5 Ways Military Life Is Like Greek Life

Back in college I decided I wanted to channel my inner Elle Woods and give the whole Greek system a shot. I found that it was a lot more like military life than I thought... I found what I thought was the right sorority for me, went through the whole process, was an active member for a year and then decided that as nice as some of the girls were, it just wasn’t my cup of tea. Now I sit back and can’t help but see the similarities between the college Greek system and this crazy military community we are a part of. Both communities are hard to explain if you aren’t a part of them. They create bonds that stand the test of time. Heck, my father has been out of the Navy now for almost 13 years and he still talks to some of the guys he knew in his first tour of duty over 30 years ago. He will always be a Sailor! I have friends who were a part of the Greek community that feel exactly the same way about their brothers and sisters. Before you think I’ve lost my mind trying to compare the two communities give me a chance to explain… At most Greek events there came a point in the night where each group started to pick on each other. There were songs that talked about which fraternity had the smallest, um, gear and chants that sororities screamed to tell everyone why they were the best. We talked about which sorority was known for being the best fundraisers and which fraternity threw the worst mixers. And it was perfectly acceptable to discuss the organizations amongst ourselves, but you better watch out if someone not in the Greek family started talking bad about it. It’s the same way with the military community. We have a healthy rivalry in the military but a great respect for each other. Air Force picks on Navy, Navy picks on Marines, Marines pick on Army, and everyone picks on the Coast Guard. But heaven help anyone outside the military community that dares speak badly about our men and women in uniform. Then we all stick together. Just like each Greek organization has their own set of letters, the military has their own pride gear . Look in your closet. On your car. At your favorite coffee cup. Bet you’re going to find something that screams “Military Family Pride.” If you’re like me there are some days it’s hard to decide which branch you’re going to show off. Don’t laugh when you see me rocking my husbands USMC sweatshirt and drinking out of my Navy coffee mug. Dual military first world problems right? I remember when I told my dad I was joining a sorority. He gave me the same “you’re crazy” look when I told him I was joining the Navy! But I was all to happy to tell him about the wonderful networking opportunities that could come from being part of the Greek community. I told him about all the well known alumni associated with the group and how the sorority was really big on community service so I would be doing more than just partying and paying for friends. For those who stay active in the Greek family it really can work out that way. You never know when the people you meet will be the perfect fit for a job or project that pops up. The military community is the same way! It may not seem it but this military family is very small. You will run across friends from past duty stations in the most unlikely places. And military spouses certainly know how to utilize each other as great resources for any need we have. Moving to a new duty station? Get on a message board and ask the spouses you know what they thought of the place. Looking for a new job? Check out our pre-screened lists of military friendly employers. Knowing people all over the world makes this crazy life a little bit easier to navigate! Weekly meetings. Monthly events. Group outings. Fund raising. Formal events. I’m pretty sure I just described the Greek life and the FRG. Both groups are there to promote socialization and growth within the community. Sure sometimes you want to cringe at how cheesy things can be and you get tired of being covered in glitter from sign making but the events you do together are what bring you all closer. In the Greek community even once you graduate you will always be a member of your organization. There a re alumni events for years to come. Your brothers and sister turn into the members of your wedding party. You have a forever type of connection to the people you were initiated with. It’s something that people who haven’t gone through it don’t understand. And that’s ok. The military is the same way. It’s been almost four years since I was in boot camp, but anytime I see someone from my division we pick up like it was yesterday. Some of us have decided to complete our one enlistment and move onto other things. Some are celebrating re-enlisting and deciding to make it a career. Some have been through awful experiences that will shape their lives forever. But no matter where we are now, we are there for each other. We are checking on those who are suffering. We’re celebrating those who have reached major milestones. And we’re still singing the goofy songs our RDC’s made us sing every night before bed. These are people I will never forget because of a bond that can’t be broken. We served together. We have been in situations that others can’t understand. And it makes me appreciate my brothers and sisters in uniform more than I could ever put into words. Connect with us on Facebook!

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