Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 1/18/2008

Question
QUESTION: do you know anything about the army special operations combat medic course at fort bragg, or know anyone who does?

ANSWER: Dear Natasha --

I know the Special Operations Combat Medic course is not open to women, if that is why you are asking.  If you asked your question, for a different reason, please write back.



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: i was really wondering if you knew if a solder could live off base with his fiance during this training or if he had to be married, or just stay on base. thanks so much for your help!

Answer
Dear Natasha --

During basic and initial training Soldiers are not allowed to live off-post whether they are married or not.  During long term training -- over six months, they are allowed to bring their families, if they are married.

For specialized training, such as Ranger School, SEAL training, and Special Operations training, Soldiers and Sailors are usually not allowed to bring their families, and generally must live on post.  There may be long weekends or holiday periods where the Soldier in training can leave post and visit family and friends, but I recommend that girlfriends, boyfriends, fiances, etc.  remain where they have family and friends, and not accompany the Soldier to the training post.  

The Soldier in training will have little or no time to spend on the significant other (whatever the status), as most of the Soldier's life will be dedicated to getting through the training.  The significant other often feels ignored by the Soldier and isolated because they left all their friends and family behind following the Soldier.  Generally this leads to harsh words on both sides and ultimately to a break-up.  Many fledgling marriages also collapse at this time because the Soldier has neither the time nor the energy to bolster the lonely spouse while attending the training.

Some, more academic training allows the trainees to live off-post in hotels, but I do not believe SOCM has this arrangement.  If the SOCM candidate is unmarried they likely have to live on-base in a barracks or visitor's quarters (like an on-base hotel).

Let me know, if you need further clarification.  Best of luck to you both.