A Male Military Spouse’s Perspective: Interview with Technical Sergeant Devin Silva

The landscape of military spouses has changed drastically in the last decade. Historically, the spouse community is thought of as an all-female community or, majority female. However, in the last few decades, this landscape has begun to change and diversify.

According to the Air and Space Force Association, 10% of all spouses are male with 13.8% of spouses in the Air Force being male. This can create some gaps in how information is distributed among spouses when it comes to deployment and reintegration. It can also cause day to day challenges as well. 

I am excited to introduce Technical Seargent (Tsgt) Devin Silva who has graciously given some perspective on not only being a male military spouse but also, a dual military couple. 

Thank you Tsgt. Silva for taking the time to give us insight. Please introduce yourself.  

My name is Tsgt. Devin Silva, I am a part of the Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE) squadron here at Fairchild Air Force Base in Washington State. 

What are some of the challenges you face as a male military spouse? 

From a dual military perspective, our biggest challenge is the different work schedules my wife and I work. My wife is a shift worker, while I work Thursday-Monday every week. Finding times where our schedule aligns is incredibly difficult. 

When it comes to deployment or extended TDYs as a spouse, what are barriers or difficulties you experience as a male military spouse? 

My work schedule; when my wife is away, it is hard to find dog care. It would be amazing if this was a service provided by the base, so our animals did not have to be locked up for hours. 

What are some ways that squadrons can do better about getting resources and information out to military spouses? (Context: information about homecomings, deployment resources/events for deployed families) 

The SERE squadron where I work, lacks connectivity to the main side. We are often forgotten about and miss out on most events of this nature. 

Laura: I am sure that is very difficult. On Fairchild Air Force Base, the SERE training section is away from the main side of the base. It can feel very isolating to permanent parties of that technical training school, like SERE instructors and their families.  

This leads us into our last question Tsgt Silva, what are some ways you think that squadrons can help amplify male spouse voices? 

I know in the military, most spouses are thought of being women. I think having a male military spouse group could help male spouses get connected with others that are in similar situations. 

Thank you Tsgt. Silva for taking the time to give us a small perspective on being a male military spouse. I also want to thank you for giving us some perspective on dual military life as well. 

If you’re a male military spouse, we are here for you. Please join us on the HUB for more content, connection and resources. We also have mentors who would love to connect with you and help you thrive in the military spouse life.