This dissertation is a phenomenological study of how American military spouses experience, give meaning to and navigate their shifting identities as a spouse of an active-duty military member, parents, as Americans, and as global citizens while living in Italy. Findings from 45 survey responses and 19 in-depth interviews completed in 2021, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, reveal how military spouses experience these different identities, often in tension with each other. These tensions are exacerbated during a pandemic. These identity tensions cannot be defined as a linear relationship. If a military spouse relates strongly with one identity it may create a stronger tension with another identity due to the overseas environment in which they find themselves, even if temporarily. For example, if a person identifies strongly as a military spouse, a tension may arise if they identify as a global citizen; or if a spouse identifies strongly as an American worker, a tension may arise when they are forced to identify as a military spouse. If they strongly identify as a global citizen, they may experience a tension identifying as an American. When these tensions are situated during a global pandemic, the identities can become further complicated. Some military spouses may begin new global citizen practices, although they may not realize this is taking place. Others may resist change and stand firm within a singular identity space that helps them feel safe. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]