“Like all good stories, you will find that you learn something about the world, and you learn something about yourself as well. Military moms, working moms, single moms, stay-at-home moms—this book is for all moms—and the people who love them. ”

“Patricia Qaiyyim gives us a rare look into the world of the courageous women who have dedicated their lives to serving our country while raising children. First hand insights of the unique challenges they faced as mothers in a male dominated world. Moms in the Military is a must read. I strongly recommend it for women considering a career in the military. ”

“Military Writers Society of America Review :
In her own words, Author Patricia Qaiyyim advises us she wrote Moms in the Military “to help other women understand that they are not alone and provide some helpful insight into their roles as servicewomen and mothers.”
The book accomplishes exactly what the author intended and, in the process, reveals to the civilian the challenges faced by military personnel who are also mothers.
Active duty, reserve, and retired servicewomen from all branches of service offer their insights and experiences on several topics: choosing motherhood and service, family reaction to that choice, the impact of raising a child without a nearby family, the impact of the mother’s extended absences, the impact on the mother’s military service because she is raising children, fears and regrets, rewards and motivations, and, finally, the impact of motherhood on military service.
Several themes emerge as the interviewees share their experiences. Not least among them is the desire to be a good role model for their daughters, to be part of something larger than themselves, to recognize the need to create “family” among other military women, and to enjoy a job with good pay and outstanding benefits for themselves as well as their spouses and children.

Patricia Qaiyyim does an excellent job of explaining military terms and leads off with a glossary at the beginning of the volume. References are well-annotated, and the rank structure is explained. There is also a page of “Tips for Moms” that is helpful.
Although many of the challenges military moms face also apply to mothers in civilian life who hold demanding jobs that require relocation, travel, and long hours, the military service of the interviewed moms is unique. And very few of them would give up one role for the other. They manage, they thrive, they innovate, and they make the path smoother for those who will follow them.
This is a book worth reading for any mom or dad, for any woman or man. But more importantly, it is valuable for any person responsible for setting military policy regarding servicewomen.
In a society that continues to demand more from women than from men regarding raising children, our policymakers should be required to read this book.
Well done, Ms. Qaiyyim!”

“As I read this book I was genuinely surprised to get such insight into how the military moms were able to meet the challenges of being a mother and serving their country. I also like how Patricia Qaiyyim arranged and inserted the interviews in the book. A must read for women and men and those that are parents in the military or not.””