I've been a military spouse for almost 19 years now...and no end in sight yet.My hubby is in the Air Force, so I can't speak directly to the Army experience.
The military as a whole offers some tremendous benefits...from almost entirely free medical to phenomenal educational programs to opportunities to travel and see more of the country and the world than most of us ordinary folks ever get to. Of course, with all the benefits come a LOT of challenges and risks.
While it may be true that men are more likely to be sent to Iraq...plenty of women go as well. From all the services. I know many Air Force women serving in combat zones with the Army in Iraq. So being a woman would not necessarily shield from that aspect of military life. Being a vet tech? I don't know...but I think they're utilized in war zones quite a bit as well. Dogs are a big part of military security.
But...the educational programs they have would make it very easy for her to go on to earn a full veterinary degree compared to having to do it in the civilian world. And new programs are coming along all the time. Now, there are programs for spouses to get educational help as well. And the military members can share their allotted years of college education with their spouses or children. (Because of my hubby's service, we'll be able to "give" two years of university each to my daughter and son)
Yes, it IS a huge challenge to the married couple and family with kids. But if your commitment to each other is strong, and your priorities as a team are in line with each other, it's a phenomenal adventure! We move a lot...hubby is gone a lot....war sucks....but I wouldn't trade our life for anyone else's.
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