How will my assignments be determined under the Army Married Couples Program?

Cesar Ramirez — Wed, 02 Sep 2020 19:19:15 -0400

Good day, my question is the next: My girlfriend and I are planning to get married but we do not know much about how the couples program works. She is stationed at Fort Drum and I just finished AIT, and I am supposed to go to airborne school soon. My first duty station is projected to be in Italy (173rd). I am wondering, if we get married would my orders change? Will I end up going to Fort Drum instead? My girlfriend is an E-4 and I am a Pv2, but I have heard that Airborne has precedence over rank if we both are junior enlisted solders. We also have the same MOS (25U) I really love this person, but I see the 173rd as a grate opportunity for my career as well as experience. Nothing against Ft Drum but I don't want to move there if that would be the case. Please, any information about the program, as well as advice, can and will help plenty for a huge decision like this. Thank you!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 2 at 2020 8:36 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Sep 2020 20:36:47 -0400

Forget everything you’ve heard about MACP, it’s wrong.

MACP affects your future assignment considerations not your current one. You won’t be rerouted and your spouse won’t receive new orders. There is no precedence of one soldier over another.

MACP works like this, when it’s time to move you, your branch managers will look for a location with openings for both of you. If you’re planning on getting married you need to realize you and your wife will be apart the first two years of your marriage. It’s very difficult if not impossible to build a relationship when you’re apart the first two years of your marriage.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Sep 3 at 2020 6:07 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Thu, 03 Sep 2020 06:07:43 -0400

You will receive joint assignments after your first one. As for your concerns about which is better for your career. They are equal, as for experience, hands down Italy. However if you are into them outdoors, hunting, fishing etc. Drum wins. You and you girlfriend need to spike search. When you spoke of opportunity you basically said Love, but.