag and stocking it with your emergency supplies can help you feel more prepared to handle unexpected situations if they arise.

5. Garment Bags

Service members are frequently using garment bags to protect their official military dress while they’re stored away for safekeeping or while they’re traveling. These uniforms are generally expensive, and it can be tedious to find a replacement, so these bags offer ample protection when our troops are on the go. 

You can also use garment bags to protect your business attire or outfits you might have for a special event, such as weddings or conferences. You can even find garment bags with enough space for your outfit, a spare change of clothes, toiletries, shoes, and other essentials. 

What to Consider When Buying a Bag for Civilian Use

It’s important to consider a few different things when buying a bag for civilian use. Bags designed for military use don’t just have to be used by our troops, and make an excellent option for several civilian applications. When you’re choosing a military bag as a civilian, there are a couple of things you’ll want to consider, including the following:

• Use cases: You’ll want to consider what you need to use a bag for before you decide on which bag you want to get. For example, if you want a bag to take with you to work or while camping, an assault pack would be a better fit than a wheeled loadout bag. Carefully consider what you’re going to be doing so you choose the right bag to handle the job.
• Durability: It’s important to have a bag that won’t fall apart the moment you start filling it with your supplies or when you’re carrying it. Look for bags made of high-quality materials, such as nylon or polyester. Also, consider the bag's stitching to ensure it has strong seams that won’t fray or break the moment the bag becomes full. 
• Size: Size is another important factor to consider since you will want a bag that’s big enough to carry everything you need, but not so big that it’s weighing you down with unnecessary space. If you only need a bag for the day, an assault pack would work the best, while a wheeled loadout bag is ideal for travel or times you have a lot of bulky items to carry.
• Comfort: You don’t want to have to lug around a bag that’s going to give you back and shoulder problems almost immediately. Instead, look for a bag that prioritizes ergonomic features so you maintain your comfort while carrying your belongings. These features can include a padded back panel, padded shoulder straps, and sternum or waist straps.
• Organization: It’s always good to stay organized, so you know exactly where to find what you need. A good bag will allow you to organize your belongings into different compartments or pockets, so it’s an important feature to look for, especially if you’re carrying a lot of smaller or important items. 

Find Your Next Military Bag at MLC

Whether you’re in the military or just a civilian who wants to take advantage of the benefits of military bags, Military Luggage Company has you covered. We offer a wide range of bags, packs, and cases designed with our troops in mind, but they have practical everyday uses for those on the civilian side, too. We personally vet all of our products to ensure they meet rigorous quality standards, so you can trust our bags will meet your needs. Check out our selection to get started, or contact us today with your questions. 

If you’re thinking about joining the military later in your life, you may not be sure how to proceed. In this blog, we’ll provide you with tips to help you successfully join the military at a later stage in your life and help you thrive in your future career. 

9 Tips for Joining the Military Later in Your Life

Joining the military at any stage is an honorable choice, but there are important things to consider and do if you’re joining later in life. Check out our tips to help you join successfully and excel in your career. 

1. Stay Honest and Evaluate Your Motivations

Think about why you want to join the military at this stage in your life. Maybe you want a career change or have a desire to serve your country, or maybe you just need a change of pace. Figure out your reasoning and have realistic expectations going in so you don’t set the bar too high and end up disappointed. 

If the only reason you want to join is because you’re running out of other options, it’s okay to be honest about that. You’re not alone, and many people join the military for the same reason. Just be as honest with yourself about that so you can set realistic expectations and navigate any potential disappointments. 

2. Get Physically Fit

As adults, it’s easy to lose track of time or fall behind on our physical fitness routine, especially as we develop more responsibilities. Before you enlist and get shipped off to basic, you’ll want to start working out again and increase your physical fitness, since you will need to keep up with younger recruits and be able to handle the physically demanding challenges of the military. Try to strive for peak performance when you’re working out so you’re not just meeting the bare minimum physical fitness requirements.

3. Be Ready to Learn

You will be learning a lot during your time in the military, so you need to be open to learning new things. You’ll have a lot of classroom time and opportunities for hands-on learning, and it’s okay if it takes you a second to grasp information you’re unfamiliar with. Try to stay positive and see every opportunity to learn as a chance to improve yourself. Be open to adapting, even if you’re used to doing things a certain way or think there’s a better way to do something.

4. Respect Rank and Military Structure

When you join the military later in life, you’ll likely end up taking orders from people who are younger than you, sometimes significantly. You will have to respect someone’s rank, even if they’re much younger than you and giving you orders. Respect their experience on the job. Following the military structure is essential if you want to excel in your career. 

5. Know That There Will Be Challenges

Adjusting to military life can be difficult, and the first week of basic training may be one of the hardest weeks of your new career. Your age may even play a factor in how you’re perceived by other recruits, which can pose its own challenges. Make sure you have a support system you can rely on when things get hard. Be mentally prepared to encounter various challenges during basic training and throughout your career, but don’t be afraid to ask for help if things become too overwhelming. 

6. Use Your Strengths

As someone who’s older, you have some strengths that can benefit your career over someone freshly out of high school or college, such as maturity, a strong work ethic, decision-making skills, and emotional intelligence. These strengths can help you excel in your career, and you can use your age to become a positive role model to the younger recruits you join with. Depending on your previous education or experience, you may be able to work in certain occupations that are more suited to your skills. 

7. Get Help When You Need It

If you need help, there are plenty of resources you can use to get the assistance you need. You can always ask for help, whether you need help at work or with something in your personal life. Your support system can also provide as much help as possible if you’re struggling at home. 

8. Think About Your Future

Joining the military is a commitment, whether you plan on leaving after your initial contract or you want to stay in for 20 years so you can retire. Regardless of how long you want to stay in, you will have to commit for some time, and your life outside of work will be impacted by your time in the military. Before you enlist, make sure you research the different career paths in the military and find something that aligns with your interests and experience, so you’re doing something you enjoy throughout the years. 

9. Talk to a Recruiter and Do Your Research

You will want to talk to a recruiter to get personalized advice about your enlistment and to hear about the various opportunities available. A recruiter can walk you through the various steps of the enlistment process and answer any questions you may have. You will also want to do your own research to determine which branch is the best fit for you and what occupations may be the optimal choice. Consider researching what life is like in the military so you can mentally adjust before you get shipped off to basic training. 

Find Support for Your Career Here at MLC

Regardless of what age you join the military at, Military Luggage Company has your back. We offer a wide range of gear to support you at various points of your career, such as assault packs, rucksacks, wheeled loadout bags, kit bags, and more. We hand-pick our products to ensure they meet the rigorous standards of the Armed Forces. We also offer discounts to active duty service members so they can access the gear they need at a price they can afford. Get started by checking out our entire selection or contact us if you have any questions. 

5 Tips for Figuring Out Your Career After the Military

It can be hard to determine what career is the right one for you, especially if you’ve spent your entire adult career in the military performing one role. Below, we’ll provide you with some tips to help you pick a career after you transition out of the military.

1. Think About Your Options

During your time in the military, you’ve developed some valuable experience and skills that have made you proficient in your role. Many roles in the military can be translated to a civilian career, and your experience in the military can help you find a similar career after your transition if you want to stay in the same field.

However, you don’t have to stay in the same industry or position just because that’s what you know. You can also go after a new career and participate in additional education and training to help you prepare. Maybe you’ve always wanted to try something, or maybe you just want to see what sparks your interest. As you’re transitioning out of the military, it’s the best time to figure out what you want to do for your future career and carefully consider your options. 

2. Assess Your Interests and Skills

While you’re in the military, you’ve developed plenty of skills that can translate to a future career. Make a list of these skills, such as leadership abilities, problem-solving, communication, time management, and other valuable skills. You should also write down your specific experience for your role in the military since it will help you determine what jobs you’re eligible for and what gaps you may have in your knowledge. 

After you’ve assessed your skills, consider your interests. Maybe they don’t align with your current skill set or job, which may indicate that you want to do something different once you make it to the civilian workforce. Working in something you’re passionate about will help narrow down your options and will also make your career more enjoyable, even after years in the same industry. 

3. Research Different Career Paths

You may have several options or passions and aren’t sure what to pick. Maybe the industry you’re in is very widespread and there are a lot of roles to fill. You’ll want to conduct some research so you can properly understand the roles and responsibilities of different jobs you’re interested in. You’ll also want to look at the eligibility requirements for these roles to determine if you’ve got the experience and education needed, or if you will need to develop your skills further to be ready for this role.

You should also try networking with professionals in the industries you’re interested in. Having these connections can help you find work in your desired field, but you can also talk with these people about their roles and responsibilities so you can get a better sense if it’s the right fit for you. Job fairs are an excellent way to connect with these professionals and even find career opportunities you hadn’t considered before.

4. Think About Your Lifestyle and Goals

Your lifestyle may have a big impact on what career you choose. For example, maybe you like being active and don’t want to sit behind a desk every day. Your desire to stay active at work will help you narrow down your options when choosing a future career since it will rule out a lot of administrative positions you could take. If you have kids, you may want a career that lets you spend more time with your children, which would also narrow down some of your options.

Also, your goals should be considered when deciding on a career. Think about your desired income, work-life balance, and lifestyle when you’re picking what you want to do after the military. Your goals should play a big factor in what you do for your work so you enjoy your career outside of the military.

5. Take Advantage of Transition Programs

The military helps their troops with their transition by offering them programs to help with various aspects of their transition. Some of these programs through the Transition Assistance Office help with building a resume, performing mock interviews, and assisting with finding work once you leave the military. Use these programs to your advantage when you want to start preparing for your future career. You can ensure you’re ready for the job hunt so you can find work in an industry you love and enjoy. 

Get the Gear You Need for Your Career Here at MLC

Whether you’re still in the military and need tactical gear for your operations or you’re entering the civilian workforce and need ways to carry your supplies, Military Luggage Company has you covered. We offer an impressive selection of bags, packs, and cases for nearly every application, whether you’re out in the field, going into the office, or traveling to a new destination. Our bags are personally vetted to ensure their quality, meaning you can trust our gear to support you in your applications. Get started by browsing our complete selection, or contact us today if you have any questions.

Why Do Children Have Difficulty With PCSing?

When children are involved in a permanent change of station, it can cause a significant disruption in their lives, especially when these moves occur frequently. Your child may experience emotional distress and have trouble adjusting to their new environment. These challenges can result in behavioral changes, and some children may even act out as a result. Anger, distance, and increased sensitivity are common things your children may experience as they deal with the move.

8 Tips for Helping Your Child Adjust to Your Upcoming PCS

It’s important to do what you can to help your child deal with your upcoming PCS, so it’s easier for them to get through the challenges they’ll experience. Below are some tips for helping your children so they can mentally adjust to life in a new city and installation.

1. Keep Your Child Informed

You don’t want to keep your children in the dark as it can create more stress during your move and leave your children feeling angry or resentful as they experience changes they don’t fully understand. 

As soon as you find out about your next PCS, let your children know what’s happening so they have the time to adjust to the idea and can say their goodbyes. While you may have a lot of time to prepare when you get your orders, you may only have a couple of weeks before you need to report to your new duty station. The sooner you can let your children know what’s going on, the easier it will be to ease their transition. 

2. Take Time to Listen to Your Children

During your PCS, your children will likely experience a wide range of emotions, ranging from anxiety and fear to excitement and curiosity. Your children may have a lot of questions, but they may also want space to deal with and process the news. 

Try to answer any questions they have with as much honesty and detail as you can, and remember to be patient with them. Make sure they have a safe space to express their feelings, even their negative emotions they may be experiencing after they hear about the news of the move. If your child needs space or time to adjust to the news of the move and the whole process, give them the opportunity to do so.

3. Prepare for the Move and Anticipate What Your Child Needs

Making an effort to plan for your move can help reduce some of the stress your children may feel. Moving is already stressful enough, but having to adjust to a new school and find new friends can be even more stressful for children of any age. Taking care of the moving process and showing your child you have it handled can take some of the stress off their shoulders.

You should also try to anticipate what your child may need during this time, whether it’s reassurance, help processing their emotions, or finding ways for them to connect to their new community. Anticipating what your child may need can help prevent some of the hardships your child could experience during the moving process.

4. Let Your Children Get Involved

Letting your child get involved with the moving process can make them feel like a part of the team. Help them with researching your new duty station and try to get them excited about their new school or extracurricular activities they can get involved in. This research can also help alleviate some of their anxieties since they’ll know more about the new place they’re going to be living. 

5. Give Your Children Reassurance

Moving comes with a lot of anxiety, especially for children. There’s a lot of uncertainty and new experiences your child will have to adjust to, and it’s likely that they’ll need the reassurance that everything will be okay. Give them a sort of roadmap for how you and your family will adjust to the new home, and try to stay positive during the whole process. Emphasize the exciting parts of change, and remember that our children mimic us. The more positive you are about the move, the more positive your child will be.

6. Give Your Children Time to Celebrate Their Favorites

When you move, you leave things behind, like friends, favorite restaurants, special places, and more. It may be hard for your child to detach from these things, which can make it harder for them to find closure in one place and be ready for their move. 

Find time during the chaos of your move to let your children celebrate their favorites. Take them to their favorite places and give them the chance to spend time with their friends. Once you get to your new destination, encourage your children to find new things they enjoy so they can start making memories and building a life at your new duty station.

7. Find Support For Your Child

Sometimes, PCSing can be hard enough on a child that they may need professional help or support. At your new destination, there are military youth centers that have plenty of resources you and your children can use to ease into the adjustment period. There’s even a youth sponsorship program that pairs your child with another military child who can answer questions and help them feel more confident during their transition.

If your child needs more professional help to deal with their mental health, you can also get them into counseling. There are counselors who specialize in military families and can assist with the transition and give your child the tools and perspective they need to adjust to the change. 

8. Help Your Child Get Involved in Your New Community

Helping your child establish a new life at your new home is important for their mental well-being. Once you get to your new duty station, make an effort to help your child get involved in the community. Sign them up for extracurricular activities they enjoy so they have something to do outside of school and people to connect with who enjoy the same things they do. Show them fun places to go, such as a local ice cream shop, movie theater, or arcade. Make your child feel like a part of the community so they can rebuild their life in your new home. 

Find the Bags You Need for Your Move and Your Career at MLC

If you’re about to PCS to a new duty station, you need luggage to help you carry what you need. Military Luggage Company has plenty of options to assist you with your move, whether it’s duffle bags to transport your gear or backpacks so you can pack a first-night bag. We’ll also have you covered for whatever you need for your career, from assault packs to wheeled loadout bags. Check out our impressive selection here to get started, or contact us if you have any questions. 

There are a lot of career options out there, and the military is just one of many. However, it’s an honorable career choice and offers many benefits to those who decide to enlist. If you’re trying to decide what you want to do with your career, continue reading to discover why the military makes a good choice. 

Top 10 Reasons to Join the Military

If you’re considering a career in the military but are undecided, some of the reasons below may help you make a choice.

1. Financial and Job Security

When most people are looking for a career, they’re considering their finances and job security. Most people want a job that pays well and doesn’t carry the risk of being laid off or fired unexpectedly. The military provides their troops with a steady paycheck, and their lodging and food are covered by a monthly allowance, so they only have very limited essential expenses throughout the month. As you work through the ranks, your pay will increase. If you have dependents, you will also receive a Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) so you can pay to live off base with your loved ones.

You can also trust that your job in the military is secure. Every single one of our troops is important to the safety of our country, and it’s difficult to be separated from the military without doing something wrong. You can trust that your job is safe when you go to work each day, giving you one less thing to worry about. 

2. Education and Training

The military provides its troops with funding to attend higher education, which is galled the G.I. Bill. You can even use the G.I. Bill after you leave the military so you can keep progressing in your career and even be provided BAH so you can focus on your studies. 

During your time in the military, you’ll also receive training for your role and can opt into additional training if you want to develop additional skills. These skills will make it easier to promote yourself in the civilian workforce once you decide to separate or retire from the military. The civilian workforce often doesn’t have these educational and training benefits, which makes the military a unique and beneficial option for your future. 

3. Retirement Savings

When you join the military, you’ll immediately gain access to your Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), which is the military’s version of a 401K. The Department of Defense will contribute to the account, and you can increase your contributions if you want, so you can save for your future. Some jobs in the civilian world don’t offer retirement savings accounts, meaning you’d be the one responsible for your retirement savings without the benefit of employer contributions. 

4. Healthcare and Dental Coverage

It can be hard to find a job in the civilian world that offers healthcare and dental coverage. Those that do often still require you to pay for some of these costs out of pocket. What makes the military different is access to TRICARE, which provides our troops with full coverage so they can use preventative care and treat any illnesses or conditions they may develop. The health of our troops is critical, so the DoD covers the cost of their care to ensure they’re battle-ready.

5. Travel and Vacation Time

Unlike most jobs in the civilian sector, the military provides people with the unique opportunity to travel. You’ll get to see the world and interact with different cultures, helping you build a well-rounded worldview. You will also gain two and a half days of time off every month, which you can use for leave or vacation time. You can let it accrue to take longer vacations, or use it as needed for emergencies or other important needs. Civilian jobs often don’t have vacation time or only offer a week a year, which makes the military a good choice if vacation time is one of your priorities. 

6. Family Support

Some of the benefits you receive as a member of the United States military will also be extended to your family. One of the most important of these is your healthcare coverage, which your dependents can use at an affordable monthly cost. Outside of the benefits, your family will also have a built-in support network from other military families, which can be valuable in dealing with some of the unique differences of military life. 

7. Connections and Networking

While you’re in the military, you’ll develop valuable bonds with other troops you’re serving with. Many of these connections turn into lifelong friendships, which isn’t as common in the civilian world. These bonds are often formed during training or deployments since you’ll have something to bond over that most civilians don’t. 

You’ll also meet people from all walks of life with different connections of their own, which can be valuable for a future civilian career and in any other things you want to pursue in your life. You can contact your network when you need help or when you’re looking for leads for your future. 

8. Physical and Mental Resilience

Being in the military teaches you physical and mental resilience, which can be useful in other parts of your life outside of your career. It will be easier for you to overcome and adapt to challenges you may encounter, making it easier to come up with a game plan and problem solve. Even if you find yourself having a hard time, the military has resources available to help its troops overcome their challenges so they can be the best they can be.

9. Sense of Purpose and Belonging

The military offers troops a clear sense of direction and a purpose, which may be something you’re looking for if you’re unsure about your future career. You’ll have a clear direction and be part of a team that aims to achieve specific goals, allowing you to work toward something meaningful every day.

All the work you do will be alongside other troops who are working toward the same goals. Being part of this team will foster a sense of belonging, which can be hard to find, even if you have a career in the civilian workforce. One of the most notable benefits of the military is its ability to provide structure and meaning to those who feel like that’s something they’re lacking in their lives. 

10. Leadership Development

The military offers plenty of opportunities to its troops for professional growth, and this includes leadership development. As you move up in the ranks, you’ll learn to lead and provide guidance to those who rank below you, which is a valuable skill to have, especially once you get to the point where you’re transitioning out of the military. You can use this skillset to get higher-paying roles once you start looking for a career after your separation or military retirement. 

Start Your Military Career the Right Way With Gear From MLC

If you’ve decided to take the leap and join the military, you’ll need the right gear by your side to support you. At MLC, we offer high-quality gear designed with our troops in mind, including assault packs, rucksacks, wheeled loadout bags, and more. We vet our products personally to ensure they meet the rigorous requirements of military operations, so you can trust they’ll perform in your toughest situations. You can get started by browsing our tactical selection, or contact us today if you have any questions. 

What Injuries Are Common in the Military?

Service members can develop injuries at any point in their career, whether they’re training at home or fighting overseas. Some of the most common injuries include:

• Musculoskeletal: Being in the military is a physically demanding job, and injuries like sprains, stress fractures, back pain, knee pain, and shin splints are all too common. Overuse injuries tend to be the most common since service members are typically carrying heavy loads and running. Acute injuries can also occur from accidents during training or combat scenarios, such as sprains and fractures. 
• TBIs: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can occur anytime the brain sustains a significant enough impact, which can happen in several ways in the military. Hard falls, blunt force trauma, explosions, and other scenarios can result in a TBI, which can have lasting effects on a person’s cognitive abilities. 
• Hearing loss: Service members can be exposed to loud noises that can have a damaging effect on their hearing, such as explosions and gunfire. While ear protection can help significantly, it doesn’t always do everything to block out the noise. Hearing loss and tinnitus can be lifelong problems long after our troops have finished their contracts. 
• Combat or training injuries: There are several kinds of injuries our service members can sustain during combat or training, such as shrapnel wounds, chest injuries, open wounds, and more. It’s important for service members to have the proper training to deal with these injuries as they occur to prevent them from worsening until professional medical treatment can be found. 

How to Care for Injuries

The way you care for an injury will depend on the type you have. Life-threatening injuries, where a service member may lose their life, will require professional medical intervention, but it’s not always possible to access immediately after the injury. That’s why it’s important for our troops to carry first-aid kits and have the appropriate skills to treat life-threatening injuries, including stopping or slowing bleeding and treating large open wounds.

If the injury isn’t life-threatening, you may not need to rely on a first-aid kit, except in cases of burns, sprains, breaks, or small wounds. 

For musculoskeletal injuries, which are one of the most common in the military, you’ll generally want to use the R.I.C.E. method to treat and heal from your injury, which works as follows:

• R: Rest is critical for healing these types of injuries, especially more severe sprains or breaks. You don’t want to start doing too much activity before your body is ready, or you could worsen your injury and end up with more problems than you started with. Make sure you’re getting enough rest during the healing process and not pushing yourself too hard. 
• I: Icing your injuries will help alleviate pain and reduce swelling, which is important in the healing process. When you ice your injuries, try to avoid putting the ice directly on your skin and aim for about 15 minutes each session, with several sessions every day. 
• C: Compression helps with swelling and keeps your injury set in the correct position while you’re healing, which is especially important with breaks. Try to keep your injury supported through compression for the majority of the time during the healing process until your provider says it’s okay to stop. 
• E: Elevation helps reduce swelling, which is important in the healing process. After you finish icing your injuries, you should try to elevate your injury for at least 30 minutes a few times a day, if not longer for more severe injuries. 

For other injuries, like TBIs and burns, it’s important to seek medical treatment as soon as you can. While it might not be a life-threatening situation, it can still cause some significant problems if you don’t try to receive treatment, especially when it comes to head injuries. Keep an eye on your injuries and symptoms, and seek treatment as soon as you can. If you start to experience some concerning symptoms, like fevers, a worsening headache, dizziness, or a loss of consciousness, you should seek medical treatment right away. 

Injury Prevention in the Military

It’s important to acknowledge that some injuries are unavoidable. Accidents happen, and it may happen to you one day. What’s important is knowing how to respond in those situations to limit the damage and start the healing process. However, there are some things you can do to prevent injuries and keep existing injuries from getting worse. Below are some tips for injury prevention while you’re in the military.

1. Stay Physically Fit

Taking care of your body and building strength can help prevent several types of injuries, including sprains and breaks. The stronger you are, the less likely you’ll experience these types of injuries from minor accidents. 

Make sure you’re exercising and doing it regularly. Strength and flexibility will be your friend while you’re training and carrying a lot of weight, since your muscles and joints have adequate support and you won’t have to worry about overuse as much. When you’re exercising, make sure you’re using the proper technique, warming up, and cooling down before each session. 

Part of staying fit also includes eating well and getting enough sleep each night. Sleep is especially important as it’s when we do most of our healing, which you’ll need after workouts, training exercises, and injuries if you sustain any.

2. Listen to Your Body

Your body will be the first thing to tell you if something is wrong. If you start to feel discomfort that’s not normal or sudden pain, it might be time to visit a medical professional. Your body will also tell you if you’re pushing yourself too hard, which is usually a sign to stop doing what you’re doing or to take it easy during workouts or training. If you keep going beyond what your body is capable of, you could risk injuring yourself and creating problems for yourself in the future.

3. Use the Proper Gear

Some injuries in the military can be prevented or lessened by wearing the proper gear during your operations. For example, hearing loss is a common injury sustained by service members, and for some, it becomes a chronic condition. However, wearing hearing protection when you’re exposed to loud noises can reduce the risk of developing this problem. 

You should also wear all your gear when you’re in the middle of a training exercise or mission. Helmets are especially important to prevent brain injuries like TBIs since they can occur frequently in the military. You can also use bags for your rucks or other operations that are designed with ergonomics in mind, so you don’t hurt yourself when carrying heavy loads. 

4. Get Some Rest

Recovery is important when you’re training or exercising since your body needs time to heal. Make sure you’re making time to rest in your day, even if it’s just for a short period before bed. The R.I.C.E. method is useful after workouts or intense training days, and stretching can help you limber up and aid in recovery. 

You should also try to sleep eight hours each night. While this isn’t always possible while you’re in the military due to a busy schedule and early PT requirements, you should still make an effort to get as much sleep as you can, even if it means retiring early each night. While it may be tempting to stay out and stay up all the time, it can be detrimental to your health, and you won’t be as alert as you need to be for your work. Sleeping will help you heal strained muscles and will put you in the right headspace for your operations, which can help prevent injuries when you’re aware of what’s going on around you.

5. Learn How to Care for Injuries

If you do get injured, knowing how to care for your injuries can prevent them from getting worse. For example, a simple sprain that usually heals in a few short weeks could turn into something more problematic, like a torn ligament, if you try to push yourself too hard or don’t have the right support while you’re healing. 

Learning the proper methods for caring for certain injuries can save you from the headache and pain of worse conditions. If you’re not sure how to care for a specific injury, consult with your doctor and heed their advice. You may also want to consider carrying around a stocked medical bag so you can respond quickly to minor injuries, so you can start the healing process right away, especially for things like burns, open wounds, sprains, or breaks. You should consult with a professional to receive the proper treatment for any and all injuries you sustain on the job.  

Find Gear and Medical Bags at MLC

Accidents happen, and you may get injured while you’re serving in the military. However, you can do what you can to prevent them and be prepared in case something were to happen while you’re at work or in the middle of an operation. Military Luggage Company has you covered with our selection of bags, where you can carry your gear and medical supplies for protection and rapid response to injuries. We personally vet our products to ensure they meet the strict standards of our troops, so you can trust they’ll hold up during your rigorous operations. Get started by browsing our selection, or contact us today with your questions. 

Why Is Veteran Suicide So Prevalent?

Veterans are at a higher risk of suicide than other U.S. adults, with more than 17 veteran suicides a day as of 2022. Part of the reason for the increased risk is due to mental health problems that veterans deal with, such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Their previous line of work puts them at a significant risk for developing these conditions and other mental health problems, which can increase the chance of suicide. 

Additionally, veterans often deal with several other struggles once they separate or retire from the military, such as their finances, social life, and reintegration into civilian society. As these struggles build up and are combined with mental health factors, a veteran can be at a higher risk for suicide than other groups in the United States. 

Signs and Symptoms of Suicidal Thought or Ideation in Veterans

It can sometimes be hard to identify the signs or symptoms of suicidal ideation in another person, especially when we’re caught up in our own lives. It’s not always obvious, and some people may not present any obvious signs. However, there are a few things you can look at to help you identify whether a veteran in your life is experiencing suicidal thoughts or ideation. Keep an eye out for things like:

• Feelings of hopelessness, sadness, anger, or worthlessness
• Loss of interest in activities, hygiene, or socializing
• Giving prized possessions away
• Increased substance use or abuse
• Changes in sleeping and eating habits
• Acts of violence or rage
• Saying goodbye to family or friends
• Recent fascination with death
• Recent suicide attempt

Remember that not everyone will present with these signs, and some of these signs on their own don’t always indicate suicidal ideation or thoughts. If you notice these signs in a veteran, try to help them get access to the resources they need so they can get their lives back on track.

5 Ways You Can Help Prevent and Reduce Veteran Suicide in Your Community

If you want to help prevent veteran suicide in your social network and local community, we’ve compiled a few strategies to help. Below are five different ways you can help in your community.

1. Keep Lines of Communication Open 

If you know and interact with veterans regularly, whether they’re your loved ones, battle buddies, or people you work or interact with in your city, it’s important to ask them the hard questions when you see that they’re struggling. While it’s hard to ask and will take a careful approach, it’s important to ask the veterans you know if they’ve ever thought about or considered suicide. 

When you get a response, listen. Make sure you express that you want to help and you’re there as a resource for them when times get tough. Have a hard discussion about their mental health and whether they are safe at home. For example, you may want to talk about whether they have any firearms at home, and if they’re a close friend or family member, you can offer to store the weapons or the keys to safes until they get the help they need.

Being there for veterans can also make a significant difference in their mental health and lives. Many veterans often feel isolated or lonely, so spending time with them and listening to them can go a long way in helping improve their mental well-being. 

2. Use Your Resources

If a veteran you know is struggling, there are resources you can direct them to so they can get the help they need. The most important resource is the Military Crisis Line, which can be reached by dialing 988 and pressing 1. Make sure the veterans in your life know this number and know they can contact the crisis line at any time of the day or night. The professionals on the end of the line can help veterans get the immediate help they need when they’re in the middle of a mental health crisis. 

There are additional resources you can direct veterans toward, too, which include the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Stop Soldier Suicide, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Centerstone Military Services, and more. The organizations and groups are designed to help our veterans who are struggling, and can get the veterans in your community the help they need to thrive. 

3. Encourage Professional Intervention

If someone is struggling with suicidal thoughts or ideation, they need professional help to overcome this challenge. Encourage the veterans you know who are having a difficult time to seek professional help from a counselor or therapist. It’s not always easy to talk about what’s going on in our lives or in our minds, but a professional has the necessary tools to help someone get their life back on track. They can offer therapy, medication, or other treatments that can help veterans get to the root of their problems so they can overcome their suicidal thoughts. 

4. Create a Safe Environment

If there’s a veteran in your life who is struggling with suicidal thoughts, you will want to help create a safe environment for them. This means helping them set up at home in a way that’s safe, which can include eliminating or securing the firearms in the home, and letting them know they have someone they can rely on. It also means advocating for change in the greater community to make for more widespread and effective changes. Encourage others to get involved in similar ways so more veterans can benefit from the help provided by the community. 

5. Follow Up and Stay in Touch

Even if you aren’t particularly close with some of the veterans you’ve helped, try to stay in touch with a veteran after they’ve come out of a crisis or have been discharged from treatment. Your contact can help them while they’re getting used to life again and can show that they have a support network they can rely on. Supportive and ongoing contact can play a significant role in suicide prevention. 

Find More Resources Here at MLC

At MLC, we have crafted our blog to be a big help to service members no matter what stage of life they’re in. Whether you’re getting close to your retirement, dealing with the aftermath of a deployment, starting a family in the military, or something else, we have something useful for everyone. We even have information regarding mental health and how to find help when you’re struggling. Check out our blog for some of the latest information, or contact us if you have any questions regarding what we offer. 

Being left at home and having to manage everything on their own can be a significant source of stress. The good news is that there are ways for spouses to cope with their loved one’s deployment so they can lead a successful life at home while they wait for their spouse to return. In this blog, we’ll go over some of the challenges of being a spouse during a deployment and how you can cope with the stress and anxiety you may feel during this time.

The Challenges of Being a Spouse During Deployment

Being a military spouse isn’t always easy, especially during deployment when your spouse will be away for months at a time. Communication may be limited, and it’s hard having someone you love be so far away in a potentially dangerous situation. There are many challenges to being a spouse during a deployment, which can include:

• Emotional disruption and relationship tension
• Difficulty communicating
• Financial hardship
• Difficulty managing childcare
• Difficulty maintaining employment
• Experiencing negative emotions
• Loneliness and isolation
• Limited support

These challenges can affect a spouse’s ability to lead their lives while their loved one is away, especially if they don’t have the proper tools or support to help them.

Our Top 6 Tips for Dealing With a Deployment as a Spouse

Despite the challenges that military spouses face with deployments, there are ways to cope with these hardships so you can move forward with your life while you wait for your loved one to return. Below are some of the best methods for dealing with your spouse’s deployment.

1. Stay Connected and Communicate

It can be hard being away from your spouse, so it’s important to establish a way to stay connected during a deployment when possible. Come up with a game plan with your spouse to talk regularly, whether it’s through text, phone calls, or video calls. Keep in mind that some deployments may not allow for regular communication, but make an effort when you can.

It’s also important to talk with your spouse about what you’re feeling. You should both be able to express your emotions and offer support to each other in the ways that you can and reassure each other. You can also keep each other informed about your daily happenings, that way it feels like you’re still a part of each other's lives. Staying connected and communicating when you can can help ease some of the stress you may feel during your spouse’s deployment.

2. Find a Support System

It’s important to have people at home who can support you while your spouse is away. Family and friends are a great place to start as they’re your established support network and can offer you help and understanding while you try to cope with your loved one’s deployment. You can spend time with them to help ease some of your stress and anxiety.

You can also find support groups for spouses, both online and in person, where you can meet other spouses who have gone through or are going through the same thing you are. Through these groups, you can form connections, vent about your struggles, and find advice for how to deal with things on the home front while you wait for your spouse to return.

If you find that you’re struggling, you can also talk with a professional. A counselor can help you find methods to manage your stress and deal with your emotional challenges during your spouse’s deployment period.

3. Take Care of Yourself

Self-care is always important, but it’s especially important when your other half is overseas and you’re experiencing stress or anxiety. You should prioritize your mental health, which means taking time for yourself to engage in activities you enjoy that help you relax, whether exercising, spending time with friends, or participating in your hobbies. Taking care of your mental health will make it easier to deal with the emotional challenges of a spouse’s deployment.

You also need to take care of your physical health. It will be harder to care for your mental health if your physical health is poor. Make sure you’re eating right, sleeping enough, and getting some exercise when you can.

4. Learn to Manage Your Stress and Anxiety

If you’ve never dealt with your spouse deploying before, you’ll likely experience stress and anxiety from all of the challenges you’re facing while they’re away. Stress and anxiety can wreak havoc on your life if you don’t manage these feelings properly.

Firstly, it’s important to acknowledge what you’re feeling and trust that it’s normal to feel the way you do. There’s nothing easy about a deployment, and you’re bound to feel some tough emotions while your spouse is away. Learn to acknowledge these feelings and accept them for what they are, which will make it easier to overcome these feelings and move forward with life while your spouse is away.

You can also work on relaxation techniques when you start to feel particularly overwhelmed. Meditation, breathing exercises, and activities that allow you to practice mindfulness can help you deal with anxiety and stress in a healthy way. Try to engage in activities you enjoy too, whether it’s hiking, art, spending time with friends, yoga, or other healthy activities that make you feel relaxed and happy.

5. Do Your Best to Make the Most of Your Time Apart

While it’s hard being separated from someone you love, it’s important to try to make the most of your time apart. This means planning activities and setting goals while your spouse is away, such as trying a new hobby you’ve always wanted to or working on a personal project.

You should also try to create memories with your other loved ones while you wait for your spouse to return, which will make it easier to deal with their absence. Spend time with friends, family, or your children if you have them. Keep looking forward to the future and know that your spouse will return and you’ll have the chance to reconnect once they’re home.

6. Prepare for Your Spouse's Return

As it gets closer to your spouse’s date to return home, you can start preparing. Consider planning something special for your spouse’s homecoming, whether it’s a gathering with their family and friends or something relaxed and personal at home. Talk to your spouse and see what they might want. A deployment can be stressful, and they may just want to come home and decompress with their immediate family, but they may also want to go out and see everyone they love soon after their return. Each person is different, so it’s best to discuss your plans with your spouse for their homecoming.

Remember that once your spouse returns, it’s going to take them some time to readjust to civilian life. They’ve spent months overseas engaged in military operations, and civilian life looks a lot different, even when they’re still working on base each day. Your spouse will likely need some time to process what they’ve experienced, so give them some time to adjust to life back at home and be understanding if they’re having some troubles. You can do your part by offering your support and asking how you can help them while they’re adjusting to life after their deployment.

Help Your Spouse Prepare for Their Deployment With Gear From MLC

Deployments are hard on everyone, and as a spouse, you’re likely to have some concerns while your loved one is serving overseas. You want to make sure they’re adequately prepared to handle their own challenges while you’re dealing with things at home, which is why you should give them the gift of gear from MLC.

Military Luggage Company offers rugged gear that’s designed with our service members in mind, meaning it’s durable enough to withstand the rigors of military service. We offer bags for deployment to ensure your loved one can pack and carry everything they need to be prepared, such as duffle bags, wheeled loadout bags, assault packs, and more. Check out our full selection to get started, or contact us if you have any questions.

The Challenges of Being a Military Parent

Whether you’re an active duty service member or a spouse, being a military parent comes with a few challenges. Some of the main challenges that most military families face include:

• Relocation and deployment: Moving frequently or having to be away from home for long periods can put significant strain on a family, and children often have a hard time dealing with these situations. Having to start over constantly or having a parent missing for long periods can cause significant stress for children, especially school-aged children, as it can disrupt their routine and pull them away from friends and school. 
• Financial stress: While it’s rewarding to be a military parent, it can also cause some financial stress. If both parents are working and you’re stuck on a waiting list for childcare on-base, you will have to find childcare elsewhere and pay for the cost out of pocket. You may also have to deal with higher levels of debt than your civilian counterparts, as well as extra costs with frequent relocations and difficulty for spouses finding employment. 
• Mental and emotional strain: Being a parent is never easy, and it can become even more difficult when you include all of the stressors involved with being part of the military lifestyle. The mental and emotional stress on the entire family can lead to several problems that make it harder to deal with the challenges parents and children face in their lives. 
• Limited support: As part of a military family, you’re often moving constantly, often great distances from loved ones and an established support system. As a result, it can be hard for military families to find the support they need when they encounter challenges, which can create tension in a family dynamic. 

Tips for Thriving as a Military Parent

As a military parent, it’s important to be equipped with the necessary tools and knowledge to handle the unique challenges the military lifestyle presents. It’s just as important to take care of yourself so you’re able to offer the love and care your child needs. Below, we’ll provide tips on how to thrive as a military parent so you’re ready to navigate any challenges that come your way.

1. Openly Communicate and Offer Support

It’s important to communicate with your spouse so you know how they’re feeling and so you can properly address challenges as a team. Listen to your spouse when they’re having trouble at work or when they’re having difficulty as a parent, and support them when they need help. Talk with your child and listen to them when they experience emotions like anxiety or fear related to the uncertainties of military life. Even if these feelings are dark or negative, acknowledge how they're feeling and give them support. You can even offer professional support if your children are struggling with things like depression or anxiety. 

2. Find a Strong Social Network

It’s important to have a strong social network you can rely on when things get tough; that way, you have the care you need to get through some of your toughest challenges as a parent. There are plenty of local support groups you can join through your installation’s Military and Family Support Center (M&SFC). You can also find support through online support groups on social media platforms, such as Facebook. These groups can be invaluable to finding places to vent or ask questions when you’re struggling with something as a military parent. 

You can also utilize M&SFC to find activities and support that’s specifically tailored to military families. Not only will you find support, but you can engage in activities that bring you closer together as a family and build a stronger bond. 

3. Take Advantage of Military Resources and Benefits

The military offers plenty of resources and benefits to help families while they navigate the challenges of the military lifestyle. For example, Military OneSource is an excellent place to find counseling and other support services that help military families. You can also find counseling resources through this site if someone in your family is struggling and you need professional help. 

Military families can also access discounts, financial assistance, and more to alleviate some of their stress. These resources are put in place specifically to address some of the challenges military families have to go through, and while they aren’t designed to solve all problems, they can go a long way in helping struggling families get back on track. 

4. Learn How to Manage Your Stress

It’s tough being a parent, especially one involved in the uncertainties of military life. It’s important to learn how to manage your stress so you can better handle the stress you encounter as a parent and throughout your daily life. Remember to take some time to take care of yourself so you don’t become overwhelmed easily, which means taking care of your physical health and setting aside some time to relax when possible. Military spouses who feel stressed can look into finding a new purpose, whether that’s a new job or hobby, so they can get some stress relief throughout their day. If things get particularly hard, speaking with a professional and discovering new stress management techniques can make a significant difference.

Find Gear for the Whole Family at MLC

Military Luggage Company has gear for your whole family, ensuring you’re prepared at every stage. We’ve got the gear for active duty service members and spouses looking for something high-quality and sturdy to help them get through the day. We even offer kids' gear so they can feel like part of the mission. Tackle your objectives with efficiency with gear you can trust from MLC. Get started by browsing our selection, or contact us today with your questions.