do you have to give up custody of your children?

My husband is in the military. My understanding for everyone is that you do have to sign over guardianship to someone while you are in school/basic training. You have to have an approved family plan in place to remain in the military. You can regain custody of your child/ren when you are at your first duty station. I am a teacher(changing careers) and had many single parents that were enlisted and commissioned. They all had custody of their children unless they needed to deploy and then their family plan was activated.

If you live near a military post you could talk with someone that is currently in the military. You could also talk to a recruiter and they may be able to give you more information about this.

http://www.army.mil/-news/2009/03/11/18069-leading-the-way-in-the-year-of-the-nco/

http://www.army.mil/-news/2009/02/25/17438-master-sergeant-looks-back-on-career-of-hard-work-perseverance/

Here are two articles about soldiers keeping their children while joining the military.

deAnna

From what I understand you do not have to give up custody of your children but as the previous writer stated you have to have a family care plan for the children. Speak with the health care recruiter about this.

Yes - it's not giving up custody. You're required to have plans in place and in writing for the care of your children (1) in the event of your deployment and (2) while you're sent to training.