Editor’s note: This post by military spouse blogger Noralee James, aka Mrs. Navy Mama, originally appeared at MrsNavyMama.com in partnership with MOAA. Learn More about Mrs. Navy Mama at this link.

As a military officer spouse, I have learned of the benefits of getting involved with the military community. You are able to bond with those who are going through the same things in life as you. You are also able to use your time and talents to make a difference. Over the years, I have connected to fellow military spouses and families. However, I was still wanting to get more and more involved.

There are a lot of groups, organizations and families working to make a difference in military life. I found one which really spoke to me. 

I found the Military Officers Association of America.

The Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) is the nation’s largest and most influential association for military officers and surviving spouses. It is an independent and nonpartisan not for profit that works with Congress on issues related to the military community.

MOAA strives to provide first-class service to all their members. They fight for compensation and benefits for all members of the military and their families. Additionally, MOAA provides discounts, scholarships and services exclusively for its members.

What MOAA Has Contributed to the Military Community

MOAA is not just about military members saving money, although that is a huge benefit. MOAA additionally focuses a lot of time and energy dedicated to making important changes for the military community. One of the biggest accomplishments from MOAA is their work in legislation to protect the military community in the areas of TRICARE, GI Bill benefits, pay benefits and access to MTFs.

For example, MOAA has been helping bring to light a series of health-threatening problems faced by military families in privatized housing, ranging from mold and rodent infestation to unanswered repair requests. As someone living in military housing at this time, this is something I am personally concerned with and I want to support those who have the ability to affect change.

With pressure from MOAA and other advocacy agencies, Congress and Department of Defense officials acknowledged the unsafe, unsanitary conditions. The FY 2020 National Defense Authorization Act included a number of provisions to improve the day-to-day lives of military families, including a military housing reform. It makes me feel good knowing MOAA and its 350,000 members are making sure my family is safe and secure.

Benefits of Membership

Being a member of MOAA has a lot of benefits. Not only are you able to support the voice of change in the military community, there are also discounts and perks exclusively for members. There is something for everyone! Whether you go for BASIC membership or PREMIUM, MOAA has a place at the table with benefits for you. There are three levels of involvement—BASIC, PREMIUM and LIFE. Here is the breakdown of each:

Basic Membership (FREE)

• Exclusive Discounts on Products and Travel
• The MOAA Newsletter – full of important and helpful news and information
• Chapter and Council Membership and Involvement 
• Updates on Legislative Efforts and Advocacy Efforts

Premium Membership

All benefits of the BASIC Membership PLUS:

• Expert Advice on Military Pay & Benefits
• Career Transition Resources
• Financial Education & Consumer Advice
• Scholarships, Interest-free Loans & Grants
• Subscription to Military Officer Magazine & Exclusive Publications
• Access to Member Books & Guides

[RELATED: Member-Exclusive Deals and More]

Life Membership

• As a MOAA LIFE Member, you’ll receive all of MOAA’s PREMIUM benefits – plus more – for life. Additional benefits include reduced initiation fees at the Army and Navy Club of Washington, D.C., spouse protection, and direct access to MOAA staff experts.

Membership is open to active duty, National Guard, Reserve, retired, and former commissioned officers and warrant officers. These include those in the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard, Public Health Service, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Memberships also are available for surviving spouses of deceased officers.

How to Get Started

At MOAA, any military officer can be a member! With MOAA’s free BASIC membership, you get access to community chapters and information on the comings and goings of the association. You also get some great discounts. For even MORE benefits, upgrade to PREMIUM membership for a super low annual fee of less than $50 a year.

Signing up is easy and takes less than 5 minutes!

Head on over to the Application Page and learn more. Once verified, your free membership will begin. Already a BASIC member? You can upgrade to PREMIUM membership with only a few extra clicks!

What Are You Waiting For?

My husband and I joined MOAA a while ago and it was a great decision. As a PREMIUM member, my family is able to access a lot of benefits that will help our family. For example, we have taken advantage of discounts with both SimpliSafe and Identity Guard. These two keep our family safe both physically and cyberly. We are also really excited for the future educational benefits and scholarships for our children. MOAA really has something for every member!

If you are an officer family, don’t delay any longer. Take advantage of the resources, discounts and all that MOAA offers. I promise you will not regret it.