Why would junior enlisted Soldiers get into contract marriages?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 08 Feb 2014 16:13:18 -0500

Has anyone else noticed this recently? I have seen more than a few Soldiers in my own company decide to do this to get out of the barracks. It seems so ridiculous to me to see people let alone Soldiers pretty much say screw it to something that is supposed to be special and for life.<div><br></div><div>Any thoughts?</div>

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2014 4:15 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 08 Feb 2014 16:15:30 -0500

SSG,

Seen plenty of it and some even started during AIT. I even asked them how much they know about each other since my MOS is only 1 month long -_-

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2014 4:16 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 08 Feb 2014 16:16:49 -0500

It's been happening for a long time. To some marriage is sacred, but to others it's just a game. It is why our divorce rate in this country is so high. It starts at home though. Teach your kids values and one day they will respect those values and pass them on to their children.

Response by SFC Stephen P. made Feb 8 at 2014 4:19 PM

SFC Stephen P. — Sat, 08 Feb 2014 16:19:57 -0500

We treat single troops like crap, and give married troops extra money.<br><br>I'm surprised it doesn't happen more.<br>

Response by SSG V. Michelle Woods made Feb 8 at 2014 4:31 PM

SSG V. Michelle Woods — Sat, 08 Feb 2014 16:31:34 -0500

Junior enlisted? I get proposed to once a month and I promise, it's not just juniors.

Like SFC Rosenlund said, it's been happening for a while but I've never understood why, at least not in my company. We had the best barracks and had room inspections about three times a year so not much scrutiny from the CoC.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2014 4:34 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 08 Feb 2014 16:34:26 -0500

<span style="background-color: rgb(248, 248, 248);">I just finished doing some dorm inspections last week, and although it is required I hate doing it.  Walking into what is basically a young man or woman's house and nitpicking over the tiniest detail on cleanliness.  The standard to which we inspect is harsh enough that if someone came to my house off-base and inspected I would fail right now.  </span><div><span style="background-color: rgb(248, 248, 248);"><br></span></div><div><span style="background-color: rgb(248, 248, 248);">I totally understand why some marry just to get out of the dorms/barracks and get out of that mess!  Plus, I am sure the Army is the same as the AF in this regard, if something needs to be done guys that live on base are always getting called out to do the work!</span></div><div><span style="background-color: rgb(248, 248, 248);"><br></span></div><div><span style="background-color: rgb(248, 248, 248);">And as a single NCO the amount of money I don't get in BAH/OHA/Family Sep/etc. pay is just ridiculous.  We totally incentivize marriage financially!</span></div>

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made Feb 8 at 2014 5:28 PM

1SG Steven Stankovich — Sat, 08 Feb 2014 17:28:47 -0500

<p>I had a roommate a long, long time ago, who had, what he called, a "financial marriage type relationship" with a friend of his from high school.  He joined the Army and she went off to college.  They were "married" and they split the Family Separation and other monetary benefits.  He got out of the Army after his initial enlistment, went back to Iowa and they got a divorce.  Back then I was very young and thought it was a "great idea."  You get paid and there are no strings attached.  Age and wisdom have changed that way of thinking.  </p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>I personally and professionally do not promote this type of behavior.  I will not get into a "sanctity of marriage" debate, but what is occurring is a defrauding of the government and theft of services, entitlements and benefits.</p>

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2014 1:03 AM

SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Feb 2014 01:03:36 -0500

With barracks inspections, new alcohol policies, leaders walk throughs, CQ, Staff Duty, and everything else that happens in the barracks that doesn't happen in family housing off post housing, or BOQ's I am surprised it doesn't happen more and more these days. We are a society that has to have a quick response and knee jerk reaction to any incident that occurs on post. Unfortunately for most single soldiers who don't act stupid and just want to live in peace they get crapped on because of the few who can't control themselves. <div>I feel we treat our single soldiers like they are second citizens in the Army and it is a shame they aren't afforded the same level of respect that even an E1 gets just because they're married.</div>

Response by SPC Dan Goforth made Feb 10 at 2014 1:15 AM

SPC Dan Goforth — Mon, 10 Feb 2014 01:15:52 -0500

Everyone here has pretty well said it. Soldiers have leaders up their rear ends at all times, and they get sick of it. I understand that leadership needs to maintain a healthy standard of cleanliness, but one of the few things I will still hate when I get back to Carson is having an NCO that rides me for having things out of place. Please, just let me have my books in peace. I'm getting too old to keep up with other Jr enlisted a decade younger than me, and a white glove test when the 1SG or CSM isn't coming through is ridiculous.

Now, if it's about things like having pizza boxes lying around and beer bottles everywhere, that is a health issue.

Response by SSG Robert Blum made Feb 10 at 2014 1:20 AM

SSG Robert Blum — Mon, 10 Feb 2014 01:20:04 -0500

SSG DeSerio, if you know of Soldiers in your unit that are doing this, it is your DUTY to report it to the Chain of Command. The Army ( ALL of DOD actually) is really hot on this subject right now. Just recently in the Army Time there was an article about a Soldier at Fort Hood who entered into a Contract Marriage, Now hes Serving a Federal Prision Term, and She (A Civilian) Is a Convicted Fellon in the federal system. Its Called Fraud, and you know that they went after Other Soldiers Who knew what this Soldier was doing and did not report it. I take care of alot of stuff at the lowest level, but this can get you brought down as an accessory just for having knowlage of the offense. Not worth it.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2014 12:02 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Feb 2014 12:02:16 -0500

I don't agree with it, but, just by how the single soldiers are treated in the barracks, I can understand why they would. I didn't like getting my room inspected when I lived in the barracks. It was my "home," and I understand the reasons behind it, but, I could also see the frustration it brought when it was almost a weekly ordeal. There was no incentive if you did a great job with a clean room, then again, it is expected that you live in a clean environment. They sometimes live in deplorable conditions, and would have some place better off-post. Sometimes the rooms they live in should be condemned, but we still shove them into rooms. There can be blame thrown anywhere, but I understand why they do it. I may not agree with it, and I don't know how you could prove that it is fraud, but, I think that it has gotten to the time that we should be like the Air Force. After a certain amount of time at E-4, you are authorized to live off-post. I have lived in mold infested barracks rooms before, and the leadership knew about it, and they still moved us in. Single soldiers do get crapped on, and I know they do it to get out of the barracks.

Response by SGT Suraj Dave made Feb 10 at 2014 3:55 PM

SGT Suraj Dave — Mon, 10 Feb 2014 15:55:30 -0500

<p>Let me give you some background on who I am before I give you my opinion. I joined the Army a PFC, left the Army a SGT. I ETS'd less then 60 days ago. My whole military career (aside from my 2 deployments) I lived in the barracks. Maybe all units don't treat their single soldiers this way but my units did.Single Soldiers are second class soldiers in todays Army. You know how they had those technician ranks in WW2? With the rank and a "T" under it to denote so? They should do the same with Single soldiers. Give them an "S" under their rank. With how much they get discriminated against, it only seems fair. </p><p> </p>
<p>1. You get paid less money, yes I understand how BAH works, but 9/10 people getting BAH are pocketing a nice sum of money. </p>
<p>2. Your rank holds little to no value as a single soldier. A married PVT doesn't get called in for work after hours or during the weekend, but a single SPC damn sure will. Because your not married, you automatically have no life.</p>
<p>3. You cant live in peace. Staff Duty and CQ is always out to make you clean up some other guys mess or to round you up for a detail on the weekend. It got so bad we would actually hang out in parking lots and other random parts of post just to avoid them.</p>
<p>4. You don't want to ever un-pack or settle in, because they can always randomly decide to re-organize the barracks for no reason and make you move. Happened to me quite a bit.</p>
<p>5. No one cares about your well-being, or your problems. We had roaches the size of my fingers. Living ones and dead ones everywhere. When we complained, no one cared. The FSBP doesn't live in the barracks, so they don't give a shit. I ended up living off post paying rent out of pocket after waking up to a fat long cockroach crawling up my arm at night.</p>
<p>6. Everyone gets meal deductions... as much as that sucks on its own because no one enjoys the difac food..... even if your units difac is shut down. Guys in my unit had to walk for a while to eat at another units difac. If the closest unit to ours Difac was also shut down, you had to walk another couple miles to the other side of post for food.</p>
<p>7. Most of your NCO's and leaders at no point lived in barracks. They make standards for you that are very impractical. </p><p> </p>
<p>8. You have no power or control over the way you live. If your water goes cold, or your fridge or microwave breaks, your at the mercy of whenever FSBP feels like getting a work order, or when they feel like following up or getting an ETA. Even if your willing to pay to get it fixed, its not happening. All of our dryers in our laundry room broke, soldiers started writing "Broken" with the date on specific dryers to inform other soldiers which washers and dryers were broken. After a couple months, we just started driving to another brigade to do laundry.</p><p><br>9. Not enough room. After being in the Army for 2 deployments, there was no way I could fit all my ACU CIF, ACU RFI, and Multicam RFI neatly into one room. In total I had 4 duffell bags, 2 ruck sacks, then a tough box, Medic Bags, Assault Pack's, 3 day rucks etc... all of theese filled with TA-50 I was accountable for. It is almost impossible to keep all of this in a tiny room in a neat and orderly fashion. Dont be shocked when roaches die inside your TA-50 either.</p><p><br>10. The Chain of Command/FSBP doesnt care about the barracks until the soldiers take pictures and post it on U.S. Army W.T.F Moments. They are more powerful then the IG.</p><span lang=""><p> </p><p>Dont be surprised when soldiers start gay marrying each other to move out of the barracks. At first it was just a joke when DADT got re-appealed among my 11b and 19d friends .Now its seriously happening. </p></span>

Response by Cpl Glynis Sakowicz made Feb 10 at 2014 9:48 PM

Cpl Glynis Sakowicz — Mon, 10 Feb 2014 21:48:31 -0500

   I truly wish that I could add something wise to this conversation, but I'm thinking, that my husband and I were much like many of the couples that get married quickly.<div>    We knew each other for a week before he asked me to marry him, and I pretty much froze at that point, liike the proverbial 'Deer in the headlights.'   On one hand, the second I saw him, I just KNEW it was HIM... and I know that makes no sense to most men, but its just the way I felt.   We were married before a month was out, and 34 years later, we are still best friends, still laughing at each others jokes, and still as amazed at our luck at finding each other as we felt that first day.</div><div>    I am sure that there were many who had the idea that ours was a marriage of  opportunity, to get us out of the barracks, and I can't cast any stones when I'm living in that paticular glass house, so this is one weighty conversation that I won't be able to take part in, but I will be reading from the sidelines!</div>

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2014 4:40 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Feb 2014 04:40:18 -0500

I brought up a point while talking to other NCOs about this. The dumber we get in the barracks, the more we push troopers to do something stupid like this. I don't mean we shouldn't be in the barracks and scuff em up if the need it, but when some guys go through and wake everyone up at 0500 on a Saturday for trash being on the ground, when there was a CQ that was suppose to be monitoring the area before it got trashed, then that's a problem.<div>Lots of my counterparts disagreed with me, but that's how I feel.</div>

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2014 5:15 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Feb 2014 05:15:06 -0500

When I was in the barracks, soldiers getting married so that they could move out was the thing to do. I was even propositioned by a friend and female soldier who also lived in the barracks. Even though now I realize that it's a terrible and am quick to talk a soldier out of doing it, back then I was seriously considering it.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2014 9:02 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Feb 2014 09:02:59 -0500

SSG, I thought about doing one for awhile, then I realized my contract marriage would not end in a contract divorce so I scrapped the idea lol. With all levity aside I do think that the military treats married soldiers more so like adults than they do with single soldiers. It is entirely unfair and I think that unless you get noise complaints, complaints about incessant foul smells, or behavior that is deemed unnecessary by their PEERS then they should be afforded their privacy. Also I would like to bring up the question of what does marriage mean to the individual? Some think it is a promise before God, others get married for love, some for benefit, some out of loneliness, and a few for companionship. Me and my friend once made a joke to each other that if we were both single by 28 then we would get married. We really do care for each other and would both take care of each other but we are not in love so would that nullify the marriage in someone's eye? I would have been collecting the benefits of married life without a lot of the marital problems and would've gotten a life long friend out of it, what more can you really ask for?

Response by SPC Christopher Smith made Feb 11 at 2014 1:17 PM

SPC Christopher Smith — Tue, 11 Feb 2014 13:17:32 -0500

<p>   In America marriage is a contract bringing the assets of two parties together as one, nothing more. If both sides of this arrangement have something to gain by signing the contract who is it to say that it is wrong? Have arranged marriages not been around for years for the financial gain and benefit to one family or both? </p><p> </p><p>   If we didn't want it to happen we would change the system. Single person BAH and the ability to live off post, or on post with a roommate/house mate. For those who cannot keep financially stable remove BAH privilage and move them into a dorm/barrack. The same with other people who cannot control themselves in a civilized manner. </p><p> </p><p>   The issue really does not boil down to people just attempting to cheat the system but understanding that they are missing out on an opportunity. The majority of us are underpaid, and the ability to make a few extra dollars, and live a little more comfortably does not seem all to far fetched.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>Some may not like this response but I would like to hear your reasoning if you hit the dislike button.</p>

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2014 1:28 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Feb 2014 13:28:17 -0500

I can tell you it isn't just Junior Enlisted Soldiers. I know personaly that it also envolves Junior and Senior Officers...I had to restore email data from an 0-5 (single - divorced) who was in the process of a contract marriage with a Russian woman - didn't break the law, but questionable...But it does happen across all ranks..

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2014 1:54 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Feb 2014 13:54:06 -0500

I think this forum has taken a turn away from what SSG DeSerio originally asked and instead of going on about contract marriages, people have dove into the category of married vs. single living conditions.

For those of you that have, I want to ask a couple of questions. You speak of deplorable living conditions and so forth in the barracks, what have you done about it? Please I know work order, work order, work order, nothing happened. There is a chain of command for a reason to get things fixed. Your final stop obvioulsy being the media as recently seen by conditions at Fort Polk, right?

But let's take this a step further, how many of you are still on your initial contract? Judging by the ranks of a lot of you, I would imagine not too many. So then comes the next question. If you didn't like the way you were being treated because you were single and the living conditions were horrible, THEN WHY DID YOU RE-ENLIST OR EXTEND?

I tell everyone, to include the kids I put in the Army; while you are inbetter yourself so you don't HAVE to stay in the Army if you don't want to.

On another note, if you thought you were being treated unequally as single vs. being married, did you or are you doing something about it? I am pretty sure, atleast in the Army I work in, there is something called an equal opportunity office.

Finally to that person, I know you are out there, who thinks they have done everything to try and right the ship, you haven't. There is a ladder to get every problem fixed. Sometimes does that involve IG, yes; sometimes does that involve the Installation Commander, yes; sometimes does that involve your Congress person, yes; and when all else fails, the media loves stories about how the military is failing it's troops.

I don't say any of this to try and take up for one side or the other of the marriage debate, but at some point you need to challenge the man and make him accountable for his actions.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2014 10:27 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Feb 2014 22:27:33 -0500

This is not a new phenomenon…was happening in the early 90s as well. Soldiers get tired of sharing rooms, room inspections, barracks ruckus, etc, etc. Although getting married for the BAH is not the ethical thing to do…I have felt their pain while I lived in the barracks…a long…long time ago.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 12 at 2014 9:43 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 Feb 2014 09:43:21 -0500

This is a very common thing that is happening here at FT Wainwright. I've seen some go smoothly, however, some backfire right in their faces. I had an NCO in my platoon who decided to do a contract marriage and he lost his stripes quickly because of this. At Wainwright, the barracks have a no kitchen appliance policy i.e. rice cookers, skillets, etc.) on top of having no stoves, there is absolutely no drinking in the barracks, and then for a while, you couldn't even bring females into the barracks. Most of my Soldiers feel they really have no rights living in the barracks and I can see the vision they're picturing. I would be frustrated as well. However, a contract marriage; In my opinion I believe you as a Soldier are not only violating Army Values but many other Values people use as well. This is just my two sense.

Response by CPT Mike M. made Feb 12 at 2014 12:09 PM

CPT Mike M. — Wed, 12 Feb 2014 12:09:12 -0500

Some of them are probably the same individuals who say that gay marriage would take away from the sanctity of marriage (this is speculation of other people's opinion, not an opinion of my own). Personally I think it's disgraceful, distasteful, disrespectful, and is cheating the system. However, it'd be harder to prove than it's worth more often than not, so I don't say turn a blind eye, but it's one of those things where you just have to pick your battles.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 12 at 2014 5:16 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 12 Feb 2014 17:16:00 -0500

Oddly enough I have had several conversations with JAG about this. Most defense counsellors will have all charges dropped or dismissed. The reason why Soldiers are getting caught and losing rank is because they don't know to go straight to court martial and request counsel. <div><br></div><div>I don't think Soldiers are briefed up enough on their rights when it comes to disciplinary action, investigations, UCMJ, etc. A lot of Commanders will use article 15, as a way to bypass the burden of proof that is required in a court martial to punish a Soldier. Soldiers not knowing better and somewhat intimidated and scared just go with it, without realizing they have a way to defend themselves.</div><div><br></div><div>My recommendation to anyone in the military is that if they find themselves under a 15-6 or an investigation or any type or being recommended for article 15, is to immediately ask for a counsellor before making any statement what so ever, whether you were in the right or wrong. They can then explain to you what you should do, the same way that commander is talking to the staff judge advocate before he talks to you. Wouldn't it be smart to do the same thing and have someone fighting in your corner the way he has in his. Especially in this day and age when one derogatory thing can pretty much end your career.</div>

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 13 at 2014 11:16 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Feb 2014 23:16:14 -0500

This is a great topic and I think we as a community need to do better at giving people who ask/give great questions/discussion topics positive feedback not just in the form of posts but also by "LIKING" their question/topic.

Response by GySgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2014 10:57 AM

GySgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 16 Feb 2014 10:57:35 -0500

It's been happening for as long as Ive been in the Corps. A lot of people are motivated by money with these contract marriages and end up losing money when that contracted spouse takes your half after it ends. I couldn't marry until approved through the chain of command, that insured Marines were marrying for the right reasons.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 8 at 2014 1:10 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Apr 2014 13:10:44 -0400

I hate living in the barracks and cleaning up after other KIDS. They would always get drunk be loud and cause staff duty and shit to come by. I'm more of a calm keep to myself person. Also every Sunday mandatory barracks clean up. So glad I'm a NCO now and will be living in different barracks when I get back to Knox. Single soldiers do get treated like crap and people in my Battalion always marrying each other. But I think marriage is very sacred and I wont marry some crazy woman and ruin my career and get divorced and she take half my shit THAT I worked so hard for. Just a few more years and I'll be SSG and get those extra benefits.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Apr 8 at 2014 1:48 PM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Tue, 08 Apr 2014 13:48:55 -0400

With sticking the subject, "Junior Enlisted Soldiers Getting Into Contract Marriages", soldiers have been punished and fined for the afore mentioned subject. It also opens up another relm of violations such as adultery. I believe marriage is sacred, but that is my own moral standard based from my own upbringing. Another way to look at it from a legal perspective is that a contract marriage is remain illegal as it is fruadulant to get married just to get of the barracks. And then what, both parties will get paid a little bit and date other people? The Army can and has proven contract marriages beyond a reasonable doubt that has cost many soldiers time and money. I also look at it from a tax payer perspective of using my tax payer money for a scam. As far as single soldiers treatment, yes they don't get treated very well. I remember getting put on details becaues I wasn't married and then when I did get married, I still got put on detail because I did not have any children. All soldiers regardless of single or marriage status should be treated fairly. There's not I can say about the barracks; some are nice and some are not.

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Apr 10 at 2014 5:27 PM

SGT Bryon Sergent — Thu, 10 Apr 2014 17:27:26 -0400

I can remember living in the barracks, couldnt have a TV cause it wasnt issued, could have beer in the room, wasn't allowed, couldn't have females in the barrack for more than just one reason, could have a firearm in the barracks for more than one reason. Always had to have the room with 4 guys in it, spotless at all times. wall locker inspectible at all times. three drawer inspectible at all times. then their was that damn rainbow polyester freaking blanket, bed able to bounce a quarter at all times. laterine always inspectible, never any toilet paper. we stole it from Mcdonalds. there was always some detail or something going on on the weekend. Hell we would go out and get motel rooms just to get outta the barracks to keep the NCO's from screwing with us all weekend. These contract marriage must have been around then, cause if I was married back then you wouldn't see me at the barracks til Monday first formation. There where times i moved in with a girlfriend and bought extra BDU's and left at her house as to change in to and extra PT's. Just not to get caught being single and living OFF POST!

But there where the good time there also. The drunks would come in and we'd steal there beer when they passed out, or the older guys that had cars would take us to the px or off post to get something to eat. rain storms and playing in Rak field in the mud and sliding in the grass! Another story! Not all bad times.

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Apr 10 at 2014 8:24 PM

MSG Wade Huffman — Thu, 10 Apr 2014 20:24:38 -0400

Not a new thing at all.  First time I heard of contract marriages was while stationed at Ft. Campbell in 1985.. it was a VERY popular way of getting out of the barracks and drawing BAH and BAS.  

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2014 9:25 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 15 Apr 2014 21:25:36 -0400

So here is my question since according to several postings it is well known to be going on.

How many are turning a blind eye to blatant fraud against the government?

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2014 12:50 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 11 May 2014 12:50:15 -0400

I am very interested in this topic and have my own personal hypotheses about marriage and divorce in the military. I am actually in the process of recruiting participants for my clinical psychology doctoral project on the subject. I would really appreciate your participation.

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The survey only takes 5-10 minutes to complete. Please forward this link to anyone who you think may be eligible to participate!

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Marriage Research Study

Married & divorced MEN, 18-50 y/o, can participate in my research study! It only takes 5-10 min!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 16 at 2014 12:57 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Jun 2014 12:57:00 -0400

Marriage in the Army is something that is very interesting to me. I am actually conducting a research study about this topic. Please take the online survey below if you meet the criteria.

I need participants for my doctoral project research study on the factors that influence the decision to marry. If you meet the following criteria, you are eligible to participate (Please review the criteria carefully and let me know if you have any questions):

1. Male
2. 18-50 years old
3. Currently or previously married
4. Employed full-time when you got married

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This link will take you to the survey. It should only take you 5-10 minutes to complete. SPREAD THE WORD! Thanks!

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Response by SGT(P) Jennifer Brande made Feb 18 at 2015 4:18 PM

SGT(P) Jennifer Brande — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 16:18:41 -0500

SSG DeSerio,

I served in the Army for 12 years and this was one of the most disgusting displays of scamming the system is when a soldier away from home for the first time in their lives enlists or commissions in the military and during Basic and AIT find out about the benefits of being married and decide to find another service member who they "fall madly in love" with their battle buddies and as soon as they finish training they tie the knot so that they can be assigned together and get housing together. I have also personally experienced soldiers who couldn't wait to finish training and made sure that they got pregnant before getting to their first duty station.

Soldiers would show up pregnant, which would put them on profile from the day they in-process and do less work, Pregnancy PT (unless they were sick, I always got a kick out of that one) oh and because they were pregnant, exempt from PT Tests and 24 hour duty as well.

I am a firm believer in the old army custom of allowing soldiers to marry only after having a meeting with the Company Commander who approves of this marriage being allowed to happen. Soldiers today see getting married/pregnant as their ticket out of all of the duty and requirements of being a soldier.

I personally would take this to the next level, going so far as to strictly prohibit soldiers from being allowed to get married or pregnant until they have completed at least 2 years of full duty. I have personally seen the scum of the earth being allowed into the military and then they do stuff like this and all of a sudden they are getting promoted to E-4 without doing anything. It drove me crazy to see the shammers of the military getting promoted above myself and other hard working soldiers for doing less and not holding up the values of military service.

Back then I was single and was not a huge fan of living in the barracks but I was not going to skip out on duty, work, PT or anything that was going to dishonor my service and hated seeing others not care or value their commitment at all.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 11 at 2015 1:03 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 11 Jul 2015 13:03:06 -0400

Dumb I idea but I have seen it.

Response by SGT Michelle Saunders made Jul 11 at 2015 1:03 PM

SGT Michelle Saunders — Sat, 11 Jul 2015 13:03:34 -0400

Lmao this has been going on for years!

Response by MSgt Robert Pellam made Jul 11 at 2015 1:40 PM

MSgt Robert Pellam — Sat, 11 Jul 2015 13:40:00 -0400

Going through this thread I have seen commonalities. This particular thing is happening, and has been happening for a long time. It is gaming the system, and technically against regulation, although almost impossible to prove.

So the why, well it is unfair, and single troops get treated like crap.
I concur with all the said posts, and I hope my summary did not leave anything out.

So what do we do about it?
We can treat everyone as equal. Problem there is you either take money away from Married people or give extra money to single people. There will be much disagreement from both sides. Harsher Penalties? Well that pretty much never works. Issue everyone a spouse upon entrance into the military (IF you don't have one)? That one is pretty hard to do, although I know some people who might like it.

I see a problem without an easy solution. So most people ignore it. Just like its been ignored since the issue of BAH for dependents was implemented. The military decided it needed to start taking care of its Enlisted better. So they added BAH. (yes I know it was a different acronym when it came out but bare with me.) This was touted at the Fix for the Enlisted force (Officers just get more money they weren't getting before). The Military could pay out targeted money to Family's who required food, water, and shelter, while keeping the money for Single members because the military provided food, water, and shelter. See the heads of state fixed the problem. Problem is, they created another one. There is now a separation between married members and single members. While being married, and having kids does burden the bank account, it provides more money to individuals who are doing the same job as a single member.

Plus living in government quarters lacks some serious freedom. But there are some pros. I like living in the dorms, but that is me.

So what do we do? In my humble (retired) opinion, there is two choices. Pay everyone the same. If you are E-3 then you get E-3 pay, no mater what you status or dependents. Remove about 70% of Government dorm facilities stateside. You're giving they individuals the money, time to leave the nest. (yes I see the overflowing problems with this.) Shirts (Air Force term for enlisted dude who handles off duty problems) would be pretty much working 24/7. Some would Thrive, others not so much. )

Or plan 2, do nothing. Keep the savings by not paying single military members dependent BAH, Ignore the contract marriages, and spot fix anything that goes wrong. So much easier then watching young military members try to deal with living off base.

Who knows if there is a correct answer.

Response by PO3 Shayna Stevens made Jul 11 at 2015 1:55 PM

PO3 Shayna Stevens — Sat, 11 Jul 2015 13:55:15 -0400

I've known many people to do this. Reasons include living off base, dependant / extra pay, and extra excuses to not come to work. Haha.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jul 11 at 2015 2:48 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sat, 11 Jul 2015 14:48:36 -0400

I can see them ending badly.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Jul 11 at 2015 3:46 PM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Sat, 11 Jul 2015 15:46:29 -0400

I learned of a few instances where Soldiers got into contract marriages immediately prior to deployment -- for financial reasons. Though I would caution that doing so is fraud (I believe), and you can get crushed for it.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 8 at 2015 7:59 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 08 Aug 2015 19:59:37 -0400

A contract marriage is illegal in every form in the Army. If Soldiers are doing this, they should face UCMJ action.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 31 at 2015 11:44 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 31 Aug 2015 23:44:40 -0400

I've seen it happen more often than not, I actually have a soldier that did this before he deployed. I've been in long enough to know what a contract marriage looks like, but as these are grown people, you cant stop them. You can only hope that they know what the are doing. My question has always been, what happens when you finally do find that one special person that you want to be with?

Response by 1stLt William Jones made Feb 11 at 2017 4:30 PM

1stLt William Jones — Sat, 11 Feb 2017 16:30:44 -0500

Remember the good old days when you needed your CO to approve of you getting married if you were below E-5? Me either. But it was a good idea.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Mar 8 at 2019 2:56 PM

SFC Casey O'Mally — Fri, 08 Mar 2019 14:56:59 -0500

Well... technically, all marriages are contracts. The "traditional" marriage is a lifelong contract committed to one individual. However just because one person approaches their contracts this way does not mean all have to.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 14 at 2019 11:32 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 14 Aug 2019 11:32:11 -0400

For anyone in training at Drunken Lust Institute, DLI in Monterey, it happens quite a lot. The divorce rate once they complete training and move onto their next base is also quite high.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 21 at 2019 11:42 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 21 Sep 2019 11:42:06 -0400

Barracks life sucks. You are treated like a kid and mass punishment occurs too often. I got in trouble for doing barracks maintenance. I got in trouble for having a six back of beer at the age of 27. Why would I want to stay in the barracks?

Response by COL William Oseles made Sep 21 at 2019 12:55 PM

COL William Oseles — Sat, 21 Sep 2019 12:55:31 -0400

IMO Contract Marriages are FRAUD.

Response by MSgt Tony Marlin made Sep 21 at 2019 3:04 PM

MSgt Tony Marlin — Sat, 21 Sep 2019 15:04:40 -0400

Over half don't last more than 5 years anyway so why not...

Response by Sgt Dale Briggs made Sep 21 at 2019 4:07 PM

Sgt Dale Briggs — Sat, 21 Sep 2019 16:07:45 -0400

As a LCPL we shared a room 3 guys per room. As a Corporal 2 per room, as a Sgt I had my own room. I can’t complain, I suppose some units were housed differently but I spent all my time in units in French Creek both 2nd Anglico and 5/10. No barracks after boot camp at all.

Response by LTC Russ Smith made Sep 21 at 2019 4:54 PM

LTC Russ Smith — Sat, 21 Sep 2019 16:54:56 -0400

In 1981 at Camp Pendleton I was a Lance Corporal. I went on a date with a female Marine. A few days later, someone told me she was married. When I confronted her very directly she told me that she and a girlfriend of hers married two male Marines simply so they could justify living off base and they could draw housing and family allowances. I ran as fast as I could.

Response by MCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 21 at 2019 6:11 PM

MCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 21 Sep 2019 18:11:41 -0400

Shit, military folks have been doing this since the military put the rule in place about married folks getting money to live off-post/base. I recall back in DA/DT and before that gay troops would marry lesbian troops so they could be "above suspicion" and get the hell out of the barracks.

This is nothing new.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 22 at 2019 1:33 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 22 Sep 2019 01:33:18 -0400

Maybe we as an Army shouldn’t treat these people like garbage. That would fix a lot of the Army’s issues(Retention, Suicide, Discipline issues).

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 22 at 2019 2:47 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 22 Sep 2019 02:47:13 -0400

Because soldiers will be soldiers and they don't think before they act

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Sep 22 at 2019 2:54 AM

LTC Jason Mackay — Sun, 22 Sep 2019 02:54:04 -0400

Get out of the barracks- check
BAH with dependents - Check
Family Sep while deployed - check
BAS - check
Trash their credit - check
Develop a AR 600-99 practical exercise for the chain of command - check-a-rooni!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 22 at 2019 8:55 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 22 Sep 2019 08:55:44 -0400

If the soldiers in the barracks weren’t stuffed two to a room and constantly forced to move and we’re also treated like first class citizens than maybe they wouldn’t rush into getting married

Response by Cpl Rc Layne made Nov 16 at 2019 2:23 PM

Cpl Rc Layne — Sat, 16 Nov 2019 14:23:24 -0500

I'm my opinion, no one under E5 of any branch should be married and or a single parent. Too many distractions.

Response by PFC Josiah Schmid made Nov 16 at 2019 2:26 PM

PFC Josiah Schmid — Sat, 16 Nov 2019 14:26:43 -0500

Marriage is supposed to be special and for the one. Not for any girl you meet at the nearest off post strip club. A lot of those marriages end up with divorce

Response by SSG Darrell Peters made Nov 16 at 2019 4:22 PM

SSG Darrell Peters — Sat, 16 Nov 2019 16:22:20 -0500

What is really hurtful and borderline criminal is when a Soldier will marry a person from another country and the person from the other country doesn't realize the benefits that are involved while married to a service member. The Servicemember officer or enlisted makes no difference will pocket the extra cash and keep the spouse in the dark about benefits. It is really bad when you learn about the Abandoned Spouse Program in Korea.

Response by SSG Ralph Watkins made Nov 16 at 2019 4:25 PM

SSG Ralph Watkins — Sat, 16 Nov 2019 16:25:14 -0500

Back in the day, the main reason for contract marriages was that both parties were gay. The Army was pretty dense when it came to that. If they are married, they can't be gay. It was a good way to get out of the witch hunts. Others did it b/c they wanted a real life. No 1SG or SDNCO walking into your room at 3AM to see if you had a female member of the unit in your bed. If you were a female, no waking up to have your creepy CO standing over you, watching you sleep. And we've all experienced the thumper music, the guy practicing the opening to Stairway to Heaven for the 300th time on his guitar, or the guy that drops weights all the time in the room above you. When you move up in rank a bit, you can yell at the E-4s & below to turn off the Chipmunks singing Christmas music in September at 0230 hours.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 16 at 2019 5:41 PM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 16 Nov 2019 17:41:29 -0500

Biologics at first.

Response by Cpl Stephen hawk Jr made Nov 16 at 2019 6:28 PM

Cpl Stephen hawk Jr — Sat, 16 Nov 2019 18:28:47 -0500

1 Don't treat em like crap in the barracks. 2 help undo the UCMJ reg saying they can't voice a political opinion when they bitch about shit pay and benefits.
3 when an E5 and advice does something stupidb say DUI or impropriety with a minor don't ban e3 and below from having pov's or restrict them to base with a curfew.

Response by 1SG Charles Buzzatto made Nov 17 at 2019 9:29 PM

1SG Charles Buzzatto — Sun, 17 Nov 2019 21:29:19 -0500

Response by 1SG Charles Buzzatto made Nov 17 at 2019 9:30 PM

1SG Charles Buzzatto — Sun, 17 Nov 2019 21:30:38 -0500

Get a prenup and don’t have kids because living in the barracks sucks. SJA should give class’s on prenuptial agreements. Also a class on how not to have kids if you’re going to get married young to get out of the barracks.

Response by SSG Sidney Galloway made Jan 28 at 2020 7:57 PM

SSG Sidney Galloway — Tue, 28 Jan 2020 19:57:48 -0500

I saw it in 1999. Quietly "open" lesbian was with another. They knew a couple, of queers, and they got married, girl/guy, girl/guy. They reaped the BAQ/Sep Rats. Not wrong, but definitely not right.

Response by CDR Tom Davy made Feb 20 at 2020 6:12 PM

CDR Tom Davy — Thu, 20 Feb 2020 18:12:51 -0500

I was ordered this kind of "marriage" in 1979. She was a lesbian with a dowry. She would get the medical benefits and I would get the extra money. I'm glad I didn't do it, but it was a painless way to make money until the law got in the way.

Response by PO1 Michael Bruner made May 10 at 2020 6:46 AM

PO1 Michael Bruner — Sun, 10 May 2020 06:46:07 -0400

When I was in the Navy, at shore stations, it was single mothers who got preferential treatment over other sailors (male or female), even the single dads.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Jun 13 at 2020 5:54 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Sat, 13 Jun 2020 05:54:17 -0400

It has gone on for forever. When barracks life meant stop and grab details, four or more to a room, etc. morally corrupt but some reasoning. Now it is strictly about money, and not that much. Hey you’d are largely unauthorized and most dorms are that. So in the past, it made some sense, now it makes no sense.