Being control freaks, there are many things military wives can take care of on their own.  But some things can only be done by the servicemember.  Here's our list in order of priority.

1)  Fill out and turn in his "Page 2" or "Marriage Papers" -- Your husband must fill out these forms provided by his command.  If he doesn't the military cannot officially recognize you -- which means you get no healthcare benefits, no survivor's benefits if he dies, and no access to base.

2)  Get your military ID card -- Your hubby must come with you to get your military ID card.  This is the only thing that will get you on base these day, or allow you to do business and shop at the commissary.  It's an absolute necessity in an emergency.

3)  Get decals for your car -- Military police will not let your car on base without the decals.  Although a wife can sometimes obtain them with the help of an ID card, some bureaucrats will give you a hassle.  Better to let him deal with it.

4)  Sign up for TriCare -- TriCare is the HMO for the military community.  If you don't sign up, you don't get healthcare benefits.

5)  Get a Power of Attorney -- A Power of Attorney (POA) is a useful document obtained from the base Legal Office.  It basically allows you to conduct business on base without necessarily needing him around.  It is critical when hubby goes on deployment.

6)  Put your name on all financial accounts -- If hubby deploys, you're going to need access to all his bank, credit card and even electric utility accounts.  The companies won't even tell you the balance due unless your name is on the accounts.