By the second Friday in January the jokes start flying. Quitter’s Day. The gym is quieter. The planners are already half ignored. The big New Year energy has faded and…
BTC Chronicles Collection
DIY Military Traditions: Making the Marine Corps Life Your Own
Military life is full of traditions, some time-honored, some uniquely personal. From the crisp formality of the Marine Corps Birthday Ball to the tearful flag waves at homecomings, the rhythm…
The Next 250 Years: Behind the Camouflage and Beyond
This year, the Marine Corps celebrates its 250th birthday—a milestone that’s both humbling and awe-inspiring. Two and a half centuries of Marines standing the watch, from the halls of Montezuma…
2025 MCA Spouse & Community Award Winners
Official Announcement We are proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 MCA Spouse and Community Awards — honoring individuals whose dedication, leadership, and compassion strengthen the Marine Corps community. These awards recognize those…
Why I Believe in Military Spouse Volunteerism: How Giving Your Time Can Give Back Even More
Every so often, a conversation in our community makes me pause and reflect. Recently, it was a Facebook post about military spouse volunteerism and its connection to unemployment. While I…
What I Wish I Knew as a New Marine Corps Spouse
When I became a Marine Corps spouse, I didn’t fully understand the world I was stepping into. I knew I was marrying a Marine—strong, disciplined, and committed—but I didn’t yet…
In Case You Need the Reminder: You’re Doing Better Than You Think!
There’s something about military life that makes even the most resilient among us pause and wonder:“Am I doing enough?”“Is everyone else handling this better than I am?”“Shouldn’t I be used…
PCS Pit Stops: A Vacation or a Trip?
You know how your great-aunt says, “Oh how lovely! You’re taking a vacation during your PCS leave!” and you smile while your soul whispers, Ma’am, this is a logistical nightmare with a scenic…
BTC Podcast Season 3: Home is Where the Marine Corps Sends You
We know that receiving orders to a new duty station can come with a mix of excitement and anxiety. Where will we live? What are the schools like? Will we find…
The Truth Behind the Stats: What the 2024 DoD Spouse Survey Tells Us—and Why It Matters
Every two years, the Department of Defense asks military spouses to share the reality of life behind the uniforms, deployments, and PCS orders. The 2024 Active Duty Spouse Survey results…
Unlocking Potential: Marine Corps Libraries and the Summer Reading Program
Amid frequent relocations, deployments, and the unique challenges of military life, Marine Corps families often seek stability and enrichment for themselves and their children. Fortunately, a remarkable resource exists right…
If the Marine Corps Wanted You to Have a Wife, They Would’ve Issued You One…
There’s an old saying that floats around —one that makes seasoned spouses chuckle and new ones raise an eyebrow: “If the Marine Corps wanted you to have a wife, they would’ve…
