What does it take to become a key spouse?

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kedesha Pennant
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  What does it take to become a key spouse? It's not just a title. It's a selfless commitment to be there for fellow military families.

Key spouses are trained volunteers who are official unit representatives, role models, team players and conduits of information as a face of unit leadership to families. The Air Force Key Spouse program here is volunteer-based and led by each squadron commander.

"Every squadron commander has their own program, so each one is organized differently," said Master Sgt. John Miles, 7th Force Support Squadron Airman and Family Readiness Center superintendent and key spouse coordinator. "The commander has the flexibility to adapt the program and define the requirements."

The association is for both officer and enlisted spouses whether male or female. The primary role of key spouses is to offer peer-to-peer support. They act as a liaison between the spouse and the respective squadron.

"There are spouses who are familiar with the military way of life and are in a position where they can help other spouses who are going through things they may not have experienced before," Miles said.

Key spouse mentors within the program hold leadership roles amongst other key spouses. Some of their roles include mentoring junior spouses, advocating unit concerns and encouraging spouse and family interactions with each other.

"Key spouse mentors are typically selected based on the experience in the program as a spouse," Miles said.

There is a detailed process on how potential key spouses are selected. Squadron commanders usually interview each candidate first.

"Generally, commanders look at if the candidate has the time and the wants to do the program," Miles said. "The commanders also have outlined expectations to see if the applicant would be able to dedicate time to help other families."

The AFRC facilitates Air Force-specific training which is on the fourth Wednesday of each month from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Key spouse hopefuls are assigned a reference guide with all the information covered in the training. The training covers the program's expectations and resources including personality assessments.

"We take them from start to finish to the point to where they step into the role of a key spouse to when they resign," Miles said.

From a key spouse's perspective, one main objective is to get everyone connected and involved with one another consistently.

"The ultimate goal is for the program not to be just deployment-related, but to keep in contact with spouses year-round to make sure they're getting what they need," said Megan Satake, 317th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron key spouse.

There are some misconceptions about the program as the role of a key spouse is not assumed.

"Their purpose is not just to throw parties and fundraisers but to be available to support the families," Miles said. "They also serve as a relief to active-duty members' supervisors and speak on the behalf of squadron commanders."

Listed below are the steps to become a key spouse:
  1. Contact your spouse's first sergeant and squadron commander
  2. Set up an interview with the squadron commander
  3. Sign up to attend training at the AFRC
  4. Await an appointment letter from the squadron commander stating you're a key spouse for the squadron

"Squadrons are happy to have anyone who is willing to help out regardless of the active-duty member's rank," Satake said.