If my spouse and I are deploying, but to separate bases, can we request being assigned together?

2017-06-26T19:28:33-04:00

My spouse and I are in the same unit and MOS. We are deploying together but they are separating us. I know there are slots for him with me. Can we request to be together throughout the deployment? I've heard from some people that the army tries to keep couples together but I've also heard that they won't because of conflict of interest.

Response by SSG Pete Fleming made Jun 26 at 2017 7:35 PM

2017-06-26T19:35:17-04:00

The rules might be different now, but there can be a conflict of interest if either is in the others chain of command. Also if there is possibility that the two of you being on the same mission could potentially put others at risk. This would come as a loss of focus or a deeper concern over the safety of a spouse vs the entire team and mission... At the end of the day you are deployed for the needs of the services and anything that might create friction of other issues can't be tolerated. Sorry but that is the cold truth... I am sure others can explain it better and relate it to any updates to the Army rules.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 26 at 2017 8:03 PM

2017-06-26T20:03:54-04:00

Can't hurt to try, but honestly it's a long shot and it might have been more feasible if you had more rank.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Jun 26 at 2017 10:36 PM

2017-06-26T22:36:03-04:00

I would say it's unlikely unless you have a really persuasive reason for why. But can't hurt to ask.

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Jun 27 at 2017 8:39 AM

2017-06-27T08:39:21-04:00

You can request whatever you like in the military. Will you get it? Probably not.

Response by PO3 Donald Murphy made Jun 27 at 2017 10:17 AM

2017-06-27T10:17:38-04:00

You've been married THIS long so far and the Army hasn't broken the two of you up yet? Wow. I'd go out and buy a lottery ticket. I know I'm Navy but I saw this all the time. The Navy loved doing everything in its power to separate the two of you. Why? Who knows. I think its a long lost dick gene that manifests itself in upper command. Had the same thing sorta happen to me. When I was single I did what I wanted, when I wanted. Once I got married, overtime appeared every hour. I was working 98 hour days. And all for superfluous bullshit that had no need. The Navy used to delight in separating us.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 27 at 2017 10:21 AM

2017-06-27T10:21:21-04:00

As others have said the odds are not good. But, there is zero chance if you do not ask.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 27 at 2017 1:58 PM

2017-06-27T13:58:09-04:00

As others have said, it is slim on chances but you never know unless you go to your chain of command. While I was deployed to Afghanistan, I knew a married couple with the same MOS and we were FOBbits, so they could have been stationed together but were placed on two separate bases.