Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 5/22/2007

Question
Hello! I am about to receive my commission as a 2LT in the army. I am married to an NCO in the Coast Guard. With the new change to 15 month deployments, I'm starting to really start to think about my family and my future. I have the options of: having kids and leaving them behind for 15 months, or waiting until I get out to have kids (which would be 30 for me, because I did an ADSO). Is there any way that I could commission into the Coast Guard rather than the army? I love the army, and am excited to serve, but I want the best for my family. The scholarship money I received would still be used because I would be active duty in the military, just in another branch. Is this cross branch possible?

Answer
Dear Kristen --

Yes, changing branches is possible, but you must do it now before you accept your commission.  It may already be too late, as the Coast Guard may have filled all its sponsored (scholarship) slots between the Coast Guard Academy, and college scholarships.  Contact the Coast Guard immediately and get an application.  The Army must also be willing to release you to another service.  Given our war footing, that may not occur.  However, if this is really what you want, you should apply.

Another option would be to forgo choosing your specialty, and tell the Army you will take any specialty that will allow you to be stationed at your husband's duty location.  You could then serve your 5 years and resign your commission, while being co-located as a family.  

Many of my colleagues did not start their families until they were in their early 30s.  Don't think that delaying a bit makes having a family impossible.  Do consider all your options, and then make the choice that is best for you and your husband.

Best of luck to both of you.  Congratulations on your commissioning.