Girlfriend and I had a baby but we are not married. Will this be a factor for me enlisting in the Army?

Question

My girlfriend and I had a baby 4 months ago. I'm 19 (she's 20), and at this time she still lives with her parents (with the baby) and I am living with my mom. The baby's healthcare is covered under my girlfriends job. I see my baby boy as much as I can but right now I also need to get my life in order. I just got off of a year probation (for possession) and have no job at the moment. I want to enlist in the Army to better myself, get my life straight, have a career and to be a father my baby can look up to while he grows up.

I just fear that since we are not married with a baby, that the Army might not accept me. Also getting off of probation and having a GED.. I just pray they accept me. I need this to fix my life and better the lives of all of those around me.

Answer 1

The Army Regs are written a little different than the Air Force Regs but from what I can see, it looks like you should not have a problem enlisting.  Check out an Army Recruiter for the full scoop.

As long as you qualify on the ASVAB with a high score, your GED should not be a problem for the Army's "Trainability" requirement.

For the possession (if Marijuana) then you might require a waiver - as per Army Reg: 601–210.  There might also be a waiting period after getting off of probation but I couldn't find it in the Army Reg.

(f) Possession of marijuana or drug paraphernalia. (Waiver may be considered. Waiver may be considered if charged with both offenses provided they occurred simultaneously.)

Dependency:

For enlistment purposes, “dependent” provides a clear-cut rule that will prevent enlistment of persons who have family and financial responsibilities that would be difficult, if not impossible, to meet while they are members of a military service. This definition does not apply for purposes of pay and allowances, medical care, exchange privileges, and other benefits.

To determine enlistment eligibility, dependent means—

b. Unmarried, natural, or adopted child. This applies to any unmarried, natural, or adopted child, under 18 years of age, of an applicant. "Natural child" includes any illegitimate child determined to be applicant’s child by court order.

2–10. Dependents

a. An applicant meets dependency requirements if they are—

    (3) Without a spouse and does not have custody of dependents.

    (4) Without a spouse and required to pay child support for two or fewer dependents by court order.

b. An applicant does not meet dependency requirements if—

    (7) The applicant is without a spouse and has custody of at least one dependent under the age of 18. (Waiver will

not be considered.)

Answer 2

You have good intentions. Good. Why don't you get enaged? That would solve everything.

Answer 3

you'll be fine. it's not like you are running for president or something....that's a different story as you can see here

Answer 4

No but you might have a problem if you would want to be the Vice President.   Just stay off the drugs and Good Luck.

Answer 5

yes.  you are ineligible to enlist as a single parent.  without court documents stating you have zero custody whatsoever..you cannot enlist unless you get married.  also because you have a need for moral waiver AND just a GED.. your chances are even slimmer.  

Answer 6

They will not care about the baby, as long as you do not have sole custody.  The GED will not worry them.  It is the just getting of probation that might stop you.

Answer 7

You can join the army even though you and your girlfriend are not married. If she has full custody it wont be a problem. The only thing with that is once the courts find out you have a job they will come after you for child support.  When you go see the recruiter he/she can tell you if the baby can be given your benefits etc..If you have GED that's not a problem either. My husband joined with a GED. Just make sure that you study hard for the ASVAB and get a high score so you have more options available to you when you enlist. As for you possession tell the recruiter you have it so when they do a background check it it wont surprise them. They can try and get you a wavier so that you can join. Good Luck, i hope everything works out for you.

Answer 8

the army is alot easier to get into then it used to be standards are lower and just because you have a child and are not married does not mean you cannot join the military but if you do get married you will get more pay just a tip you will have to tell them you have a child tho depending on what crime you commited as long as its not a felony you should be fine and the ged is fine to have that will qualify you as well as a high school diploma will just get in touch with a recruiter study for your asvap dont do any drugs between now and the time you take the drug test at meps and be sure you really want to join because once you ship to bootcamp there is no turning back  

ty for considering to serve and goodluck to you and your family