Joint spouse program!!!!!!!!!

[MaryFutureHM]

I have a few questions about the joint spouse program if anyone can help? My husband is active duty Army and I will be going Active duty Navy. My recruiter told me about a joint spouse program where of course based on the needs of both services we may be able to be stationed within 50 miles of each other.I wanted to know if anyone has more info about this or know where i can get more info about this program? Thank you in advance:geek:

[indy]

The program you are looking for is the Spouse Co-location program, and for Navy member is covered by Military Personnel Manual (MILPERSMAN) Article 1300-1000 - http://www.npc.navy.mil/NR/rdonlyres/F8D14185-C279-4725-A188-87486FE68298/0/13001000.pdf - Basically the Navy will make every reasonable effort to keep military couples co-located, and for a Navy member married to a Navy member, the general idea is that both detailers will try to locate each member within a 50 mile radius. However there is no guarentee that co-location is possible. Marriage to a service member in a different branch of service makes co-location much more difficult, as there has to be existing billets, and vacancies for both of you in the same geographic area for you to both PCS there. I'm not saying that it won't happen, but be prepared for difficulty in negotiating orders, and understand that there is a likely possibility that you won't be stationed together.

Edit: Couple other things - I'm not sure what the Army's policy is on spouse co-location but the limited research I quickly did suggests its similiar (couldn't find anything official, so no link). Also I'm married to another Navy member, so I'd be glad to help with more information about the program if needed.

[MaryFutureHM]

that is the only thing i am worried about as far as enlisting My dream is to be in the navy as a corpsman but to keep my family together i may have to swich to army i do not know what to do
:(
:confused:

[8404]

Mary;

Even with this 'program' there is a distinct possibility of being separated as a family. All these programs state they 'try' to work with the family and the military's needs. But needs of the military will prevail.

Just keep that in the back of your mind when thinking about enlistment.

[MaryFutureHM]

I am thinking about switching to army just so we can have a better chance to be together. I really want to go in the navy but I think the army will be better to my family.

[indy]

That's why it's important to ensure you include your spouse in all aspects of planning a military career. You have to do what's right for you, but remember that there will always be some tradeoffs somewhere along the line. If you are willing to accept that there may be a time when you have to be separated, then go for it. It's all about what you consider to be acceptable conditions.

[8404]

It's all about what you consider to be acceptable conditions.

Kinda of like when they serve Lima beans, as one of the sides for dinner eh?!

[indy]

something like that 8404, lol!!!