Dual Military Deployment: Can Spouses Go Together?

Hey everyone! I've read about dual military couples – those where both spouses are in the military. Is it possible for such couples to be deployed together? Are there specific rules or exceptions for this?

While it's possible for married military couples, aka dual military couples, to be stationed together, it's important to be aware that this is not always guaranteed and it depends on several factors. The military does have programs in place to try to keep spouses together, as much as possible, for morale purposes.

The U.S. Military's “Join Spouse” program, for instance, works to station spouses at the same, or a nearby, military base when both individuals serve in the same branch of the military. However, this protocol does not necessarily guarantee deployment to the same location, especially when there are operational requirements to consider.

That being said, the policies can vary greatly across different branches of the military, so it's recommended for those in this situation to speak directly with their commanding officers or personnel management systems to clarify specifics.

To add, certain roles or classifications can affect these decisions. For example, both partners' current military roles, career trajectories, rank, and the prevalence of their respective specialties are significant factors in the decision-making process. In some instances, if both partners are in highly specialized roles or if one is qualified in a role that's needed urgently in a particular location, this could make joint deployment more challenging.

In conclusion, dual military couples may have opportunities to be deployed together, but the feasibility is highly dependent on specific circumstances. It's vital to engage in open conversations with military leadership to understand the options and potential challenges associated with joint deployment.