Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 5/7/2008

Question
Hi, I'm a 20 year old 4-year army ROTC scholarship cadet, set to commission into the Army in two years.  I'm marrying an E-5 Navy submarine NUKE.  Due to that he can only be stationed in about 4 locations within the world (all in the US).  I'm wondering if there is a way I will be able to be stationed with him, or if I should try to switch branches from the Army into the Navy.  By the time I graduate we will already have spent 4 years apart, and I won't want to have to wait another 3 or 4.  Is there even a way I can switch branches?  Also I'm just curious in your opinion what I should do.  I'm an Army brat so I understand that a military marriage, especially dual military marriages, mean that the couple will spend time apart, I just think that spending no time together is an even worse idea of a marriage.

Answer
Dear Ashleigh --

If your NUKE husband can only be stationed in about 4 CONUS locations, you will spend a lot of time apart, even with joint domicile preferences.

You are allowed to apply to receive your commission in a different service from your ROTC program service.  You are even allowed to change ROTC services, if you wish.  If your school has multiple ROTC programs, check with the professor of Naval Science, and see if you can transfer your scholarship into their program.  

Your ability to transfer now, or just prior to commissioning will depend on the Navy's need for personnel with your educational program.  If you are in engineering or science, you will have a good chance of transferring.

Even if you are both in the Navy, unless your are in a similar specialty to your husband, you will probably still spend a few tours apart.  

I wish you both the best of luck.  Thank you for your service.