Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 4/29/2008

Question
i am currently enlisting with the coast guard and my girl freind  wants to move to the basei get stationed at once i complete basic  is this possible..i no in the marines i have to live on base if i not married but with the coast guard i dont belive i have to?....so is it possible for her to come along after basic

Answer
Dear Aaron --

Your girlfriend can always move at her own expense to be close to your duty station.

If you are required to live on-base in the barracks, she cannot join you in your lodging, but she could rent her own place off-base in a nearby town.

If you are given permission to live off-base, then you can share living accommodations.  Understand that, if your relationship does not work out, and she departs, you will be responsible for the full lease for your shared accommodations until the lease expires or you receive orders to move.  

Further, since you are not married, if you receive orders to move, she will be responsible for the full lease until it expires, because the Service Members Relief Act does not apply to her, only to you.

Good luck to you both.  Thank you for serving.