Expert: Aaron Shifferly - 1/24/2010

Question
First, thank you very much for helping me with this question. I am seeking a career in the united states navy; However, I am currently engaged to my beautiful fiance. I am clueless as to the rules applied to both married couples, and if any engaged ones. If possible we would like to remain engaged until the timing is right, but if i go she will be by my side. Please help me with the necessary information i need to proceed, because the navy is what i want, not civilian life. I need info on housing, possible limited away time if any, or even a knowledgeable guess at time i will be home, i currently live in San Antonio, but am open to any port in the us. thank you.

Answer
I cant give you information on housing because each service does that differently but I can say that until you get married you will have no standing with your fiancee and you will be treated as a single Soldier. The military does not treat engagements in any special way, as they are really nothing more than a promise and not a legal document like a marriage is.  Once you're married you'll qualify to have her moved with you, for housing outside the barracks, and for some small additional monies to help take care of her, but until then you'll most likely reside in single seaman housing and have no accommodation for her. Also, you will be treated as any other sailor concerning time away.  It would be incredibly unfair if the military only limited married personnel from being away for so long while making the single personnel pick up the extra time.  You'll be given the same shot as everyone else when it comes to being home or away.  If you have more Navy specific questions I highly recommend you talk to a recruiter who will give you more information on the policies governing your service choice.