Nurses Helping Nurses
allnurses Network: Central | Jobs | Books | Newsletter
allnurses: A Nursing Community for Nurses
Home General News Blogs Articles Students Region Specialty Degrees F.A.Q.
Government and Military Nursing /

Officer/Enlisted marriage question



Did You Know?
allnurses is the largest community for nurses on the web. We now have over 388,307 members! Join today to network with other nurses, laugh, share, and much more.

Oct 07, 2009 09:12 PM

Officer/Enlisted marriage question


I was curious about how this scenario might play out or if this decision is unwise:

I will be graduating with my BSN soon and have considered applying for commission to the USAF given the current job market and my student loans. My husband is currently a SSgt. in the USAF. Is this something that can be done? I've looked at other threads but did not see anything regarding a couple that had been married prior to the commissioning/involved different branches.

Is this something that is feasible? FYI my husband works in a career field that only requires that an airfield be present. Would this be an unwise decision or will I not be considered for commissioning because of this? How might this limit our career paths?

I know this isn't entirely related to nursing, but any insight would be greatly appreciated.


Share

Search Tags
None
Top

 
Advertisement
Sponsored Links
 
Reply
7 Comments
No. 1
from bds165
Old Oct 07, 2009, 09:20 PM

Default Re: Officer/Enlisted marriage question
I knew of at least two couples who were married when they were enlisted and one spouse went on to OTS (one guy was in my flight at OTS) and became an officer. Being married prior to commissioning will not cause you any UCMJ problems (unless something has changed in the last five years).

You might get the occasional joke "Are you gonna make him salute you at home?"
Top
 
No. 2
Old Oct 07, 2009, 09:29 PM

Default Re: Officer/Enlisted marriage question
Trust me, I make him "salute."
Top

1 Reader Gave Kudos
 
No. 3
from jeckrn
Old Oct 07, 2009, 10:51 PM

Default Re: Officer/Enlisted marriage question
This should not be a problem as long since you where married before you recieved your commission.

Recently I seen a sign that stated "do not confuse your rank with my authority". I know this is pointed more at male officers then females but it does put things into prospective.

The only thing that could hurt your careers is if you always want to be stationed together. This could decrease the oppurtunies for each other, which could hurt promotions.
Good luck
Top
 
No. 4
from caliotter3
Old Oct 07, 2009, 11:20 PM

Default Re: Officer/Enlisted marriage question
No problems in today's day and age as far as acceptability and social concerns. Maybe an occasional glitch in getting stationed together.
Top
 
No. 5
Old Oct 08, 2009, 02:50 AM

Default Re: Officer/Enlisted marriage question
Originally Posted by jeckrn View Post
This should not be a problem as long since you where married before you recieved your commission.

Recently I seen a sign that stated "do not confuse your rank with my authority". I know this is pointed more at male officers then females but it does put things into prospective.
Actually that's a cop quote (I'm an ex Air Force cop) and it comes from the simple fact that an enlisted E3 has the power to arrest a four-star general. It has nothing to do with males or females - it has everything to do with enlisteds who have authority over officers despite their rank.

As an E4 I once arrested an O5 for being stupid enough to drink and drive on base. ON BASE!!!
Top
 
No. 6
from jeckrn
Old Oct 08, 2009, 07:25 AM

Default Re: Officer/Enlisted marriage question
Recently I seen a sign that stated "do not confuse your rank with my authority". I know this is pointed more at male officers then females but it does put things into prospective.

They way it was written was for husbands to understand the role at home. I have heard as a cop quote and as how it was presented.
Top
 
No. 7
from SeekirRN
Old Oct 08, 2009, 04:05 PM

Default Re: Officer/Enlisted marriage question
No, there will be no issues with you attempting to receive a commission in the USAF. I am in the exact situation. My husband is an E5 in the USAF and I have my application in for the boards next month. The only issue comes if you two would be in the same chain of command, which is NOT allowed. (Basically, you can not be on the upper end of his chain of command). It sounds like you two will have no issues, as you will be in the med group and he will be with his group. As always, verify this with your recruiter. If you have children you will need a dependency waiver merely because you will be a mil-to-mil couple and have to have your dependency care plan in place and approved. This is a very easy process. Took me a few days to fill the paperwork out, get it all signed, and then a few more days for it to be approved. Good luck!
Top
 
Reply




Thread Tools


Who's Online
388 members
4,284 guests
4,672

0

Interesting article on ThedaCare's Collaborative Care Model

2

Possible breakthrough regarding MS

49

16th Philly area hospital to stop delivering babies: Mercy...

7

Really interesting article on Indian open hearts

4

High-Tech Pump Does What Her Heart Can't

2

Air Force RN Force RN Found Not Guilty

15

Hospital Falters as Refuge for Illegal Immigrants

6

California Imposes Stricter Rules Regarding Drug Abuse In...

40

Are older nurses being forced out of the profession?

3

An outlook in California?



1

Society Needs Care Too

12

Why am I doing this, anyway?

2

Nurse Heal Thyself

9

My Papa, why I am the nurse I am today.

17

I made it through

11

An angel's gaze

15

A Sister Never Forgets

16

Ruby's Marbles

37

What Do Operating Room Nurses Do?

14

My Little Old Jedi

20

I love this job......

23

"I hear voices"

19

Preventing FRUTI (Foley Related Urinary Tract Infection) in...

24

Error and Attitude

10

It's Just a Shower





Currently Reading This Page: 1 (0 members & 1 guests)

Interested in the hottest topics of the week? Subscribe to the Nurse-zine Newsletter.
Enter email address: