PVLF 2025

Interview with Jyoti Barmola Mamgain, Author of "Drills, Thrills, and Spills"

Interview with Jyoti Barmola Mamgain on Drills, Thrills, and Spills, sharing the humor, resilience, and unseen strength of army wives.
on Mar 12, 2025

Frontlist: Your book offers a humorous and insightful look into life as an army wife. What inspired you to document these experiences, and what do you hope readers take away from it?

Jyoti: Having spent nearly 15 years as an Army wife, I have come to appreciate that while the Army is widely recognized for its valor, sacrifice, and dedication to the nation, there is another side to this life—one that often goes unnoticed. Beyond the parades and disciplined routines lies a world of deep traditions, vibrant camaraderie, and the quiet strength of those who keep the homefront thriving. Army wives are more than just supportive partners; they are the heart of this dynamic life. They create stability amid constant change, finding ways to make each new posting feel like home. They juggle careers, raise families, and navigate frequent relocations with remarkable resilience. From managing homes single-handedly during long separations to helping children adapt to new schools and unfamiliar surroundings, they turn every challenge into an opportunity for growth. What truly sets them apart is their ability to embrace unpredictability with grace, transforming obstacles into adventures and responsibilities into cherished traditions. The strength of their friendships, the shared laughter, and the deep-rooted bonds they form make Army life not just about sacrifice but about building a life rich with experiences. This book is my tribute to them—not just as the silent force behind the uniform but as the architects of a life where resilience and joy go hand in hand. Through humor and heartfelt anecdotes, I hope to give readers a glimpse into this extraordinary world—one where every drill comes with its own thrill, and even the spills turn into stories worth telling.

Frontlist: Your book reveals the hidden, often misunderstood aspects of army life. What are some of the biggest misconceptions people have about being an army wife?

Jyoti: I wouldn’t call it a misconception; rather, I’d say people often see only one side of the story, the one portrayed in movies and the media, where the spotlight is on the soldier’s chivalry and the family’s sacrifices. While those aspects are true, they are just a part of a much larger, more intricate reality.

In my book Drills, Thrills, and Spills: An Army Wife’s Tales, I wanted to highlight the everyday moments that make this journey so worthwhile—the magic of how, simply by our husbands donning the uniform, the same fervor for the nation seeps into us, the military wives, and our children. It isn’t just about standing behind the uniform; it’s about standing with it, embracing a way of life woven with traditions, unspoken bonds, and an unbreakable spirit.

Army life is not just about sacrifice; it’s about an unshakable support system, where one family becomes an extension of another. It’s about resilience, deep friendships, and the ability to find joy even in the toughest times. It is a world where goodbyes are frequent, yet welcomes are warmer; where homes are temporary, but the bonds we build last a lifetime.

An Army wife contributes far beyond what meets the eye. She is the backbone of the home front, holding things together while her husband serves. She is a mother who single-handedly raises children through frequent relocations and long separations. She is a financial planner, a repairwoman, a counselor, and a mentor to younger wives who are new to the Army way of life. She keeps traditions alive, brings people together, and fosters a spirit of camaraderie that makes Army life so special. She learns to thrive in uncertainty, adapt to new places, and create a sense of belonging wherever she goes.

Through my book, I wanted to shed light on this unseen strength—the Army wife who

doesn’t just support but builds, who doesn’t just endure but thrives, and who crafts a life so full of love, resilience, and joy that it becomes a story worth telling.

Frontlist: The title Drills, Thrills, and Spills suggests an adventure-filled life. What was one of the most thrilling or unexpected moments you experienced as an army wife that found its way into the book?

Jyoti: Almost every chapter of my book begins with a military life situation that starts off smoothly, only to slip into utter chaos and confusion before evolving into a story of resilience, lessons, and lifelong friendships. That’s the beauty of Army life: the unexpected becomes routine, and the challenges turn into cherished memories.

The most thrilling and unexpected moment, however, is right at the beginning- the very first chapter. Coming from a fast-paced metro city, with a set career and a modern lifestyle, I never imagined that I would one day leave it all behind for someone. And even more surprising? That I would be happier than ever in a life so drastically different from what I had envisioned for myself.

The transition from city life to the Army world was nothing short of an adventure—one filled with traditions I had never known, places I had never imagined living in, and experiences that tested and transformed me. From navigating my first posting, setting up a home in an unfamiliar place, and learning the unspoken rules of the fauj to embracing the deep camaraderie that binds us all together, every moment was a revelation.

Looking back, what seemed like a leap into the unknown turned out to be the most rewarding journey of my life. And that’s what Drills, Thrills, and Spills is all about- diving headfirst into the unexpected and discovering the magic within it.

Frontlist: Military life requires frequent relocations, adjustments, and new beginnings. How do you think these experiences shape army wives into resilient, empowered individuals?

Jyoti: Military life is a master class in adaptability, resilience, and personal growth. With every relocation, Army wives don’t just change addresses—they reinvent themselves, embracing new environments, people, and challenges with grace, strength, and an unshakable spirit.

Each move is an opportunity to grow. We step into unfamiliar places and turn them into warm, welcoming homes. We build friendships that feel like family, knowing that even though goodbyes are inevitable, the bonds we create are for life. We navigate everything—from setting up a new home overnight to finding the right schools for our children and sometimes even restarting our own careers while ensuring that life continues seamlessly for our families.

But above all, we remain the steady force behind our husbands, offering unwavering support so they can serve without worry. We stay positive through long separations, adapting to challenges with a smile because we know our strength gives them strength. We hold the home front, ensuring that no matter where duty takes them, they always have a place filled with love, warmth, and stability to return to.

These constant changes shape us into individuals who thrive in uncertainty. We become problem-solvers, quick thinkers, and emotionally strong women who know how to create joy in the toughest situations. We master the art of balancing independence with

community, strength with warmth, and challenges with laughter.

Most importantly, military life teaches us that resilience isn’t just about enduring—it’s about embracing every twist and turn, turning obstacles into opportunities, and finding happiness in the journey. After all, if we can turn an empty house into a home overnight, organize a farewell in a few hours, and pack up an entire life in under a week, what can’t we do? I almost feel like a superhero—except my cape is usually a saree!

Frontlist: Your book gives a voice to the often-overlooked experiences of army wives. What was the most rewarding part of sharing these stories with the world?

Jyoti: The most rewarding part of sharing these stories has been giving a voice to the incredible strength, resilience, and spirit of Army wives—the women who hold the fort while their husbands serve the nation.

Through Drills, Thrills, and Spills, I wanted to move beyond the stereotypical image of an Army wife and showcase the real stories—the laughter, the chaos, the friendships, and the everyday magic that makes this life so special. The biggest joy has been hearing from fellow Army wives who see their own experiences reflected in the book and say, "This is exactly what we go through!" Knowing that my words resonate with them, bring back memories, and even offer comfort makes it all worthwhile.

It has also been deeply fulfilling to share our journey with those outside the military world—to show them that behind every soldier stands a strong and dynamic woman, adapting, thriving, and making a home wherever the Army takes her. If my book helps even one person appreciate the unseen sacrifices and extraordinary spirit of Army wives, then I consider it a mission accomplished!

Frontlist: Army life can often feel like living in a parallel world. How did you approach bridging the gap between army and civilian life for readers who may be unfamiliar with it?

Jyoti: Army life truly does feel like a parallel world—one with its own language, traditions, and way of life. While writing the book, my goal was to make this world relatable, even to those who have never experienced it firsthand.

I approached this by blending humor, warmth, and real-life anecdotes so that readers—whether from the military or civilian life—could connect with the emotions behind the experiences. I wanted them to feel the excitement of a new posting, the chaos of last-minute farewells, the bittersweet goodbyes, and the sheer joy of finding a friend in an unfamiliar place.

I also made sure to break down the army jargon, explain traditions in a lighthearted way, and weave in universal themes—love, friendship, resilience, and finding happiness in the unexpected. Because at the end of the day, while Army life may seem different on the surface, the emotions that drive it are the same everywhere.

If a civilian reader finishes my book with a newfound appreciation for the life we lead, and an Army wife reads it and says, "This is exactly how it is!"—then I know I’ve successfully bridged the gap between these two worlds.

Frontlist: For International Women’s Day, what message would you like to share with women who are embracing new roles, challenges, and opportunities in life?

Jyoti: On this International Women’s Day, I want to celebrate the incredible strength, adaptability, and spirit of women everywhere—especially those stepping into new roles, facing challenges head-on, and embracing opportunities with courage.

Life, much like the Army, is full of unexpected postings. Some take us to places we never imagined, push us out of our comfort zones, and test our resilience. But with each new challenge comes the chance to grow, to redefine ourselves, and to create something beautiful out of the unfamiliar.

To every woman charting her own path—whether in a new career, a different city, or an unexpected phase of life—remember that you are stronger than you think. Trust yourself, embrace change, and never underestimate the power of sisterhood. Because when women lift each other up, there’s no challenge too big and no dream too distant. And if all else fails, just do what Army wives do—smile, adapt, and turn every drill into a thrill!