If I get married, what are my assignment options under the MACP after my delivery and postpartum time frame?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 16 Oct 2022 05:44:57 -0400

I have been placed on an assignment overseas in 2023 but there is a possibility I may be pregnant( haven’t took the test yet) I understand that because of that my orders will be either deferred or deleted until my post partum time frame. My child’s father and I aren’t married yet and he will be in his reenlistment window next month (November). He wants to extend 18 months at our current duty station to be here for my pregnancy and everything. I understand at that point it becomes needs of the army rather than pick of the litter. My question is if we get married and enroll into the MACP what are the chances we can be stationed together after the 18 months? Will I still be going overseas? Will he be able to PCS around the same time as me at the same place? Will we get a new duty station? I am just trying to see what are the chances of us staying together if we enroll into MACP.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 16 at 2022 5:56 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 16 Oct 2022 05:56:22 -0400

Sit down with your Career Counselor and discuss thus topic. But, know that even if you're enrolled in MACP, there is no absolute guarantee you'd be assigned together. The Army would do its best, but no guarantee.

Response by COL Randall C. made Oct 16 at 2022 7:31 AM

COL Randall C. — Sun, 16 Oct 2022 07:31:33 -0400

SSG Private RallyPoint Member - The MACP is not a silver bullet for dual-military couples. Like many things, you'll be satisfied with the results if you have realistic expectations. The program does have a high rate of success (about four out of every five couples enrolled are able to get a joint domicile assignment), but couples will have to make hard choices that will impact assignments just like they would with other aspects of the military.

If your priority is "stay together", you'll have a lot more success with the program than if it is both "stay together" and "have career enhancing jobs for both of us". Likely you'll have to make a choice as you go up in ranks of "stay together", "be apart so we can both have a job we want", or "you get the job you want and I'll take whatever is available".

Here are a few items that may help you understanding the program better. Make sure you pay attention to the situation you are in (OCONUS on assignment enrolling in the program).

HRC's Website on MACP - if you need further answers from the experts on anything dealing with the policy, follow the procedures at the bottom of the page.
https://www.hrc.army.mil/content/5432

Information paper by the Army G1's office regarding MACP - the last paragraph might be of interest to you.
https://dacowits.defense.gov/Portals/48/Documents/General%20Documents/RFI%20Docs/Dec2019/USA%20RFI%201.pdf

An Army spouse website with some ''non military" views on the program.
https://spouselink.aafmaa.com/married-army-couples-program/

HRC Homepage

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 16 at 2022 10:00 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 16 Oct 2022 10:00:20 -0400

You can't possibly know what the duty assignments available at that time will be. Those are based on your ranks, PMOS, and duty assignments available when you're both eligible to move. Most of that is subject to change between now and when your future husband will be placed on assignment. What I can say is that you two will generally move together unless one of you is placed on a dependent restricted tour or a broadening assignment like Drill or Recruiting.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Oct 19 at 2022 11:43 AM

SGM Bill Frazer — Wed, 19 Oct 2022 11:43:00 -0400

Look it is not a magic wand- and it does not and has never guaranteed to be perfect for life. If you decide to marry, they promise to TRY to keep you together, though that might not enhance either career. Only the MACP folks and HRC/branch would be able to answer the question and that will change daily. True MACP will improve the chances of joint posting better than swagging it. Just keep in mind, you enlistment are always for the good of the service.