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What is Dual Military?
When a union is formed between two individuals who are both serving in the military, it is referred to as a "dual military marriage." Although this terminology may vary across different branches of service, dual military marriages are a prevalent phenomenon. The number of same-service couples may surpass those who have chosen to marry someone from a different branch. Service members from the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard are aware that increased pay and allowances are often extended to married couples.
Military Double Proxy Marriage
In a military double proxy marriage, both spouses are unable to attend their own wedding ceremony due to military obligations. Instead, they have someone else stand in for them during the ceremony. This type of marriage is recognized by the military, but it is important to note that each branch of the military has its own specific regulations regarding proxy marriages.
How Does BAH Work for Dual Military Couples?
"BAH" refers to Basic Allowance for Housing, a stipend provided to eligible active military personnel, including reservists and National Guard members, who have served on active duty for at least 30 days. This allowance is calculated to cover approximately 95% of the cost of renting a home, and is intended to help offset the cost of housing for those who live off-base. The amount of BAH received by an individual is based on several factors, including their rank, whether they have dependents, and the average rent in the area around their base. The BAH stipend is added to the individual's regular pay each month to help cover the cost of housing and utilities.
Dual Military BAH: In cases where both spouses in a marriage are on active duty, both will receive the without-dependent BAH rate commensurate based on their rank and location. If a married couple has children, only one parent (the higher ranking one) will receive the higher with-dependent BAH rate.
BAH Type 2: While personnel in the reserves or National Guard activated for 30 days or longer receive standard BAH during that time period, those activated for less than 30 days receive BAH Reserve Component/Transit (BAH RC/T). It’s also sometimes called BAH Type 2 or BAH Type II, depending on your numerical preference. Unlike standard BAH, RC/T is based solely on your rank and whether or not you have dependents. Location does not factor in.
Partial BAH: If you’re a service member with no dependents living in government quarters (such as the barracks, temporary on-base lodgings, or base housing), you’ll receive a small fraction of the standard BAH for someone of your rank and location.
BAH Diff: Commonly referred to as BAH Diff, this is BAH specifically for service members living in government quarters who pay child support. Someone will not receive BAH Diff if the monthly amount they pay in child support is less than the amount of BAH Diff they would be eligible for.
Navy Dual Military Marriage Regulations
The Navy has specific regulations in place to support dual military couples, including policies related to housing and deployments. Navy regulations also allow for dual military couples to be stationed together at certain locations and marry whomever they want, including same-sex partners.
Benefits of Dual Military Marriage
Financial stability: Having two military salaries can provide a stable source of income for the household.
Shared understanding of the military lifestyle: Both spouses understand the demands and challenges of military life, which can strengthen their relationship.
Sense of community and support: Dual military couples are often part of a supportive network of other military families, which can provide a sense of community and belonging.
Opportunities for travel and adventure: Military service often involves opportunities for travel and experiences that may not be available in other careers.
Health and retirement benefits: The military provides comprehensive health and retirement benefits for its service members, which can provide peace of mind for dual military couples.
Access to support programs: The military has programs in place to support dual military couples, including counseling, financial planning, and support for deployments.
Career advancement opportunities: Serving in the military can provide opportunities for career advancement and leadership development.
A shared passion: Both spouses have a common love and passion for serving their country, which can bring them closer together.
Support during deployments: Having two military spouses can provide additional support and understanding during deployments, as both individuals understand the demands and challenges of this experience.
Strong family values: Military service often instills strong values such as patriotism, duty, and service, which can be passed down to future generations.
Dual Military Couples Stationed Together Army
The Army offers dual military couples the opportunity to be stationed together at certain locations. This can provide a sense of stability and support for the couple, as well as make it easier for them to maintain their relationship while serving in the military.
Dual Military Marriage Air Force
The Air Force has programs and policies in place to support dual military couples, including housing and deployments.
Dual Military Marriage Different Duty Stations
When dual military couples are stationed at different locations, they may face unique challenges. However, there are resources available to help them stay connected, including communication technology and support from the military community. It is important to note that dual military couples without dependents who are not stationed together are typically considered as single members for the purposes of BAH.
Do Dual Military Get Stationed Together?
The military has policies in place to allow dual military couples to be stationed together, but this depends on the specific needs of the military and the couple's job requirements. Dual military couples may also choose to be stationed at different locations to pursue different career opportunities.
Dual Military Couples Program
The Married Army Couples Program (MACP) offers a range of services to help support dual military couples, including counseling, financial planning, and support for deployments. The program also offers resources for couples who are stationed at different locations, including assistance with travel and communication.
Dual Military Divorce Rate
In 2024 your chances of having your marriage end in divorce are even higher if you are a female member of the military. The divorce rate among women in the military is 4.54%. The divorce rate among men in the military, meanwhile, is 2.9%.
