Did you know what military life would be like as a spouse before you became a military family?

Some people have taken cues from popular television shows that fictionalize what day-to-day life is like in a military community. Some have an idea that military wives get together to do dinner, plan events and pretty much do everything. How true is this?

It all depends on who you ask. Some military wives perceive their life in this very way even though they do not watch the fictional television show. There are many military wives who are very much involved with their Family Readiness Group (FRG) and get together to plan barbeques, prepare meals for a family who might need it, or help first-time moms with their newborns. Other wives may volunteer their time to help with bake sales or participate in fundraisers for their husband's unit.

"I see it as the same as volunteering for my family," said Army wife Ashley LaPrece Thomas, who grew up in a military family.

Some say that there has been a big change in the amount of spouses who participate. Are the wives who choose not to volunteer or participate in the FRG not embracing the military lifestyle? Not necessarily, some say.

"The spouses of Soldiers tend to have lives that are very full," Thomas said, "From schooling to our children." With such busy schedules, "volunteering doesn't find a place in all (of) our lives" she said.

Spouses are not required to participate in the FRG or attend FRG meetings, and all FRG positions are filled by volunteers. When events like bake sales take place, the FRG may ask for volunteers to help, but it may only contact the spouses who have given permission to be contacted. Early on, it is up to the spouses whether or not they want to be involved. 

Many military spouses, like Sarah Valentine, choose to rely solely on their Soldiers for information. Those spouses often choose to learn the ropes of military life from their Soldiers as well.

"I learned from my husband," Valentine said. "Other wives have helped ... but my husband is always full of information."

Some spouses, however, feel an obligation to take an active role. Spouses should volunteer because, "it is the least we can do for (our Soldiers) since they are fighting for our freedom," Sophia Ogle said.

Many military spouses feel that their role goes beyond that of being just a military spouse. They feel that it is their responsibility to carry on the traditions of the military family and help one another like a large family.

"I feel we should all pass on these traditions," said Ogle. "My son is two and I will be raising him to know some of these military traditions when he is older."

The big change in spouse participation may easily be explained by a spouse's busy schedule or simply by exercising the freedom not to participate.

Involved or not, there is a common belief that it doesn't make anyone less proud to be a military spouse.