Season 5 of Behind the Camouflage is kicking things off with an episode all about positivity — and why it often gets a bad rap. In this conversation, we sit down with Leigh Conant, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP), couples therapist, and military spouse, to explore how being “too positive” is frequently misunderstood and why that perception can be harmful.

Leigh defines toxic positivity, discusses how positivity impacts mental health, and shares how to build a healthier, more sustainable mindset. The key takeaway is her practical framework — Recognize, Reframe, and Resource — a system that helps people acknowledge emotions honestly, shift perspective when appropriate, and identify the support they need to move forward.

This episode sets the tone for Season 5 with an honest, grounding conversation about resilience, emotional awareness, and using positivity as a tool — not a weapon. Give a listen! 

You can connect with Leigh through her website at leighconant.com

The post Positive on Purpose – Behind the Camouflage Season 5 | Episode 1 first appeared on Marine Corps Association.

In our Season 4 finale of Behind the Camouflage, we sit down with 1stSgt Stacie Black, USMC (Ret) to explore her extraordinary journey through service, leadership, and life in the Marine Corps community. Stacie reflects on her own time in uniform, her transition into becoming a Marine Corps spouse, and the unique perspective gained as the wife of the 19th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, Troy Black.

She shares how she and Troy met, what those early years of marriage and military life looked like, and the lessons that shaped her as both a First Sergeant and a leader within the spouse community. Stacie also talks about balancing service, family, and entrepreneurship — and what her business has taught her along the way.

We close with reflections on the moments that defined her resilience, her advice for today’s military spouses, and what’s bringing her joy now.

A powerful, heartfelt finale celebrating purpose, identity, and the strength found behind the camouflage. Give a listen!

Read more about Stacie Black’s story here!

The post Service, Spousehood, and Strength with 1stSgt Stacie Black, USMC (Ret) – Behind The Camouflage Season 4 | Episode 12 first appeared on Marine Corps Association.

Hey, Hey, Hey Listeners! It’s our last In the Box of Season 4 and we’re shutting it down by answering listeners vital questions about situations every military spouse has probably faced and likely felt deep within their soul!

The BTC Team dives into conversation on questions about deployment homecomings (and extra visitors during them), the unit holiday potluck, and surviving “Griswold Christmas” energy. And, as a bonus we conclude this episode with some funny and lighthearted talk about some of those funny things that military spouses say and do – that no one else thinks is normal.

So, grab your coffee and join the BTC team for an episode you don’t want to miss. Give a listen!

The post In The Box – Behind The Camouflage Season 4 | Episode 11 first appeared on Marine Corps Association.

In this episode, the team sits down to have a candid conversation on life after the corps. We lean into conversation with our very own Heather Escamilla to talk about the transition from active duty to retired life. Then we’re joined by special guest Staci Holt, retired Marine Corps spouse and Director of Business Strategy for Military Spouses with Military Affairs at USAA, and a true champion in the military spouse community. Staci opens up about her family’s transition out of the Marine Corps: the big emotions, the tough adjustments, and the journey toward rediscovering purpose.

Together, we dive into what it means to build a meaningful life after service — navigating change, staying rooted in your passion, and embracing the next chapter with clarity and confidence.

Whether you’re a service member, spouse, veteran, or supporter, this episode offers heartfelt insight and empowering takeaways for anyone walking their own transition journey. Give a listen!

The post Life After the Corps – Behind the Camouflage Season 4 | Episode 10 first appeared on Marine Corps Association.

In this episode, we sit down with Kate Horrell—Accredited Financial Counselor®, Chartered Financial Consultant®, Military Qualified Financial Planner®, retired Navy spouse, and mom of four young adults—for a practical and encouraging conversation about preparing teens and young adults for financial success. Kate shares real-world insights from her professional expertise and personal experience, offering guidance that helps families approach college planning with clarity and confidence.

Together, we explore how early families should begin thinking about college costs—and what to do if they’re getting a late start. Kate also breaks down how to support big educational dreams, highlights financial opportunities available to military families, and shares the foundational money habits every young adult should learn before leaving home. Give a listen!

https://www.katehorrell.com

College Finance Template

The post Future-Ready: College & Money – Behind The Camouflage Season 4 | Episode 9 first appeared on Marine Corps Association.

We’re back with another In the Box episode — and this time, we’re celebrating a major milestone: the 250th Birthday of the United States Marine Corps! 

The BTC team dives into listener questions all about the Marine Corps Birthday — from what to wear and whether it’s okay to bring your kids, to the traditions that make the evening unforgettable. We even share some of our favorite birthday ball memories, gifts, and moments that make this celebration so special.

So grab your coffee and join the BTC Team for a candid conversation all about this historic tradition that might just have you asking yourself.. are you in the box? Give a listen!

This episode features The Marines’ Hymn, performed by The U.S. Marine Band. Learn more here!

The post In the Box: Marine Corps Birthday Edition – Behind The Camouflage Season 4 | Episode 8 first appeared on Marine Corps Association.

In this episode, we sit down with Rear Admiral Carey Cash, Chaplain of the Marine Corps, for a meaningful conversation about connection, community, and shared purpose. Chaplain Cash shares personal stories about how relationships have strengthened him throughout his journey and explores how leaning into connection can bring happiness, resilience, and truth to our lives.

Together, we discuss the vital role of community in supporting mental health and suicide prevention, especially within the unique challenges of military life. Whether you’re a military spouse, service member, or part of the extended Marine Corps family, this episode is a reminder that we are never meant to do life alone. Give a listen!

If you are in crisis or need immediate support, please contact the National Mental Health Hotline by calling or texting 988.

The post The Power of Connection – Behind The Camouflage Season 4 | Episode 7 first appeared on Marine Corps Association.

This week we’re back with another round of In the Box, where we unpack listener questions and decide whether their choices are “in the box” or a little outside of it.

From overhead luggage etiquette and requiring spouse events to be kid-friendly, to celebrating our spouses’ accomplishments, and navigating the chaos of holiday travel, the BTC Team is tackling it all.

So grab your coffee and join the BTC Team for a candid and relatable conversation that might just have you asking yourself.. are you in the box? Give a listen!

Do you have a question you want BTC to answer in a segment of “In the Box”?

Submit your question here!

The post In The Box – Behind The Camouflage Season 4 | Episode 6 first appeared on Marine Corps Association.

In this episode of Behind the Camouflage, we sit down with Jill Castilla, Present and CEO of Roger and Citizens Bank of Edmond, for a powerful and emotional conversation about resilience, leadership, and financial readiness. Jill shares her deeply personal journey of overcoming trauma and how she found strength through struggle – offering inspiration for anyone navigating life’s toughest seasons.

She also provides timely, practical advice on managing finances through the government shutdown, with insights tailored to military families facing uncertainty. This episode is a reminder that even in hardship, there is power in perseverance. Give a listen!

Resources from this episode:

Army Emergency Relief

Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society

The post Strength through Struggle – Behind The Camouflage Season 4 | Episode 5 first appeared on Marine Corps Association.

In this special breaking news episode, we sit down with Jen Goodale, Director of Military Family and Survivor Policy at the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) to discuss the government shutdown and its impact on military families. Jen breaks down what’s happening, what it means for pay and benefits, and shares practical resources and actions families can take to prepare and find support during this uncertain time.

MOAA Call to Action – The Pay Our Troops Act of 2026 (H.R. 5401)

The post Special Episode: The Government Shutdown first appeared on Marine Corps Association.