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Our Publications


Naval Services FamilyLine volunteers have been creating and publishing guidelines for United States Navy families since 1965. Some publications are available as hard copies and some are digital downloads. Each publication is free-of-charge for our Navy families. For assistance, contact publicationsdirector@nsfamilyline.org

Hard Copies

  • Hard copy orders will be shipped approximately two weeks after placing your order, however, it may take up to four weeks to receive your order.
  • FamilyLine does not charge for publications or associated shipping fees.
  • CONUS orders are shipped via Media Mail from our office located onboard the Washington Navy Yard. OCONUS orders are shipped via Priority Mail.
  • We use recycled shipping materials whenever possible to reduce costs and waste.

Sea Legs: A Handbook for Navy Life and Service

$0.00

A must-have for every Navy spouse! Here you’ll find support services, benefits, privileges, healthcare, social customs and protocol, changing duty stations, and deployments. Also included is information on the Navy’s history, mission, and structure, a glossary of terms and acronyms, and a list of resources.

This publication is an excellent addition to Command Welcome Aboard Packages, pre-deployment briefings, and new spouse orientation classes.

Available in Digital (PDF) format only.

Please limit your digital publication order to 1 copy per publication.
Ordering more than 1 copy of a digital publication will result in repetitive emails that will contain the same PDF link.

Sea Legs: The Family Member’s Guide to the US Coast Guard

$0.00

This edition of Sea Legs contains information that can assist active duty and Reserve Coast Guardsmen, their spouses, family members and friends. In using this publication, be sure to review the valuable resources of the Coast Guard and support organizations, which are listed throughout. For specific information, Coast Guard families are encouraged to contact their servicing Health, Safety, and Work-Life Regional Practice (HSWL RP) or nearest Military Service Family Center. You may also contact your unit ombudsman.

Available in Digital (PDF) format only.

Please limit your digital publication order to 1 copy per publication.
Ordering more than 1 copy of a digital publication will result in repetitive emails that will contain the same PDF link.

Social Customs and Traditions of the Navy

$0.00

This book acquaints spouses with the social customs, traditions, and organizations that are part of the sea service communities. It also addresses sea service etiquette, entertaining, ceremonies, and attire guidelines.

This publication is useful for Command Welcome Aboard Packages, New Spouse Orientation classes, CPO Selectee Spouse Meet and Greet events, and spouse club social functions.

Available in Digital (PDF) and Hard Copy. 

Please limit your digital publication order to 1 copy per publication.
Ordering more than 1 copy of a digital publication will result in repetitive emails that will contain the same PDF link.

Are You Ready? Guidelines for Navy Family Emergency Preparedness

$0.00

This handbook includes valuable information on creating a Family Emergency Plan, completing Emergency Contact Cards and creating an Emergency Supply Kit. Information is also included to help you before, during, and after an emergency situation.

This publication is useful for Command Welcome Aboard Packages, pre-deployment briefings, and safety stand-down briefings.

Available in Digital (PDF) format only. 

Please limit your digital publication order to 1 copy per publication.
Ordering more than 1 copy of a digital publication will result in repetitive emails that will contain the same PDF link.

Guidelines for Spouses of Chief Petty Officers

$0.00

This recently revised booklet is the result of a world-wide collaboration with CPO spouses all around the globe. This booklet serves as an excellent source of information for spouses of new Chief Petty Officers as they transition into the Navy CPO family and season. The booklet provides answers to frequently asked questions, and offers helpful guidance regarding the history and origin of the Navy Chief Petty Officer, the 6-week period most commonly known as the season, uniforms, professionalism, and pay schedule.

This publication is useful for CPO Selectee Spouse Meet & Greet events or CPO Selectee Spouse symposiums.

CPO Selectee Spouse Resources

  • Program Flyer – Brief description of all NS FamilyLine Programs and the U.S. Navy’s MyNavy Family App.
  • US Navy Uniforms – Navy Personnel Command Uniform Information.
  • MyNavy Uniforms App – provides U.S. Navy Sailors with the necessary information and guidance to properly wear all Navy Uniforms, components, and accouterments.

Available in Digital (PDF) format only.  

Please limit your digital publication order to 1 copy per publication.
Ordering more than 1 copy of a digital publication will result in repetitive emails that will contain the same PDF link.

Guidelines for the Spouses of Command Master Chiefs and Chiefs of the Boat

$0.00

This book helps to define the important role of the Command Master Chief Spouse or Chief of the Boat Spouse as a member of the Command Support Team. This helpful resource also provides information regarding deployments, available military family support resources, and emergency guidelines.

This publication is a useful complement to the Command Master Chief Spouse Leadership Course.

Available in Digital (PDF) format only.  

Please limit your digital publication order to 1 copy per publication.
Ordering more than 1 copy of a digital publication will result in repetitive emails that will contain the same PDF link.

Guidelines for Spouses of Commanding Officers and Executive Officers

$0.00

This book is an invaluable aid in defining the Commanding Officer’s Spouse or Executive Officer’s Spouse as a member of the Command Support Team. It offers practical insights and information regarding deployments, available military family support resources, and emergency guidelines.

This publication is a useful complement to the Command Spouse Leadership Course.

Available in Digital (PDF) and Hard Copy. 

Please limit your digital publication order to 1 copy per publication.
Ordering more than 1 copy of a digital publication will result in repetitive emails that will contain the same PDF link.

Guidelines for Navy Reserve Families

$0.00

This guide is designed to provide Navy Reserve members and their families with information that will assist them in preparing for their military lives. It provides information on family support services, pay and benefits, and the mobilization process. Pages 81-89 are available as a printable packet for e-book readers. This packet includes the Service Member Information Worksheet.

This publication makes an excellent addition to Command Welcome Aboard Packages and pre-deployment briefings.

Available in Digital (PDF) and Hard Copy. 

Please limit your digital publication order to 1 copy per publication.
Ordering more than 1 copy of a digital publication will result in repetitive emails that will contain the same PDF link.