How do I change first duty stations to be with my wife?

PVT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 31 May 2018 18:45:32 -0400

I am getting married to a girl who is going to college and I don't know if I'll be placed near her for my first duty station. Is there any way I can get it changed to be closer to her or change it after a year? She is very dedicated to this college and I dont want her to have to move from it since the program she is in is amazing. I am a 13 bravo going into basic training and would like to know how to do this prior. I am going to fort sill for basic and ait, she lives 5 hours away from fort sill over in northern Arkansas. Is there a good chance i can get placed at sill of i request it? Please let me know if you have any tips, thank you

Response by LTC Kevin B. made May 31 at 2018 7:23 PM

LTC Kevin B. — Thu, 31 May 2018 19:23:51 -0400

You can request staying at Fort Sill, but there's no guarantee that you will get it. The Army assigns based on mission and need, not soldier desires based on future spousal relationships and schooling preferences. The greatest need will be at the larger installations like Forts Hood, Bragg, Campbell, Stewart, Lewis, Carson, etc. And, they almost certainly will not move you after a year. My recommendation would be to submit the request and plan for it not to be honored. Then, let her stay at that school until she graduates, and connect back up after her graduation.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2018 7:58 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 31 May 2018 19:58:02 -0400

I would say marry her but that won’t matter unless she was in the military too. As a private there is little chance of getting changed to Ft Sill. The best way to get stationed at Ft Sill is to tell the Army you don’t want to be stationed at Ft Sill. Maybe Ft Lenardwood, Mo. But yea, you are probably going to end up at one of the big posts. Good luck. You can always ask but where you are at now there is little chance.

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made May 31 at 2018 8:09 PM

Lt Col Charlie Brown — Thu, 31 May 2018 20:09:05 -0400

Plan for the worst, i e. that you will be separated for at least a year and make your decisions accordingly.

Response by Sgt John Steinmeier made May 31 at 2018 8:12 PM

Sgt John Steinmeier — Thu, 31 May 2018 20:12:20 -0400

Not to be a dick, but maybe the marriage needs to go into a holding pattern. You are gonna be pretty damn busy over the next couple years as will your girlfriend/fiance. Chances are you are going to be geographically separated. I've seen this movie before and I know how it ends.

Response by MSG Danny Mathers made May 31 at 2018 8:16 PM

MSG Danny Mathers — Thu, 31 May 2018 20:16:43 -0400

I recommend you continue with your enlistment contract and wait until you complete AIT to ask for a particular assignment. It is very hard for young married enlisted to make ends meets. Your wife needs to complete her education goals. Just keep in mind that military wifes have a very hard job and serve too. Be the best Soldier you can be and do everything possible to accumalate rank.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made May 31 at 2018 9:04 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Thu, 31 May 2018 21:04:07 -0400

Sill is a likelyhood, but no garauntees. It cannot hurt to explain your request when you begin AIT. Don’t be frustrated if it is not approved. The Military is not obliged to accommodate accommodate. Again, it cannot hurt to ask. Thank you for your service.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2018 10:39 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 31 May 2018 22:39:22 -0400

Key words here are "going to get married". The army doesn't care about girlfriends. Until your married there will be no special treatment and even then, unlikely

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2018 10:39 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 31 May 2018 22:39:44 -0400

Sorry to say it man

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Jun 1 at 2018 2:25 AM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Fri, 01 Jun 2018 02:25:04 -0400

I wound up line instead of clinical, I'd really wanted clinical, I couldn't get it, and all I got for beating !y head against that brick wall was to have it wind up falling on my head...I follow what you want, and why, however, honest, without !meaning to sound like a wet blanket, his sounds like chaplain stuff, honest, let !e send this tablet is conking out a lot....

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Jun 1 at 2018 2:27 AM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Fri, 01 Jun 2018 02:27:03 -0400

Here's the thing...indulge me, of you will...what major is she, and how far toward her bachelors, I only ask out of trying to offer practical alternatives, I fathom why you don't want her to have to switch, I'd just wondered from your description, so far as I might suggest any other possibilities, OK?

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Jun 1 at 2018 2:27 AM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Fri, 01 Jun 2018 02:27:46 -0400

The more you explain, the more I and others here might suggest, try to elaborate if you can, OK?

Response by SSG Jose M. Hernandezsanchez made Jun 1 at 2018 8:17 AM

SSG Jose M. Hernandezsanchez — Fri, 01 Jun 2018 08:17:34 -0400

Tom,
First and foremost, whatever happens, you and soon to be spouse need to sit down that there are no guarantees. As a PVT just coming into the service, chances are very slimmed when it comes to requests like the one you are describing especially when you are not married yet. I would say that the most important thing when been married to a service member is that both need to be on the same page, meaning your girlfriend. I say this because you don't want to bring what's going on at your home to your place of duty. It will hinder your performance and hers in school.
I would say not to get your hopes up due to the fact that you're just joining in, and accept the fact that the Army will send you where it needs you. Shoot, my ex and me joined together, but ended up on the opposite sides of the US because I went to airborne school and she didn't want to go to Ft. Bragg, which I ended up at for a couple of months. And we had the same MOS!
Be content with the fact that most likely you both be apart for a while. You said she lives 5 hours away from Sill? Shoot, that's cake! Try thirteen hours. I know you don't want to hear all the negative, but most of us here seen or been through similar situations like yours which doesn't end well. But I would also ask your Admin section once you get to school or your first duty station to know your options. It won't hurt to ask...good luck!

Response by MSG Dan Castaneda made Jun 1 at 2018 8:55 AM

MSG Dan Castaneda — Fri, 01 Jun 2018 08:55:27 -0400

Its time to grow up Tom. You joined the military not the other way around. If I was your recruiter, I would send you straight to the Air Force recruiter and clean my hands of you.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Jun 1 at 2018 2:42 PM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Fri, 01 Jun 2018 14:42:21 -0400

https://search.aol.com/aol/search?q=noaa%20commissioned%20corps&s_it=loki-tb-sb
Read through all this stuff, esp the marine and aviation, as well as scuba and environmental stuff, as well as about the BOTC program, OK?

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Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Jun 1 at 2018 2:43 PM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Fri, 01 Jun 2018 14:43:23 -0400

https://search.aol.com/aol/search?q=uscg%20environmental&s_it=loki-tb-sb

Same here, trust me....

uscg%20environmental - AOL Search Results

Through the Marine Environmental Protection program, the Coast Guard develops and enforces regulations to avert the introduction of invasive species into the maritime environment, stop unauthorized ocean dumping, and prevent oil and chemical spills.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Jun 1 at 2018 2:44 PM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Fri, 01 Jun 2018 14:44:53 -0400

https://search.aol.com/aol/search?q=bachelors%20environmental%20engineering%20missouri%20or%20arkansas&s_it=loki-tb-sb

Getting closer....

bachelors%20environmental%20engineering%20missouri%20or%20arkansas - AOL Search Results

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Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Jun 1 at 2018 2:45 PM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Fri, 01 Jun 2018 14:45:37 -0400

http://ualr.edu/constructionmanagement/degrees/bachelor-of-science-in-environmental-engineering/

Pretty close....

bachelor-of-science-in-environmental-engineering

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Jun 1 at 2018 2:46 PM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Fri, 01 Jun 2018 14:46:24 -0400

http://ualr.edu/constructionmanagement/degrees/bachelor-of-science-in-environmental-engineering/

Bingo...I'll look for others....

bachelor-of-science-in-environmental-engineering

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Jun 1 at 2018 2:47 PM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Fri, 01 Jun 2018 14:47:19 -0400

https://search.aol.com/aol/search?q=uscg%20scholarship&s_it=loki-tb-sb

Read about these, these could be a perfect match for that bachelors, honest, OK?

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Receive Pay & Benefits as a Coast Guard Officer; Receive Pay & Benefits as a Coast Guard Officer. Back to Top. As someone entering the Coast Guard as an officer, you will gain both tangible and intangible benefits. Let's begin with some of the intangibles. First, you will hone your leadership and management skills. You will also become proficient at administrative and supervisory duties as you ...

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Jun 1 at 2018 2:48 PM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Fri, 01 Jun 2018 14:48:09 -0400

https://search.aol.com/aol/search?q=bachelors%20environmental%20engineering%20missouri&s_it=loki-tb-sb

Success here too, I think....

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13B10 MOST. The goal of this course is to train Soldiers to perform the duties of a field artillery Cannon Crewman. Soldiers will be trained on the duties of cannon crewman in the field artillery.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Jun 1 at 2018 2:48 PM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Fri, 01 Jun 2018 14:48:41 -0400

https://care.mst.edu/degreeprograms/environmentalengineering/undergraduate/

Bingo once again....

undergraduate

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Jun 1 at 2018 2:49 PM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Fri, 01 Jun 2018 14:49:30 -0400

OK, here's the thing...you wanna get, you've gotta give...that being said, if you'd be open to going USCG, environmental engineering could be perfect...observe the next, OK?

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Jun 1 at 2018 2:50 PM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Fri, 01 Jun 2018 14:50:20 -0400

https://care.mst.edu/degreeprograms/environmentalengineering/undergraduate/

Voila...read these, you'll see my point, I think, OK?

undergraduate

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Jun 1 at 2018 2:59 PM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Fri, 01 Jun 2018 14:59:07 -0400

Look...you wanna make lemonades outta lemons, you need to squeeze 'em, OK? Would it take work? Yeah. Would it take time? Obviously. Would you have to compete? Definitely...however, while I appreciate your conservation interest, and I'm sure there are other programs I could find for you more attuned to that theme, if you offer USCG environmental engineering, trust me, I've got a funny feeling, call it a hunch, they just might go for it, OK? Now, do I have a crystal ball? Obviously not? Can I read tea leaves? Not that I last checked. However, honest, if you want active duty, conservation related, in a STEM field, that could also possibly involve flight/aviation linked to it, USCG or NOAA are your way to go...the other svcs use such a major, I'm sure related to civil engrg, all the other svcs might want to use you, however, I'd have to research those aspects, I'm just saying such a major seems tailor made for NOAA and USCG...USPHS also, as an engineer, as well, OK? I realize tha'ts the clinical side, however, note what I said, as an engineer, OK? Water wells, water purification, hospital water supplies, drinking water, sanitary engineering, all conservation themed...if you can be flexible, and trust me to check, I think I might actually be able to get you pretty close, assuming you've got an adequate GPA, SAT, ASVAB, all the rest...if you're committed to Army, I perceive that aspect, you've obviously gotta do whatever you promised, certainly...I'm just saying I've seen weirder stuff than going interservice as I'd described, or, you could try for civil engineering in Army Corps of Engrs, USAF Prime Beef, Navy Seabees, I'm not saying it'd all be ideal, however, as I'd said, lemonade from lemons, you know? Your thoughts? Yay? Nay? Elaborate, give me more, I'll try to suggest more, as I'd said, OK?

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Jun 1 at 2018 3:00 PM

Capt Daniel Goodman — Fri, 01 Jun 2018 15:00:18 -0400

http://www.usphs.gov

Look up Jr and Sr COSTEP, and also the engineering page for USPHS here, just search for those terms, you'll see the pages, I assure you, OK?

www.usphs.gov

Response by Capt David Bays made Jun 1 at 2018 4:29 PM

Capt David Bays — Fri, 01 Jun 2018 16:29:40 -0400

Accept that you will be far apart, then you will be happy if it works out and you are close. While long distance marriage can work, it is not easy and it is not cheap. Ours has worked, but we were at different places in our lives when we met and got married than you are. If you are both in the right mindset going in, it can work for you, too.

Response by SPC Mark Tisdale made Jun 1 at 2018 7:12 PM

SPC Mark Tisdale — Fri, 01 Jun 2018 19:12:46 -0400

I am just going to tell you honestly that you are not going to be stationed near your girlfriend. The Army does not care about your girlfriend at all. I have seen my share of guys try to make a marriage work when they were on active duty and their wife was in college some where else, units are not going to help you.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Jun 1 at 2018 10:47 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Fri, 01 Jun 2018 22:47:04 -0400

Most of the time- you will have to be at the new base for 1 yr before requesting transfer. All you can do is cross your fingers and fillout your dream sheet.

Response by SSG Russell Watson made Jun 3 at 2018 8:59 PM

SSG Russell Watson — Sun, 03 Jun 2018 20:59:31 -0400

What are you going to do when you deploy?

Response by LCpl Troy Gwyn made Jun 9 at 2018 8:21 AM

LCpl Troy Gwyn — Sat, 09 Jun 2018 08:21:47 -0400

Can remember a Marine Corps were the saying was, "If we wanted you to be married, we would have issued you a wife."

Response by Sgt Donald Daugherty made Jun 9 at 2018 11:24 PM

Sgt Donald Daugherty — Sat, 09 Jun 2018 23:24:33 -0400

I did it... USAF 1981, I went to my Senior Enlisted Advisor, and he suggested a Permissive PCS. Permanent Change of Station. I paid for my own move to Germany. Flew a HOP for $11.00 !!!
Ask to be allowed to do a permissive PCS.

Response by PO1 Aaron Baltosser made Jun 16 at 2018 6:03 PM

PO1 Aaron Baltosser — Sat, 16 Jun 2018 18:03:10 -0400

Make your assignment request something the Army wants to happen based on need. I spent an entire career with that mind set, and I never got told no. If the request is based on your need and does not meet the needs of the Army, you will have a much tougher way to go in being successful with the request.

Response by CPT Don Kemp made Jun 17 at 2018 4:56 PM

CPT Don Kemp — Sun, 17 Jun 2018 16:56:36 -0400

PVT Durr, the Army has the utmost respect for your wishes and places them 2nd only to the needs of the Army.
If you wish to remain at Ft. Sill, put in for immediate transfer to Korea.....the Army in its infinite wisdom will then find reasons to keep you at Ft. Sill.
Here’s my experience from years ago.
1. I was informed I’d be issued permanent orders for Ft. Benning. I rented a place to stay and my new bride arrived at midnight Sunday. 0730 Monday I reported in to receive my orders for Ft. Hood, TX.
2. At Ft. Hood, TX, I re-enlisted for Present Duty Assignment. 90 days later, I had orders for Korea,
3. In Korea, I got orders for Drill Sergeant School in Ft. Dix NJ. A friend from Massachusetts got orders for Ft. Jackson. I requested Jackson / he requested Dix - No way due to needs of the Army.
4. My son enlisted for the 19D Cavalry Scout OSUT after long discussions on MOS other than Infantry. His buddy in college went 11B. After completing his 19D training, my son was re-classed 11B; his buddy was re-classed 19D.
Enjoy the experience. One day you will look back and laugh.

Response by PFC Flor Gomez made Jun 19 at 2018 2:23 PM

PFC Flor Gomez — Tue, 19 Jun 2018 14:23:32 -0400

You're looking at it all wrong. First you cant change your duty station until after you've been to your assigned duty station for one year. There are exception but that is still 6 months. I worked in HR so I know this information unless the regulations have changed. She will have to have to make the decision to follow you around. She can go to school or follow her dreams from where you are. You are the head of house hold now that you are married. The right girl will want to follow you if she loves you that much. Your in the Army now, you have limits as to what you can and can't do. She will have to understand that and want to follow you where you're at and is able to. If you get deployed at any time in your Army career she will have to support that and live apart from you. It's a given, she should start seeing that now and what She is signing up for. Or be part of the 50% of marriages that end in divorce. Actually I think that number is way higher. God Bless, Pray about it.

Response by SGT Jeremy Boyd made Jun 27 at 2018 11:31 AM

SGT Jeremy Boyd — Wed, 27 Jun 2018 11:31:46 -0400

Get a divorce and then marry a stripper from that club off post.

Response by SPC Sheila Lewis made Jun 29 at 2018 9:06 AM

SPC Sheila Lewis — Fri, 29 Jun 2018 09:06:37 -0400

What do You value the most?

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2018 9:44 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 Jun 2018 09:44:18 -0400

I will tell you that the Army does not care where you are posted vis a vis your fiancée until you are married. At which point it will care only slightly more that you have a geographically separated spouse.
What you need to do is drive through IADT and get assigned your first duty station, wherever that is. Meanwhile, she goes to school and advances her education. Assuming that all is well after that time period apart, go through with the wedding and have her transfer to a school near your post so she can continue to advance her education. Minimum disruption to that is key to this not being an early wedge in your lives together.
Alternatively, she could continue at the same institution through online offerings from that school.

Whatever you do, avoid geographical separation if you value this relationship.
It has worked out exactly zero times for Soldiers I know in 25 years in the Army.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2018 9:58 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 Jun 2018 09:58:15 -0400

Interesting question and position to take here. Not yet even through initial training and asking how the army can bend to meet individual needs. This is not how the Army does or should work. You asking how you can get special treatment is indicative of the culture in this country and it’s pervasiveness that is corrupting Army norms, culture and rules.
First, get through basic training and AIT to see if you can actually become a 13B. Hit that 300m target before you go asking what you can get. Then be prepared to be disappointed. Not because the Army is a bad place or doesn’t care but because it doesn’t care about PVT Durr’s selfish individual needs. The Army cares about readiness and combat effectiveness first and foremost.
If your girlfriend cares about a school more than your dedication to her and this country, maybe you need to reassess your desire to serve or her desire to be with you.
I wish you success in your endeavor to become a 13B. Good luck.

Response by SPC Douglas Thompson made Jun 29 at 2018 3:00 PM

SPC Douglas Thompson — Fri, 29 Jun 2018 15:00:01 -0400

Been there, tried that, got the "Dear John" letter. Extraordinarily difficult to be married, or even have a steady girlfriend as a shiny new E1 or E3

Response by SSG Mark Franzen made Jul 1 at 2018 11:34 PM

SSG Mark Franzen — Sun, 01 Jul 2018 23:34:16 -0400

I was at Ft Sill in 1974 and my girlfriend was in Washington state and I went there after Ft Sill and got to Washington State and Got married and I got stationed
At a Ft Lewis and we stayed there for almost 4 year's

Response by SSG Mark Franzen made Jul 2 at 2018 10:50 AM

SSG Mark Franzen — Mon, 02 Jul 2018 10:50:48 -0400

I would say let her finish college and get married when you can set up a base where you both set up home and Enjoy life ?

Response by LTC Robin P. made Jul 3 at 2018 11:11 PM

LTC Robin P. — Tue, 03 Jul 2018 23:11:38 -0400

Here's what's going to happen: you will request a duty station. Maybe you get it, maybe not. Wherever you land, expect to be there for 3 years, that is the standard. Also expect that once your fiancee finishes college and you are married, she is going to have to move to wherever you are, and the Army will assign you to family quarters.
Know that not all duty stations have openings for your MOS. As a 13B your most likely destinations within CONUS are Benning, Bliss, Bragg, Campbell, Carson, Drum, Lewis, Polk, Riley, Stewart, and yes.... Sill. Minimum Time On Station (TOS) in CONUS is 36 months. To move before that time, you either need a waiver from HRC, or you would have to meet other assignment criteria which are not likely in the case of a new soldier in his first tour.
For a civilian spouse, the expectation is that they will follow the soldier wherever the soldier is assigned. This is what makes it so hard on military spouses: they are always moving so it's hard to stay employed, and they don't even get to choose where to live. The only choice is to follow the military spouse, or don't.

Response by SFC Roy Preston Williams made Jul 10 at 2018 6:52 AM

SFC Roy Preston Williams — Tue, 10 Jul 2018 06:52:10 -0400

There is a stateside swap, unofficially but I would try for Hood. Within driving distance is better than overseas or Ft Lewis, WA (not that FA go to Ft Lewis...js)

Response by SFC Aaron Pierce made Jul 19 at 2018 1:53 PM

SFC Aaron Pierce — Thu, 19 Jul 2018 13:53:13 -0400

I agree with both of the previous comments. I think the biggest mistake young people make upon entering the military is trying to shape the army around their personal life. You are making a huge commitment to the military, you need to focus on your army career and she needs to focus on her degree. You’re going to find out that you shape your life around the army, it doesn’t adjust for you.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2018 11:08 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Jul 2018 23:08:12 -0400

I've seen many valid points in here, my only 2 cents is that you need to access the HRC website and figure out who your branch manager is. Come up with a very professional email (from your mail.mil account), and politely ask your branch manager what your options are, as well as stating your top (3-5) preferences for duty assignment. Wait until you're officially in AIT before sending this, as contacting them too soon is a nuisance, but don't wait too long as you may get an assignment soon after beginning school.

Response by SP5 Rich Levesque made Jul 22 at 2018 4:00 PM

SP5 Rich Levesque — Sun, 22 Jul 2018 16:00:17 -0400

Nah...….. that dog won't hunt.

Response by 1SG A Francois made Aug 18 at 2018 8:49 PM

1SG A Francois — Sat, 18 Aug 2018 20:49:10 -0400

Good luck. The only positive I see here regarding you wanting to be close to your lady is that you're a 13B and Ft Sill is home of the Artillery; so there is a good chance if requested you may get to stay. For how long would probably be your next question, I don't know.

Response by CWO4 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 22 at 2018 6:22 PM

CWO4 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Aug 2018 18:22:37 -0400

I have to agree with pretty much everyone on here who said wait and get Married later. Let her concentrate on college while you concentrate on the Army. I have never seen a first term service member have a successful marriage. Most don’t last more than a couple of years. You both will grow a lot in four years and you will mature a lot during that time while you both will have a much better picture of what you want out of life and each other. I wouldn’t expect the Army to take your personal wants very seriously at this juncture so unless you know a congressman or someone like that you probably won’t have much luck request a duty station out of basic. Now graduate as a honor grade out of your follow on school and they might send you where you want to go.

Response by SPC Robin Price-Dirks made Aug 25 at 2018 12:23 AM

SPC Robin Price-Dirks — Sat, 25 Aug 2018 00:23:52 -0400

I hate to burst your bubble but you and your intended either need to marry before you leave for basic or face the fact that you are going to be separated for long periods of time. It is a fact of life that we don't always get what we want. When I was in the military I knew several couples who spent years apart or were stationed 300 or more miles apart. This stuff comes with the job. I couldn't get married when I was in nor could I start a family due to various reasons that the Army warns us about. Like if they wanted you to have a spouse they would have issued you one. It doesn't change as a civilian either. My Husband "Former Marine" and I " Former Army" have been separated off and on for jobs that have little connection to the military. He is currently at a job that requires him to be in another state, 18 hours away by car. He has been at this job for 2 years and has been resigned for another 2 1/2 years. He worked for a time at Purdoe Bay in hellish conditions as well. Sacrifice comes with the job. I am trying to move where he is (even tho I hate to go south again) but can't leave until Jan 1st 2019. We made a commitment to work together at this contract called marriage. Just remember it is never going to be 50-50. It is usually 75-75. The military can be an asset or a hindrance as the two of you choose. We Skype on the weekends and call almost daily but without being able to touch his face or smell his skin it gets difficult to maintain an intimacy that is so critical to a loving relationship and I really do have a very boring life when he isn't around. You and your affianced need to talk these problems out before you get to that bridge. My kids are tired of hearing for the millionth time what the birds did at my bird feeder today and desperately want me out of the house. You both have to take a leap of faith and hope the other one is there to catch you...…..

Response by SGT Stephen Jaffe made Aug 27 at 2018 8:13 AM

SGT Stephen Jaffe — Mon, 27 Aug 2018 08:13:46 -0400

Since the U.S. does not have a draft anymore, you voluntarily enlisted. You probably need to hold off on the marriage. If you don't want to hold off on the marriage, you need to re-evaluate your commitment to the military. In other words, tell your CO you want out. As I understand, you can do that these days. If you can't 'get your head in the game in basic'; you will be doing a disservice to you unit, and you will have a very tough time. The military does not assign personnel according to the trooper's convenience.

Response by CW2 Pierre Christie made Aug 30 at 2018 10:51 AM

CW2 Pierre Christie — Thu, 30 Aug 2018 10:51:51 -0400

You have a issue with trusting God. The lord directs your path and guide your footsteps. God is the one who grants assignments, moves and removed kings from the thrones as the king’s Heart is in the hand of the Lord, as rivers of water; he turneth it, withersoever he will.”... I invite you to read Proverbs 21. The point is you need to start trusting the lord with small things and with greater things, He is in control. Be not surprised,” the earth is the lord and the fullness thereof;...” Based on numerous scripture and from my own experience “ (30 years of service) blessed is the man who trust in the Lord, whose confidence is in him..(Jeremías 17:7). Period. Regarding your assignment, wait it out and tust the Lord. And as you wait meditate on the words of Romans 8: 28.

Response by MAJ Anthony Webb made Sep 2 at 2018 8:44 AM

MAJ Anthony Webb — Sun, 02 Sep 2018 08:44:19 -0400

Prior to my marriage I tried to get my soon to be wife stationed with me at Ft Knox. Unfortunately, she received orders and was assigned to an Infantry Regiment at Ft Benning. My chain of command informed me that until we were married they couldn’t help. After We we’re married we both put in a request and it was granted after one year of assignment at each Post. Waivers can be granted. Don’t let anyone discourage you. This is a family oriented military. They will work with you as much as they can.... Major (retired) US Army and prio Ssgt US Air Force.. 1968 to 1993

Response by SSG Shawn Mcfadden made Sep 8 at 2018 8:28 AM

SSG Shawn Mcfadden — Sat, 08 Sep 2018 08:28:58 -0400

You'll have to either reenlist, or if you're extremely lucky, trade assignments with another person, but they have to be the same MOS Skill Level as you are. Otherwise, the closest you'll be to her with your MOS is Fort Hood, Texas.

Response by SPC Carmen H Ramirez made Oct 5 at 2018 5:38 AM

SPC Carmen H Ramirez — Fri, 05 Oct 2018 05:38:40 -0400

I'm afaraid I can't think of a single way to accomplish this. Unless of course you convince the person who writes the assignments for your MOS. As I understand it unless she is your dependant you cannot bring her with. At least not unless it's on YOUR dime. If she were in the service you could file for joint domicile. but doubtful that will happen if she has years in college to go. Take care and God bless.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 18 at 2019 10:56 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 Oct 2019 10:56:45 -0400

Like previous comments stated there is no garrunty that the army will do as you wish. Once you get closer to graduating AIT you’ll find out where you’re going. I got my orders about two or three weeks before graduation.

May I ask what duty stations did you put on your wish list? I ask because when I graduated basic I was top of my class and was assigned to my first choice of duty location. I don’t know if graduating soldier of the cycle did it or not but hey do my your best and listen do do what your drill sergeants tell you to do. You really won’t know where you’re going until after AIT.