Wow, where to start? Camp Shelby is a thing all unto its own.
There is nothing normal or easy about being stationed here.
However, it is not all terrible, as many would have you think.
It just takes some understanding.
The first thing to understand is that this is a MS National Guard post.
The government federalized it for the training of troops headed to war.
This means that there are Active Duty, Reserve (TPU, Mobilized, and AGR), and National Guard (Mobilized).
The money pots don't mix together and learning how everything operates can be confusing.
Here is what you need to know, as a spouse, before you go.
Housing There is no housing.
You will be living off post.
However, there is a housing office with a housing program.
People in the community can put their houses on the list at Camp Shelby.
They rent to the government and Camp Shelby puts Soldiers and their families in these houses.
They are NICE houses and you usually can pick from several that are available.
Here's the catch, it is only available to certain ranks and the rules around this changed 5 times in the 2 years we were there.
So, you will need to have your Soldier call housing and see if you are eligible.
If you are eligible, use the program.
It will be to your benefit.
Amenities On Post There are none.
There is no ACS, no commissary,...
nothing.
It is a National Guard post, which only has the basic necessities for Soldiers.
So if you need anything, you have to find it in the community of Hattiesburg (or wherever you end up living).
Amenities Off Post Hattiesburg is the community outside of Camp Shelby.
It is decent sized with many restaurants, colleges, and churches.
If you are not from the South (we weren't), it will take some getting used to, but the people are friendly and the community supportive.
Medical There is no medical available on Camp Shelby.
You may be thinking this is a hassle, but it is actually a great thing! You will be Tricare Remote.
This means that you can see any doctor that takes Tricare (they all do in Hattiesburg) and all the doctors are very familiar with how Tricare works.
My baby saw a civilian pediatrician, I saw a civilian specialist, etc.
It is great! The two hospitals are Forrest General and Wesley Medical.
They are both very good.
Soldiers are automatically sent to Forrest General but family can choose.
We have no complaints about anything medical in Hattiesburg, MS.
Dental is also a great experience.
You will have your choice of dentists.
There are some just for kids, just for adults, family, etc.
Childcare There is no childcare on Camp Shelby.
You will have to use childcare in Hattiesburg, and there are many.
Refer to Hattiesburg article for more information.
Because there is no childcare on Camp Shelby, you are eligible to receive benefits to supplement the cost of childcare off post.
Make sure you visit the NAACRA website to see if you're eligible.
Please note that many childcare providers accept these funds, but are not listed on the website.
Ask each provider if they are part of the program.
Camp Shelby can be quite intimidating for those families who have always lived on military facilities.
But living off post in this community can be very rewarding.
Remember to be open-minded, ask questions, and try not to remain frustrated.
Find a spouse who has been there for a while and ask them to help you out.
If your unit has an FRG, they may be able to help you as well.
Keep your head up! This experience will completely be what you make it.
So make it great!