We are Dual Military being stationed apart. How long does it takes before we could be together in one station?

CPL Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 06 Feb 2019 07:45:03 -0500

So, I’m currently stationed here in Korea and my husband is at Washington, DC. The branch manager gave me an PCS order to Texas cause he cannot put me somewhere in Virginia cause I don’t have a security clearance yet. He said that the best thing that he could is to place my husband in his next assignment to where I am going.

Response by SPC Jerry Jones made Feb 6 at 2019 7:55 AM

SPC Jerry Jones — Wed, 06 Feb 2019 07:55:29 -0500

Enlistment means duty to your MOS/job and your country. The military won't accommodate your marriage like the civilian world will (in most cases). Just keep on top of trying to get stationed together, or in the same location. Eventually you might get it worked out, but don't hold your breath.

Just remember, they didn't sign you up for enlistment as a couple, they signed you up as individuals.

Just hang in there. Eventually it might all come together, but don't expect special treatment right away just because you are married. Look at it this way...at least you will be in the same country, so that is a good start. Work on it from that point.

Response by SPC Angela Burnham made Feb 6 at 2019 8:23 AM

SPC Angela Burnham — Wed, 06 Feb 2019 08:23:56 -0500

From the US Army HRC website:
"In accordance with AR 614-200 Section IV, enrollment in the MACP does not guarantee reassignment together but does ensure that both Soldiers will be automatically considered for future joint-domicile assignments. Soldiers should submit a DA Form 4187 requesting enrollment in the MACP, with a copy of their marriage certificate to their Bde S-1/BCT or MPD who will take the necessary action to update to the Total Army Personnel Data Base (TAPDB)."

So basically, the short answer is that it isn't guaranteed, though it is likely to happen. What I saw working PAB was on average 2 deployment cycles for both partners to be on the same page. When is your husband due to cycle next? It sounds like your branch manager was being sincere when they said that the best bet would be for your husband to meet up with you in Texas if you're going to PCS first.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 6 at 2019 9:32 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 06 Feb 2019 09:32:20 -0500

He has to be eligible to move, which is usually three years on station and can be waived down to two years.
Most likely he'll roll into his reenlistment window in a year and he can reenlist to where you're headed to. He'll be able to PCS at two years on station at that point.