Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 3/13/2008

Question
My husband is currently in the Army as enlisted, we have no children, and I
am 3 months away from obtaining my degree (thank God!!). I have been
looking into OCS (Army) but I keep reading different things about the Army's
willingness and ability to keep dual military couples together. What has been
your experience with it? What lifestyle/road bumps can I expect if I join? Is
there anything I can do to help the Army station us together or near each
other?


I really appreciate you considering this question, and if answered I will be so
grateful. Thank you!

Andrea

Answer
Dear Andrea --

The Army does the best it can to keep dual military families together.  You must be registered as a "Joint Domicile" couple and they will take that family arrangement into account when they consider your assignments.

That said -- sometimes "close" is one Soldier is stationed in Pennsylvania, and one in Virginia, and they get to visit each other on weekends in Maryland.  However, the Army usually does better than that, and both couples are actually on the same installation, and get quarters (base housing) together.

The more flexible you are with your assignments and locations, the easier it is for your personnel managers to find you assignments close together.  

You can definitely make a dual Army family a success, but you will both have to be willing to work at it.  You will also have to decide who's career comes first at any given time.  Is it his turn for Drill Instructor duty, so you take a less prestigious job at a training base?  Or -- is it your turn for company command, so he accepts a less challenging job so he has more time to help around the house.  You should discuss this before you get get your commission, so you both have an idea of the road ahead.

Good luck to you both, and thank you for serving.