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.

This week we’re rolling out a special edition of the show: In the Box. Think of it as our way of putting listener questions under the spotlight and deciding whether their choices are “in the box” or… maybe a little outside of it.

From Marine Corps birthday ball attendance, to bringing pets to family day, and even the popular debate on the dress code at the PC – we’re weighing in with equal parts humor, honesty. and military spouse real talk. 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 4 first appeared on Marine Corps Association.

In this episode of Behind the Camouflage, we explore the vital role fitness plays in overall health and readiness. Our team kicks things off with a conversation about our own fitness journeys – the wins, the struggles, and what keeps us moving – before welcoming Nicholas Gounaris, Director of Strength and Conditioning with the Warrior Athlete Readiness and Resilience (WARR) Branch.

Together we talk about why fitness matters for military spouses and families and how it impacts overall health and well-being. Nic shares the changes to the SemperFit programs and provides  tangible ways to use WARR programs to stay active and strong no matter where military life takes you. Give a listen!

WARR: Building Strength That Lasts

WARR: Camp Lejeune / New River

WARR: Camp Pendleton

The post Fitness and Health – Behind The Camouflage Season 4 | Episode 3 first appeared on Marine Corps Association.

On this episode of Behind the Camouflage we’re having a conversation centered on spouse employment—an issue that affects countless military families.

The episode opens with Coffee Talk, where our team shares personal stories of building careers while navigating the unique challenges of military life. From frequent PCS moves to gaps in employment and the search for meaningful work, we explore the realities of career-building as a military spouse and the resilience it requires.

We’re also joined by Meredith Lozar from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and Hiring Our Heroes. A Marine Corps spouse herself, Meredith offers both personal and professional insights into the employment landscape for military spouses. She shares key statistics, highlights impactful programs, and provides encouragement for those navigating their own employment journey. Give a listen!

Resources:

Hiring our Heroes

Hiring our Heroes for Military Spouses

Amplify

Military Spouse Career Accelerator Program

The post Spouse Employment – Behind The Camouflage Season 4 | Episode 2 first appeared on Marine Corps Association.

Season 4 is here and we’re kicking things off on Behind the Camouflage with a conversation that’s at the heart of the military community—volunteerism. From Coffee Talk with our team to an inspiring interview with guest Berlinda Castillo, we’re diving into what it means to volunteer, why it is so vital, and how it shapes the lives of military families everywhere.

Berlinda’s story is one of dedication, leadership, and a genuine heart for service. She embodies what it means to be a servant leader, and her journey reminds us of the incredible impact one person can make in a community. She talks about how volunteering doesn’t have to be complicated—it can be as simple as showing up, serving with authenticity, and using the opportunity to discover your passion and connect with your community. Give a listen!

The post Volunteerism – Behind The Camouflage Season 4 | Episode 1 first appeared on Marine Corps Association.