Rating: 
Summary: A Good Book IF....
Review: ..you have some time to kill. I am a former enlisted wife(dh just crossed over to the other side) and I do agree with some of the other reviewers that these "how to follow military protocol" books really are geared towards officers' wives.
Rating:
Summary: Too much etiquette! Not enough useful advice!
Review: I purchased this book when my husband first enlisted. I wanted to know what life would be like in the army for me, the spouse. This book was such a disappointment that I promptly put it back up for sale! I didn't even bother to finish it. Now, I know that it's a "social guide" and it's probably helpful in its own way, (the only reason that it got two stars) but I wouldn't say that it's a must have for every military wife. There's so much more that we need to know as wives, so much more than just how to act at a ball. My advice to all military wives would be to spend your money on other "military wife handbooks" that will be useful in times other than social ones. Believe me, you'll use those other books far more than you will this one.
Rating: 
Summary: Great book...
Review: I think this book is excellent. Those others who wrote dissapproving comments probably have NO IDEA what or how to enter a receiving line, what to talk about, how to dress, etc... This is not a book to teach you how to live as an Army Wife, it is a book to help you learn how to ACT as an Army Wife. I wish more younger spouses would sit down and realize how foolish they make their soldiers look to his superiors because of their ignorance to the customs and courtesies. Most of the younger ones are right out of high school and they think they know-it-all after a few months or maybe a few years. I have been doing this for 17 years, and I know. For all of those Know-it-alls, why don't they try AFTB!! And see how much they REALLY do know it all.
Rating: 
Summary: I was once a COW-tess
Review: I was once a Commissioned Officer's Wife. I called myself a COW-tess after my ex, whom I was married to at the time, passed OCS and became an officer. I didn't take myself (or him) too seriously and had a blast being married to the military but wasn't enamoured of my husband (and that is another story for another time!) This book was a life saver for me. I had learned proper etiquette in high school at my parent's private expense, then thought that I'd never need it again. I did. This book is wonderful for *you* as one who cares about the little things like how to write an invitation, how to correctly set a formal table, etc. needs to know them. I used it. I still have it and while I don't need it any more, it makes a great reference and when not in use, it's bulk doubles as a delightful flower press. If you have an axe to grind or don't think that you will need this book, then for goodness sake, don't buy it! I liked going over to the other side. I liked being invited to parties where the wives who had once not had a reason to be interested in me were inviting me to lunches. I liked that I could entertain with flare. The problem with living on a base is that fraternisation causes gossip. You can't confide something personal lest it gets out, be it to a lower ranking person's spouse or a higher ranking person's spouse. (Call your mother and tell her!) Learn the rules and they will protect you-- it's a good lesson for any way of life.
Rating:
Summary: The Point is...
Review: I'm a cross-over too. (I was enlisted myself, then an enlisted wife for 5 years, and now an officer wife.) The whole purpose of the book is to be helpful in your military life... giving you as much info as possible. Much of the book DOES speaks to rare etiquette situations or wives of officers, yet it's also useful for enlisted wives to know where those rules or officer wives are coming from. SERMON: The Army is all about tradition, not to demean anyone, but to be proud of the Army way of life. Do I agree with all the detail and minutia and etiquette? Not really. But might it help my husband put forth the best impression possible to his superiors and peers? There's a good chance that it will... and so I will play the game. Even when I find it boring, snotty, etc. Cause that's life. (And I happen to enjoy the formal, traditional side of the Army at times: balls, ceremonies, and dinner parties. It's FUN.) And, for the idiot that believes the Enlisted run the military... WRONG. Every soldier is invaluable to the mission: cook or pilot, private or general. Shame on you! Respect is a two way street, my dear, and it sounds like you're getting exactly what you're giving. If you want to succeed and get some hints and explainations as to why military life is the way it is, read the book. If you want to pout, stomp your feet, insult, and then complain life isn't fair, then by all means, continue on your path to ignorance and denial. It hurts no one but yourself and your husband.
Rating:
Summary: The Point is...
Review: I'm a cross-over too. (I was enlisted myself, then an enlisted wife for 5 years, and now an officer wife.) The whole purpose of the book is to be helpful in your military life... giving you as much info as possible. Much of the book DOES speaks to rare etiquette situations or wives of officers, yet it's also useful for enlisted wives to know where those rules or officer wives are coming from. SERMON: The Army is all about tradition, not to demean anyone, but to be proud of the Army way of life. Do I agree with all the detail and minutia and etiquette? Not really. But might it help my husband put forth the best impression possible to his superiors and peers? There's a good chance that it will... and so I will play the game. Even when I find it boring, snotty, etc. Cause that's life. (And I happen to enjoy the formal, traditional side of the Army at times: balls, ceremonies, and dinner parties. It's FUN.) And, for the idiot that believes the Enlisted run the military... WRONG. Every soldier is invaluable to the mission: cook or pilot, private or general. Shame on you! Respect is a two way street, my dear, and it sounds like you're getting exactly what you're giving. If you want to succeed and get some hints and explainations as to why military life is the way it is, read the book. If you want to pout, stomp your feet, insult, and then complain life isn't fair, then by all means, continue on your path to ignorance and denial. It hurts no one but yourself and your husband.
Rating:
Summary: Don't Buy This For Your Wife
Review: My husband bought this book for me because he thought it would be interesting or helpful. While there are some things in this book that are worth reading there are many many others that arn't. It is a dry book that spends far to much time on the details of such things as "ivitations" and "table settings." I never knew that twenty pages could be written on such dull topics as "introductions" and "calling cards." This book is out of date and even slightly insulting when read by a modern working twenty-first century army wife.
Rating:
Summary: Pathetic
Review: No wonder Army wives have such a bad wrap. I can hardly belive the bitterness displayed in your words. By the way grammer lady, your husband did not get his butter bar(S). He earned A butter bar. NOT PLURAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rating:
Summary: Pathetic
Review: No wonder Army wives have such a bad wrap. I can hardly belive the bitterness displayed in your words. By the way grammer lady, your husband did not get his butter bar(S). He earned A butter bar. NOT PLURAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rating:
Summary: A Must read for anyone whos mate is in the active army...
Review: or thinking about it. My boyfriend of 3 years is taking me to two Military ball this year(!) and is thinking of going back active. Not having any idea what to expect on either night, I got this, and I can honestly say it has been a great help, and will most likly continue to be one when he becomes active again and I join him in his travels. It is a great book that covers everything from First Impressions to Military living on post and overseas. Mrs. Ann Crossley and Carol A Keller have the history and the knowlage and the know how to back this book up, and I am very greatful that they did!
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