Tim (serving), Olivia, Lucy (18) and Ellie (16)
How long have you been an army family?
We have been married for 20 years.
Time in Oklahoma?
Two years stationed at Fort Sill.
How many other military families live there?
About 27,000 service family members are affiliated to Fort Sill. We are the only British family but are living on a large US military patch which is very sociable. We are also part of the foreign liaison community so have lots of friends from other foreign militaries as well as our US friends.
What’s your quarter like?
Big, quite old but very comfortable. It has great original features such as wooden floors throughout and a lovely big fireplace. It is great to be on the patch as it is really safe, and we never have to worry about locking the doors. The properties are all fully air conditioned which becomes essential in the summer months.
Are there any employment/ training opportunities?
It is possible to get a work visa, but it takes a while. Olivia does lots of volunteering in places like the thrift store and in community groups.
What about schools/ childcare?
Our children are at boarding school in England so they don’t attend the local schools, although our youngest spent a couple of days visiting a local high school with an American friend. There is a very big elementary school which has a very good reputation. However, the curriculum is very different, and the local high schools are not as well regarded. A lot of the international students also follow their home curriculum so as not to fall behind.
Where do army families get together and who supports you?
There are lots of community spaces where families can get together, these include community centres, swimming pools, gyms, a bowling alley and clubs.
There are also plenty of outdoor pursuits to try; Fort Sill also has its own outdoor recreation centre on a nearby lake. The main social hub is the Patriot Club which used to be the officers’ club but is now an all-ranks facility. They hold regular functions and events for everyone to attend. Direct UK support is delivered remotely from the Embassy in Washington DC.
How do you find the cost of living out there?
Mixed. Food bills are always very high, eating out is much more expensive and car insurance is very high when compared to the UK. We get very good Local Overseas Allowance though, which does help.
However, travel costs are lower, fuel is cheap and there are always very reasonable hotels to stay in where you can get comfortable family rooms.
Initial setting up costs are high but are balanced out by the allowances, a longer tour therefore helps to recoup these costs.
Military discounts are common and there is never any harm in asking. The Get You Home (Overseas) allowance will go some way towards your annual visit home but is unlikely to cover the whole cost. However, ultimately, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity so one should expect to outlay a bit to try and experience some of the best of what the US has to offer.
What are the best things about living there?
The friendly people, the almost constant blue sky, being welcomed into another military community and the travel opportunities. We have visited 26 states and had the most wonderful family adventures.
Want to share your experiences of army family life? Get in touch by emailing editor@aff.org.uk