Typical [insert service here] spouse. Do all services have the "Dependopottamus"?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 Oct 2014 11:09:37 -0400

I was recently talking with colleagues about Army wives and the clichés we see from them.

-A few of the things we saw over and over are:
-Buying an EOS Rebel camera and thinking that qualifies them to be a professional photographer.
-Using their husband's one time elective surgery for breast enhancement/liposuction.
-Trying to wear their husband's rank on base or with other wives, especially in the FRG.
-Thinking they can make a decent second income by selling crafts. Many invest money into these crafts to sell. A few actually try to sell them, fewer succeed at selling them. We knew of noone who did not lose money doing this.
-And of couse the Dependopottamus: note, this is not simply an Army wife who is overweight, a dependopottamus is the Army wife who is pretty much only in it for the benefits of being an Army wife such as insurance, the money, tricare, dental and the overall security of having a working husband, they do not work or actively take part in unit events, they will only do what it takes to remain a military dependant.

We were talking about this and we were curious if the spouse stereotypes were the same across all services, and also I want to know what the typical Army Husband is.

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Oct 15 at 2014 11:10 AM

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Wed, 15 Oct 2014 11:10:04 -0400

For the AF...yes to all of them

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2014 11:58 AM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 15 Oct 2014 11:58:39 -0400

What good things have you seen among Army wives, SFC Private RallyPoint Member? I've seen many of the items you list, but there are also hardworking wives who are motivated and an important part of the Army family. I know, for example, when I was on active duty, my wife ...

- was not overweight
- worked a regular job AND did most of the cooking, cleaning, housework
- attended college evenings and weekends and earned a degree
- raised our two daughters (mostly with little help from me)
- handled extended absences with courage and grace
- put up with moving around the world for twenty-plus years

Any other good traits of Army spouses?

Response by PO2 Aubrey Mayberry made Dec 3 at 2014 9:46 AM

PO2 Aubrey Mayberry — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 09:46:33 -0500

See it in the navy

Response by SFC Angela Castrovinci made Sep 7 at 2017 4:30 PM

SFC Angela Castrovinci — Thu, 07 Sep 2017 16:30:06 -0400

I think you see this in all branches, but most of the wives I have met in my 12 year career were wonderful women who loved their husbands. Active duty is a completely different story. I was AGR most of my career, so stability was there. I hear about it in regular Army, and all the others active branches.

Response by Sgt John Ervin made Sep 7 at 2017 4:53 PM

Sgt John Ervin — Thu, 07 Sep 2017 16:53:13 -0400

I worked in base housing as a exterminator (Pest Management specialist), so I got to see all kinds of different species of dependopottamus in the USAF...It was the middle 80's so no cell phones, no cable tv, no internet.. it was different world that many dependopottamus's just did not fit into. I imagine that they have a much easier time now. With dishwashers, microwaves, internet, cell phones and all the electronic crap we have now a days

Response by PO1 Bill Adams made Sep 7 at 2017 5:41 PM

PO1 Bill Adams — Thu, 07 Sep 2017 17:41:02 -0400

I had shipmates marry what I thought at the time were Dependopottami. (Yes, that is the correct plural.)

Some are still happily married to them 40 years later.

Point being, you can't tell a Dependopottamus by it's cover.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden Passed 7/29/2025 made Sep 7 at 2017 11:03 PM

CSM Charles Hayden Passed 7/29/2025 — Thu, 07 Sep 2017 23:03:12 -0400

When I meet a military couple, my praise and appreciation of the spouse's service is always appreciated!

Response by SSG James N. made Sep 8 at 2017 7:04 AM

SSG James N. — Fri, 08 Sep 2017 07:04:05 -0400

You missed the Tricaratops. She comes with a smooth look, young face, and goes only after E4 and below, the newer the better. She waits for deployment, then wants to get married. Two days after you leave, she and mom(who's been running the con the entirer time) fleece your young dumb ass and you learn why your squad leader, and TL ben telling you FUCK NO, STAHHHP