Enlisted officer relationship?

PFC Jordan Robey — Thu, 06 Aug 2020 07:35:24 -0400

I am re-enlisting back into the military. But my girlfriend is a second lieutenant, we were dating before she commission. Is this relationship illegal if we started dating before she commission? And if we get married before I go to MEPS what are the chances of me being stationed at Fort Bliss with her? And I was curious as to what my peers will say with the kind of relationship that we have with me being enlisted in her being an officer.

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Aug 6 at 2020 7:37 AM

Lt Col Charlie Brown — Thu, 06 Aug 2020 07:37:50 -0400

This could be a problem; while it isn't illegal it is frowned upon. What is her career field? If your "chain of command" overlapped, that would be a big problem

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Aug 6 at 2020 7:38 AM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Thu, 06 Aug 2020 07:38:21 -0400

IMHO since you were going together before the commissioning, there shouldn't be any problem, especially as long as you're not in the same company or battlion.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2020 8:34 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 06 Aug 2020 08:34:40 -0400

Army Pamphlet 600-35; Relationships between Soldiers of Different Ranks; Provides examples of proper and improper relationships between Soldiers
AR 600-20 - Army Command Policy, relationships begin on pg 34
If you get married before your contract starts, there is nothing the military can do, but may not get initially stationed together (need to enroll in the program).
If you are both on active duty and continue your relationship you may run into problems. The regulation states "Dating, shared living accommodations other than those directed by operational requirements, and intimate or sexual relationships between officers and enlisted personnel, or NCOs and junior enlisted Soldiers is prohibited."

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2020 8:38 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 06 Aug 2020 08:38:52 -0400

You have an interesting situation. If I am understanding AR 600-20, Section 4-14 and DA PAM 600-35, Section 4-14 thru 4-16 and Appendix B, Table B1, then you two should get married prior to your reentering the service. And, in order to get stationed at Bliss together when married, you will both have to enroll in the MACP (Married Couples Program). Remember, though...there is no guarantee that you will get stationed together....just that the Army will do its best to accommodate. As for what your peers say.....they will probably give you some shit....but....does it really matter what they will/might say?

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2020 2:33 PM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 06 Aug 2020 14:33:56 -0400

The past might matter in extenuation, but the present matters more. Read up on fraternization and marital policy for your scenario. Best to know before you make your decision. If you get married before shipping, I doubt they will turn you away from shipping, but consult with recruiter because they can. Once the dust settles, and after your training you can work on duty stations. With recruiting now they may work on it in advance, but I can't say.