Posted on Sep 2, 2020
Cesar Ramirez
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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!
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Responses: 2
SFC Retention Operations Nco
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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.
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CSM Darieus ZaGara
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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.
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Cesar Ramirez
Cesar Ramirez
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Thsnk you for the response, i do appreciate the advice and information. So if my girlfriend and I do get married, we will be separated for the first two years? It would be after our first duty station that we will be have a chance to live together? (I ask just to make sure I am understanding correctly) thank you again.
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SSG(P) Casualty Operations Ncoic
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If you notice, EVERY Army installation features outdoor activities. This is because most Army installations are built out in the middle of nowhere, as we need lots of room to maneuver, shoot stuff, have artillery impact areas, etc. I think the only Army installations that are NOT out in the middle of nowhere are in MDW (Military District Washington).
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CSM Darieus ZaGara
CSM Darieus ZaGara
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The contrast is the lack of hunting etc. in Italy. SSG(P) (Join to see)
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CSM Darieus ZaGara
CSM Darieus ZaGara
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If does not have to be a full two years. You place yourselves in the program and when one of you comes down on assignment your Branch will look to place you both. Your situation is a little easier as you are of the same MOS. Cesar Ramirez
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