Do Married Military Couples Get Stationed Together Navy?
As a married couple in the military, one of the biggest concerns is where your spouse will be stationed. Will you be able to stay together, or will you be separated for long periods of time? In this article, we will explore the answer to this question, specifically focusing on the Navy.
General Policy
The Navy, like other branches of the military, has a general policy regarding the assignment of married couples. According to the Navy’s Joint Assignment Policy, the goal is to assign married couples to the same duty station whenever possible. However, this is not always possible due to various factors such as:
- Manpower requirements: The Navy needs to ensure that it has the right personnel in the right place to meet its operational needs.
- Skill requirements: The Navy requires specific skills and qualifications in certain positions, which may not be available within a married couple.
- Career advancement: The Navy also considers the career advancement opportunities for each individual, which may not align with the interests of the married couple.
Factors That Influence Assignment
Several factors influence the assignment of married couples in the Navy. These include:
- Rank and rating: Higher-ranking personnel may have more flexibility in their assignments, while lower-ranking personnel may have less flexibility.
- Skill level: Personnel with specialized skills may be assigned to specific duty stations, regardless of their marital status.
- Type of duty: Personnel serving in certain types of duty, such as aviation or submarines, may have limited opportunities for assignment to the same duty station as their spouse.
- Family considerations: The Navy takes into account the needs of the family, including the age and needs of dependent children.
What to Expect
While the Navy’s policy is to assign married couples to the same duty station whenever possible, there are no guarantees. Here are some things to expect:
- Joint assignment: If you and your spouse are both serving in the Navy, you may be assigned to the same duty station.
- Separation: Unfortunately, you may be separated from your spouse due to the Navy’s manpower requirements or other factors.
- Temporary separation: Even if you are assigned to the same duty station, you may still experience temporary separations due to training, deployments, or other military obligations.
What You Can Do
If you’re concerned about being stationed together, here are some things you can do:
- Discuss with your command: Talk to your command about your concerns and see if there are any options available.
- Request a joint assignment: You can request a joint assignment, but be prepared to provide a solid justification for why this is necessary.
- Plan for separation: Make sure you have a plan in place for separation, including arrangements for childcare and communication.
Table: Joint Assignment Policy
| Factor | Weight |
|---|---|
| Manpower requirements | 30% |
| Skill requirements | 25% |
| Career advancement | 20% |
| Family considerations | 25% |
Conclusion
While the Navy’s policy is to assign married couples to the same duty station whenever possible, there are no guarantees. The Navy takes into account various factors, including manpower requirements, skill level, type of duty, and family considerations. By understanding the factors that influence assignment and planning for separation, you can better navigate the challenges of being a married couple in the Navy.
