Behind the Camouflage Podcast

Home Is Where The Marine Corps Sends You: MCRD Parris Island with Shelby Bateman – Behind The Camouflage Season 6 | Episode 2

Behind the Camouflage continues Season 6 with another installment of our summer series, “Home is Where the Marine Corps Sends You.” In Episode 2, we’re headed to Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, where the base motto says it all: “We Make Marines.” This week, we’re joined by Shelby Bateman to talk about what makes MCRD Parris Island such a special and unique duty station. From the pride and tradition of living and working at the depot to the challenges that come with the fast pace and mission-focused environment, Shelby shares an honest look at life in a place unlike any other. We cover the questions military families often ask before a move, including housing, schools, community, and what day-to-day life can look like while stationed at Parris Island. This is an episode you won’t want to miss – Give a listen! The post Home Is Where The Marine Corps Sends You: MCRD Parris Island with Shelby Bateman – Behind The Camouflage Season 6 | Episode 2 [https://www.mca-marines.org/podcast/behind-the-camouflage/mcrd-parris-island-with-shelby-bateman/] first appeared on Marine Corps Association [https://www.mca-marines.org].

Home is Where the Marine Corps Sends You: Okinawa with Claire Weisenfels – Behind the Camouflage Season 6 | Episode 1

Behind the Camouflage is back for Season 6, and we’re kicking things off with the return of our summer series, “Home is Where the Marine Corps Sends You.” This season, we’re diving into the unique places, experiences, and challenges that come with military life, from overseas duty stations like Guam and Okinawa to recruiting duty, life at the recruit depot, and everything that goes into making a PCS happen. In our season opener, we welcome Claire Weisenfels, who is currently stationed in Okinawa, to share her family’s experiences living in the Pacific and navigating some of the Marine Corps’ more unique duty stations. From living out in town to adjusting to island life, embracing new communities, and even finding the best burger on Okinawa, this fun and honest conversation covers a little bit of everything. Whether you’re preparing for your next move, curious about life overseas, or just love hearing real stories from military families, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Give a listen! The post Home is Where the Marine Corps Sends You: Okinawa with Claire Weisenfels – Behind the Camouflage Season 6 | Episode 1 [https://www.mca-marines.org/podcast/behind-the-camouflage/home-is-where-the-marine-corps-sends-you-okinawa-with-claire-weisenfels/] first appeared on Marine Corps Association [https://www.mca-marines.org].

Community and What Comes Next – Behind the Camouflage Season 5 | Episode 13

It’s the Season 5 finale of Behind the Camouflage and we’re closing out the season with a conversation from the BTC team! In this finale, we share how we each build community as Marine Corps spouses, highlighting the different ways we connect, create relationships, and find our people throughout military life. This conversation reflects the many paths to building a sense of belonging. We also talk about what’s currently happening with the BTC program and how it continues to grow. And of course, we couldn’t wrap up the season without giving you a sneak peek into what Season 6 has in store. Give a listen! The post Community and What Comes Next – Behind the Camouflage Season 5 | Episode 13 [https://www.mca-marines.org/podcast/behind-the-camouflage/129474/] first appeared on Marine Corps Association [https://www.mca-marines.org].

Starting Strong: School Transitions for Military Kids – Behind the Camouflage Season 5 | Episode 12

In this week’s episode of Behind the Camouflage, we sit down with Julie Fulton, School Liaison Officer at Camp Lejeune, to talk about one of the biggest transitions for military-connected children, Kindergarten! With years of experience supporting military families and helping shape the School Liaison Program, Julie shares insight into why transitions—especially early ones like entering kindergarten—can be so impactful for both children and parents. We discuss the unique challenges military families face when it comes to education, frequent moves, and finding the right support systems along the way. Julie also highlights how the School Liaison Office helps families feel more confident and prepared, offering resources, guidance, and connection during times that can often feel overwhelming. Whether you’re preparing for your child’s first day of school or navigating yet another PCS, this conversation offers reassurance, perspective, and practical support for military families at every stage. Give a listen! The post Starting Strong: School Transitions for Military Kids – Behind the Camouflage Season 5 | Episode 12 [https://www.mca-marines.org/podcast/behind-the-camouflage/starting-strong-school-transitions-for-military-kids/] first appeared on Marine Corps Association [https://www.mca-marines.org].

From Service to Empowerment with Dr. Kendra Lowe – Behind the Camouflage Episode 11 | Season 5

In this week’s episode of Behind the Camouflage, we sit down with Dr. Kendra Lowe, Director of Military Spouse Programs at First Command, Air Force veteran, military spouse, and nationally recognized advocate for military families. Dr. Lowe shares her journey of service — from in the camouflage, to behind the camouflage, and now into a role where she is actively supporting and inspiring military spouses across the workforce. We dive into the importance of military spouses in today’s workplace, the challenges they face, and what organizations can do to move beyond awareness and create meaningful, lasting change. We also talk about balancing the many layers of military life — careers, transitions, and family — and Dr. Lowe offers practical, empowering advice for spouses navigating it all. A special thank you to First Command for sponsoring the upcoming Modern Day Marine Spouse Summit on April 30th at the Washington Convention Center. This episode is a powerful conversation on advocacy, opportunity, and the impact of investing in military spouses. Give a listen! ---------------------------------------- LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UPCOMING MDM SPOUSE SUMMIT MDM Spouse Summit [https://marinemilitaryexpos.com/military-spouse-summit/] The post From Service to Empowerment with Dr. Kendra Lowe – Behind the Camouflage Episode 11 | Season 5 [https://www.mca-marines.org/podcast/behind-the-camouflage/from-service-to-empowerment-with-dr-kendra-lowe-behind-the-camouflage-episode-11-season-5/] first appeared on Marine Corps Association [https://www.mca-marines.org].