I know that we have to get married before he joins. I want to know how the process works from signing up to after boot camp. Like, when will he find out where he will be stationed after boot camp? Will I move while he is in boot camp or will he go first? We have a 3 year old also, so will we live on base or off base? I would just like to know some general information. Thank you for taking time to read this and I hope someone can help me.
2007-10-10 06:55:42 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Military
You don't have to be married, per se before he leaves for training. You can marry any time since there is no restriction about it. It just is better if he is married before going in because then he can be paid more allowances and get better quarters.
You will not be allowed to live on base with him until after he has completed all of his training. The old Army saying (concerning training) of "If the Army wanted you to have a wife, they would issue you one and she would be OD green in color" still is true in some places. The Army doesn't cater to families other than giving you PX, Commissary, health care and certain other priviledges. You will not move with him until his first duty assignment. If your husband is sent overseas, you probably will not be allowed to go except if it is Germany, Alaska, Hawaii and certain other places. For many tours of duty, dependents aren't allowed to go. Also be prepared to move every 3 years or so when you do get to live on or near a base. You will not be living anywhere that you can "sink roots down".
Most stateside Army bases are located in remote places in small communities. If you were wanting to live near a large city (like New York, Los Angeles, etc.), it probably won't happen. Most military towns don't have more than 100,000 people including the military people living off post. There are a few exceptions, but depending upon your future husband's MOS (job designation), you might not like being where he is sent.
My wife and I moved 7 times during my career and there were tours that she couldn't go with me. As an example, I was mobilized twice to go to Lebannon and once to Grenada. There were other training tours she couldn't attend as well. Such is the life of a military wife. Not everyone is cut out to be one.
I would also suggest that once he is officially in the Army, that he join USAA (United Services Auto Association) for him to get all of his insurance coverages. They have insured me since 1977 and they have never failed to pay a claim except for one time when it was less than my deductable. He can contact them at www.usaa.com to find out about renter's insurance for your household goods, as well as coverage for your car. They also have banking services (USAA Federal Savings Bank) which will enable you to have his money direct deposited so you can buy groceries, etc. while he is on duty any where he may go.
I hope this helps you a little and I wish for you a bright future.
2007-10-10 07:30:13 · answer #1 · answered by Captain Cupcake 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is not all that true that you have to be married b4 he joins, yes it would be better but it is not a required thing, however you do have a child and for the time he is in boot for you two to get some support it would be to your best interest to be married. He would have to complete boot camp were ever the send him in the states. The Army has a few places. The Marines have only two and it would be easy to tell were he would be sent to boot. He should get some time after boot b4 his school begins. Depending on what it is he goes or they give him will determine were that will be. As for you two your best bet would be stay put until he complete boot then work on the rest of it from that point. Are his chances of going to the war zone? That depends on the field he goes into. By the time he complete boot and school he could go over, but they should be pulling most of the combat people out and only have support things in place. He could stand a chance of going but he could end up in Korea also. You could also ask his recruiter they should be able to give you some skinning on it or a little better idea than most here, not saying they can not help. But right now he needs to complete boot and school.
Good luck and Thanks
2007-10-10 07:15:11 · answer #2 · answered by Yogi 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lets see...Going to have to use the Marine Corps way of doing things...but the Army can't be that different.... so
He will be told where he will be stationed when he finishes boot camp and receives his orders to his first duty station. Many new people take a weeks vacation right after boot camp and then travel time to his new base. As long as it is a permanent duty station, you will be able to join him at that time. As far as living in base housing, it really depends on the availability of housing where ever he is stationed.... I would plan on living off base...which is expensive and if not expensive...a bit trashy.
Ensure he gets all his paperwork in line ASAP. As soon as you find out where you two are going to be stationed, go to their web page. Most bases have web pages and you can get information on housing and other offering to people who are reporting there.
PS....Ignore MilitaryZombie.... he is an idiot for posting something of that effect.
Good luck to you both.
Z
Capt USMC Ret
2007-10-10 07:05:14 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
you will NOT be allowed to move to where he is until he has finished all Basic Training.(only Marines, CG and Navy has Boot camp) Nor will you be allowed to move where his schooling is unless that school lasts more than six months. he will not know where he will be stationed until just before he graduates his MOS school, and possibly not until after he graduates.
Typical scenario is he shows up to his duty station and then makes arrangements to have you join him. Whether or not you can get base housing will depend on a variety of factors. the wait list can be as long as 2 years, depending on paygrade, bedroom entitlement and where his name is on the list. If his first duty station is Korea, you will NOT be given permission to join him. It will be a 12 month Unaccompanied Tour. If his first Duty Station is OCONUS, you may or may not get permission to go, depends on several factors, including his rank, the overseas screening and availability of housing. In Germany, for instance, it is not unheard of to have to wait six months before housing becomes available and you cannot go over until it is available to move into right away.
2007-10-10 07:11:38 · answer #4 · answered by Mrsjvb 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on what MOS he gets. If his AIT is 6 months or longer you can move to the post he will be training at on the Army's dime. Or you can wait until he gets his first duty station and you will be able to move there either on post or off. Some posts have a waiting list that you have to get on for on post housing, but they will help you find a place off post. You'll have to contact the housing office when you find out where he'll be stationed, the sooner the better. And just FYI you probably won't find out where his first duty station will be until he completes basic training.
2007-10-10 07:05:22 · answer #5 · answered by crop13b 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
He will find out his Ship Date to Basic and Report Date to AIT when he signs his contract at the MEPS...he will not find out where his first Duty Station will be until about 1/2 to 3/4 way through AIT, unless he gets a Duty Station of Choice as an Enlistment Option...when he does find out I suggest that you wait until he gets to his Unit and In-processes before you move with him...being that it will be his first PCS (Change of Duty Stations) move, you will need time to find a place to live or wait on On Post Housing...and it sucks staying in a hotel for two weeks or more...he will get 10 free days to move...you can live either On or Off post...I always liked living Off Post because there was no one telling me how high my grass could be and crap like that....they give you money to live Off Post...and they take it for On Post...and sometimes Enlisted Housing On Post is crap...hope this helps...
2007-10-10 07:15:04 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Dr Z is pretty much right. You will stay put at your current location while he is in basic training. He will complete basic, and go to his MOS training. While there he will find out where his first duty station will be. Once he receives orders and a report date, you will be able to start the process of joining him. You will contact transportation with his orders and they will arrange to come pack and transport your belongings. You may choose to live in base housing, only if there is availability. You will have to contact the housing office on post, to find out about a waiting list. If you choose to live off post, he will receive BAH (basic allowance for housing) to help offset the price of rent. My husband and I have always lived off post and you can find good apartments and rent houses off post, you just have to look around! I hope that I have helped to answer your questions! Best of luck to you!
2007-10-10 07:12:55 · answer #7 · answered by Amy B 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋