How important are our spouses and how do they affect mission accomplishment?

Yes Sir and too often they are not recognized appropriately. I feel we as leaders have a responsibility to host some type of spouses day event to honor them. What are your thoughts and what suggestions would you recommend Sir?

SMSgt (Join to see), I've seen spouses receive certificates of appreciation at various ceremonies (promotion and retirement are the two I specifically remember).

The Army has FRGs (Family Readiness Groups) for spouses, especially when the unit is deployed, but also in general. That's where I think some more attention could be paid.

And I guess some sort of spouse appreciation event would be a good idea ... It would be up to the unit, the particular circumstances, etc., but I like that idea as well. I'm thinking tying it in with the FRG might be the way to go.

I too have seen the certificates handed out at retirement ceremonies, but never a promotion ceremony. We also have a Family Readiness section that's assists spouses with issues during deployments. My Commander started a key spouse program in our unit and the spouses get together once a month for different events. Last month they did a self defense class and the month before that they went to a local winery and had brunch and did wine tasting. Currently we have members that are deployed and the key spouses are charged with contacting the spouses of deployed members to ascertain if their needs are being met. I think that it is sad that our spouses go 20 years at a minimum to receive a certificate when we retire though. The military in general should enact a spouses appreciation day. I know that the Army has some sort of family day at most bases and I was wondering if the rest of the military services should benchmark after that idea and expand to include a reward ceremony of sorts.

At the top, the Army has included "Family" in the Comprehensive Soldier and Family Fitness program, so there is command emphasis on the role of the family. (http://csf2.army.mil/)

I agree, though, SMSgt (Join to see), that spouses should be recognized more often than they are.

I agree Sir!

I agree Sir.

Sir, I agree that there are some spouses that "try" to abuse their position as a military spouse and because of their spouses rank they often attempt to flaunt their status. In my experience as a Security Forces member, I have witnessed wives of Officers that feel they deserve to be saluted entering the front gate. It's hard to explain to a spouse that we salute the DD FM 2220 on the vehicle and not the spouse behind the wheel without hurting their feelings. This is one of my favorites, "hello, I am Mrs. Col. Doe." So what you're telling me is that your biggest accomplishment in life was marrying a Col? You have your own identity no need to ride the coat tails of your spouse. So yes Sir, I do understand your view on that point.