Posted on Oct 6, 2019
SGT Soldier
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I have a soldier who is 19; he is romantically engaged to a 17 year old. He’s about to PCS to a state where it is illegal for them to have sexual contact (age of consent is 18, no Romeo/Juliet law). If they only have sexual contact while on post, (ucmj defines age of consent as 16) then are they safe?
Posted in these groups: Ucmj UCMJStateB68c5bf Relationships0087 02 age brackets Age
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Responses: 25
LTC Kevin B.
17
17
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If someone is trying to weave their way through different laws regarding sexual contact with a minor, they're really not in a good place. I would tell him that he needs to put that relationship on ice.
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LTC Kevin B.
LTC Kevin B.
5 y
SSG(P) James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4" - That's how it looks to me. Sixteen or older would be legal, even if socially unacceptable (for most).
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Lt Col Jim Coe
13
13
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Your Soldier is in a difficult spot. If the couple is truly in a dedicated relationship, not just lust, then they should make it legal. It they were married, it probably wouldn't be a problem in any state. If he goes PCS and takes his girlfriend with him, he might be chargeable for transporting a minor across state lines for the purpose of elicit sexual activity. Recommend they talk to either a lawyer or Chaplin before traveling together to the new duty station.
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CSM Charles Hayden
CSM Charles Hayden
5 y
Lt Col Jim Coe Do you recall being 17 or 19?

Would lust be normal at that age, any commitment would be to satisfy that lust/need.
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Lt Col Jim Coe
Lt Col Jim Coe
5 y
CSM Charles Hayden yes, I remember well. I was married at 18. My daughter was born on my 19th birthday. I was commissioned at 22. We have been married for 53 years. We are possibly an exception.
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CSM Charles Hayden
CSM Charles Hayden
5 y
Lt Col Jim Coe 53 years of marriage? Congratulations. Yes, I would think you are an exception.
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CH (MAJ) Deputy Command Chaplain
CH (MAJ) (Join to see)
5 y
Lawyer, not a Chaplain. We would recommend “wave-off.”
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1SG Retired
5
5
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Any answer here will not provide any protection for the Soldier. He should seek legal counsel, explain every detail, and go with THAT legal advice.
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