When someone you love joins the Army, the ripple effects are felt far beyond one person. Parents, siblings, grandparents, partners, and friends all experience the shift. And while your Soldier heads into Basic Training with a drill sergeant and a squad, you don’t have to navigate this transition alone either.
Building a support circle at home helps everyone stay informed, encouraged, and connected—and it strengthens the web of pride and care surrounding your Future Soldier.
Here’s how to create a strong family support circle from day one.
Start by Identifying Who’s Involved
Your support circle doesn’t have to be big—it just has to be intentional. It might include:
- Immediate family members
- Close relatives or godparents
- A partner or spouse
- Best friends or mentors
- Trusted neighbors or church members
Think of people who care deeply about your Soldier and want to stay engaged—even from a distance.
Share the Basics to Keep Everyone on the Same Page
Once your Soldier ships out, clear communication helps reduce confusion and ease worry. Create a simple plan for keeping everyone updated, such as:
- Sharing their training address when it arrives
- Passing along key dates (graduation, mailing cutoff dates, etc.)
- Letting others know what kind of contact is allowed (and what’s not)
A shared group text, email thread, or private social media group can go a long way in keeping everyone informed without overwhelming you.
Encourage Collective Letter Writing or Support Efforts
Your Soldier will cherish every piece of mail—and hearing from a variety of people can be a powerful morale boost. You might organize:
- A “mail chain” where each person writes once a week
- A group encouragement card that everyone signs
- A family member who takes the lead on gathering updates to send
This makes everyone feel included and gives your Soldier a full chorus of support.
Create Space for Others to Process, Too
Different family members may handle the transition differently. Some may feel proud. Others might feel sad, confused, or even disconnected.
Having a support circle gives everyone a chance to:
- Ask questions
- Share their feelings
- Feel part of the mission—even if they’re not the one in uniform
Sometimes, all it takes is a group conversation to remind someone that they’re not alone in what they’re feeling.
Use the Circle to Strengthen the Welcome Home
When graduation approaches, your support circle becomes your celebration team. Whether you’re attending in person or preparing for a homecoming, your circle can help:
- Plan travel, signs, and logistics
- Coordinate welcome messages or gifts
- Make your Soldier’s return feel like the achievement it is
That kind of shared pride reinforces the value of everything they’ve worked for.
Last Call
Military life starts with a team—and your Soldier shouldn’t be the only one who has one. By building a support circle at home, you create a foundation of strength, pride, and shared purpose that will last long after Basic Training ends. Connect your people. Share the mission. And remember: you’re not just cheering from the sidelines—you’re holding the line at home.
I’ll be back next week with more tips and guidance. Until then, Hooah!
SGM Kris Broadus, U.S. Army (Retired)
