Do Married Military Couples Get Stationed Together? Explained
The Department of Defense reported that over 111,000 military members are in dual-military marriages or situations in which both spouses are in the Armed Forces. These military couples account for one percent of all active duty service members. Because the situation is quite rare, these dual-military couples face unique challenges that make balancing their professional and personal lives trickier than most.
If both spouses are in the Air Force, Marine Corps, or Space Force, does their dual-military marriage automatically mean they get stationed together? We’ll answer this question and explore options for joint assignments. We’ll also share helpful tips to help couples keep their marriage strong despite military challenges.
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Are Dual Military Couples Automatically Stationed Together?
No, dual-military couples aren’t automatically assigned to the same location. The duty location of a service member depends on the service member’s service branch and assignment. Dual-military couples can explore joint assignment programs to keep their family members close to one another. These programs do not instantly grant joint military couples the opportunity to be stationed together but can help ensure assignments within 100 miles of each other.
Expectations as a Dual Military Couple
As mentioned, couples rendering military service should know that a dual-military marriage isn’t easy. It can be incredibly fulfilling, but it takes effort to make it work. Before you marry someone from the Marine Corps, you should understand what you’re getting into. Here are some things to consider to have realistic expectations of this marriage arrangement:
Possible Separation and Deployment
If you’re married to another service member, your marital status won’t necessarily mean you’ll be together throughout your career, even if you’re from the same service. Military deployments, operations, and remote assignments may lead to extended periods when you can’t join your spouse on destinations.
It might even be possible that you’d have to say goodbye to your spouse because of deployment orders just when you return from military service elsewhere.
While you may explore joint assignments, especially if you’re from the same branch, you need to manage expectations by accepting that it’s possible to be physically separated because of military duties. Your duty stations may differ, and this can put stress on a relationship without a solid support system.
What are Joint Assignment Programs?
Fortunately, service members can explore branch policies that empower families. Setting up for ‘join spouse’ preference can help keep the family together. While this option doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be stationed together, it enhances your chances. It can at least ensure you are stationed within one hundred miles of one another.
The Air Force Joint Spouse Program
The Air Force Joint Spouse Program permits dual-military couples from the Air Force to be stationed together. If job opportunities that fit their specialties aren’t within the same location, this program can station each spouse within 50 miles and keep a joint residence.
To apply for this program, the married couple should provide their marriage certificate to update their marital status on personnel records. Assignment preferences can be adjusted accordingly. The Air Force’s Personnel Center can provide more details.
About Married Army Couples Program
Army service members can have joint domicile while fulfilling their military duties through the Married Army Couples Program (MACP), which is available for those with a spouse in the same or another service branch.
It should be highlighted that job opportunities depend on the vacancies in the area and whether the position would negatively affect one’s career in the Armed Forces. This service branch puts its members’ career advancement first which may impact your request results. The Human Resources Command (HRC) website can provide more details on the MACP.
Marine Corps Dual Military Household Assignment Policy
The Marine Corps Dual Military Household Assignment Policy empowers married service members by allowing for a one-year deployment delay or dependents-restricted tour if their other half recently returned from a tour.
This policy stipulates that the dual-military couple must’ve been wed before one of them was deployed. The Marine Corps has this particular policy because its members are typically the first ones deployed.
In addition, the Dual Military Monitor was recently set up. This monitor facilitates coordination between the couple’s primary military occupational specialty monitors, which can help their family achieve a better balance.
Likewise, the Navy has a specific program to co-locate military couples, especially those married to other military personnel. This program assists dual-military couples in moving in together and having a joint household, if possible.
However, assignments are only available according to the Navy’s open positions, and co-location or immediate reassignment isn’t always granted. The program also highlights that co-location with spouses from other military branches may be trickier. This program link can provide more information.
Keeping Dual Military Marriages Strong
Dual-military couples face tough challenges regardless of where the couple is stationed. However, it’s possible to keep the marriage solid if both parties work together. Here are some helpful tips to keep one’s dual-military marriage strong:
Respect and Support One Another
Before you married your spouse, you both were individuals with goals. You should consider your spouse’s career ambitions as seriously as your own. You should align your goals and game plan with theirs to ensure you’re both happy.
Communication is Key
Like in any other relationship, communication plays an integral role in making a dual-military marriage work. Even if you’re physically apart from your spouse, you should maintain a line of open communication.
You both should make an effort to accommodate each other’s military schedules and talk to one another honestly. Working as a team can help you overcome your relationship’s challenges.
Always Be Prepared to Switch Roles
Flexibility is a must to meet your family’s needs. You should prepare to compromise on each other’s career demands and share family responsibilities. This may entail picking up the kids from school, paying the bills, and cooking meals.
Get Ready with Contingency Plans
Preparation is vital in a dual-military marriage. Once you’ve set up your family care plan, you should have contingencies to accommodate different scenarios. Your military career means unpredictability, and your living arrangements might be impacted. Hence, it’s best to be prepared.
Ask For Support
A solid support system can fortify dual-military marriages. Conversely, all military branches have resources available to assist families. You shouldn’t hesitate to ask for help if needed.
SCRA Impact on Dual Military Marriage
People in a dual-military marriage can get help through the SCRA or the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act. This federal legislation mandates that all pre-service debt be reduced to a 6% interest rate. This SCRA protection can help married couples better manage their budget.
Another notable SCRA protection is eviction protection. If a service member gets deployed, the property owner or landlord is prohibited from making them leave their home due to missed payments. This SCRA benefit applies to lodging, personal properties, and vehicles.
Military members on active duty can also terminate lease agreements without penalties, so they won’t have to worry about the extra costs of breaking a contract.
Final Words
While married couples in the military may have tough times, there are programs and policies in place that can help make the marriage work. If the couple decides to enact SCRA protections, they need proof of military status. SCRACVS can help provide evidence of military service. Click here to sign up at SCRAVS and verify the active duty status.
FAQs
Do married couples get stationed together in the military?
It is possible for the couple to be stationed together, but it’s not always automatic. This depends on the service branch’s needs and the opportunities available at a desired location.
What are the benefits afforded to military spouses?
The spouses of servicememebrs enjoy plenty of benefits, such as healthcare, housing allowance, and other services available on military bases. Active-duty members are also provided SCRA protections, but these are requested individually.
Can you take your spouse with you in the military?
It is possible, but you may be physically separated for months at a time because of military duties. If you’re both willing to make sacrifices, the marriage can work.
Can married couples live on a military base?
Your spouse can move in with you in base housing. However, you can explore living off-base if it is more practical for your family.
How do different branches handle dual-military couples?
Each branch has specific policies and programs to help dual-military couples. These programs can try to ensure servicemembers are stationed together or, at the very least, within 100 miles of one another. While requests are not always granted, they can increase one’s chances of being physically together more often.
