Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard/Getting married overseas

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Expert: - 4/30/2008


Question
I have a question, I'm enlisting in the army and likely shipping out in September, my question is after i have gone through BCT/AIT and get assigned to my first duty station (if it's not Iraq) would it be possible for me to get married over seas? I have asked a recruiter and his answer is always vague on the matter, my fiance is in the Philippines, and my job i plan on picking is 11b or 63b which ever one is available, I'm just wandering i know they give you leave in order to visit your family but would i be able to use that leave during that time to get permission from my CO or whomever and would they allow me to go to the Philippines and marry her and then get a head start on processing her papers there, trying to get her over to the states? i know the situation sounds common and looks like another filipina trying to make it here to the states but our love has proven that is not the case.

If you have any idea on this situation any answer would be much appreciated.

Answer
Chris:


 The answer is vague because each situation is different.  Generally however the answer is "No.."  Not at least until you have enough leave, as well as time in service.  Not only that, but as  you are aware, the paperwork process takes quite some time to go through.   My suggestion is to try and get her here and marry her first, then enlist.  Because you are going to have much fewer red tape to deal with.

Jason

Careers: Military--Army, Navy, Airforce, Marines, Coast Guard

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Jason Grabill

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Questions relating to US Marine Corps; rank, awards, uniforms, career choices. I can also help people spot and expose fakes (people pretending to be Marines or have awards they didn`t earn). Considering the Marines as a career? Or another branch, like the Air National Guard? Drop me a line. HOWever..know that I am NOT a recruiter. I can offer my expert opinion and advice, but can't (and won't) over rule what a recruiter says, they are the 'on duty' expert.

Experience

Infantry Rifleman, MOS 0311: 3 years. Marine Barracks Security (Marine Barracks, Annapolis, Maryland(not Embassy Duty): 3 years. Parachutist: MOS 9962: Got my wings in August of 1984. Intelligence Specialist: MOS 0231 10 years working as an Intelligence Analyst with a Fixed Wing Fighter Squadron, Force Service Support Group, and at Headquarters, Marine Corps. Field Radio Operator: MOS 2531. Served as a Platoon Sergeant in a Communications Platoon assigned to MEU Service Support Group 24 (Special Operations Capable). Did a hitch in the Army reserves as an 11B (Infantryman), 3 years. Finished out my career in the Air National Guard as a BioEnvironmental Engineer MOS 4B3X1, did that for a few years. I"ve been collecting and selling Marine Corps and other military uniforms, medals, and field gear since I was 8 years old.

Organizations
United States Marine Corps Logistical Company.

Publications
I was an Editorial writer for Marine Corps Times from 1998-2000.

Education/Credentials
Extensive library of research materials relating to uniforms, medals, and equipment of the military and the Marine Corps. 22 College credits, Community College of the Air Force. Certified Historical Interpreter.

Awards and Honors
Kosovo Campaign Medal w/1 star Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with 4 stars. Numerous other unit awards. I was on duty on 9/11 at HQMC, near the Pentagon, and responded to that location to try and lend a hand if needed...

Past/Present Clients
United States Marine Corps Historical Company, Guardian Security and Investigations, lead Investigator for 'Stolen Valor' cases.

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