Oak and Liberty Blogs

U.S. Armed Forces Special Operations: Honor, Sacrifice & the Mission of the Memorial Valor Foundation

Across every branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, Special Operations Forces stand at the highest levels of courage, skill, and dedication. Their missions are dangerous, quiet, and often unseen but...

Military ID Cards & DEERS: A Complete Guide for Military Families (All Branches)

DEERS and military ID cards are two of the most important — and most confusing — parts of early military life for new families. Whether your loved one is in...

How Promotions Work in the U.S. Military: A Simple Guide for Families (All Branches)

Promotions are one of the biggest milestones in a service member’s career — but for many families, the process can feel confusing and overwhelming. Each branch has its own system,...

Military Leave & Pass Rules Explained: A Simple Guide for Families (All Branches)

Military leave and pass rules can be one of the most confusing parts of military life, especially for families who are new to the journey. Terms like leave, pass, liberty,...

Understanding Military Pay: A Simple Guide for Families (Active Duty, Guard & Reserve)

Military pay can be confusing for new families, especially when your service member is in boot camp, AIT, A-School, Tech School, or reporting to their first duty station. Between base...

Space Force Training Guide: What Families Need to Know (BMT → Tech School → USSF Career Path)

The United States Space Force is the newest and most technologically advanced military branch, which means its training pipeline looks different from the rest of the Armed Forces. Guardians begin...

Coast Guard A-School Guide: What Families Need to Know (Locations, Liberty, Training & Support)

After graduating from boot camp at Cape May, every new Coast Guardsman enters the next major phase of their journey — A-School. This is where they learn the technical skills,...

Marine Corps MOS School Guide: What Families Need to Know (MCT East/West + MOS Training Explained)

After earning the title Marine, every graduate from Parris Island or San Diego moves into the next major phase of their training journey — MOS School. This stage determines the...

Navy A-School Guide: What Families Need to Know (Training, Locations, Travel & What Comes Next)

After graduating from Navy boot camp at Great Lakes, every new Sailor heads to A-School — the training pipeline that teaches them the technical skills, discipline, and professionalism required for...

The Ultimate Guide to U.S. Military Air Shows (Blue Angels, Thunderbirds, Tips, Schedules & What to Wear)

U.S. military air shows are some of the most exciting, patriotic, and family-friendly events in the country. Featuring breathtaking performances from the Navy Blue Angels, Air Force Thunderbirds, Army parachute...

Thunderbirds Family Guide: What to Expect, What to Wear, and Why This Air Force Tradition Inspires Millions

The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds represent precision, teamwork, and the unmatched skill of America’s Airmen. Flying F-16 Fighting Falcons in jaw-dropping formation, these elite pilots and crew members bring the...

Blue Angels Family Guide: What to Expect, What to Wear, and Why This Navy Tradition Inspires Millions

The U.S. Navy Blue Angels are one of America’s most inspiring military traditions — a combination of precision flying, teamwork, discipline, and pure aviation excellence. Whether you’re a Navy family,...