How does stationing in the army or navy work?

Question

If someone has kids and they join the army, then get stationed somewhere, do their wife + kids go with? Cause I hear about wives talk about how their husbands are gone for long periods of time....I thought that their dependants are stationed with them. Can someone explain? Thanks!

Answer 1

if they get accompanied orders then yes, the family can come with.  if not, then no, the family is not authorized to travel there( usually places like Korea).  

Answer 2

Spouses talking about their husbands being gone for long periods of time are probably talking about deployments and JRTC/NTC (training that is up to 30 days).  When you go to your first duty station, it depends where you are going if it is an accompanied tour.  I think its different when you have a wife, but i know if you have children, at your first duty station, they are not on your orders and you go alone and live in the Barracks.  I know alot of people who are geographical bachelors because their spouses are away and they are usually newbies to the Army.  The best way to find out would be to ask someone that is in the Army or ask a recruiter...

Answer 3

It really depends on where they are stationed and why they are stationed there. Stop into a recruiters office and they should have the info for you , most of them are married, at least all the ones I met.  

Answer 4

They only allow you to be stationed with them if the locations are safe and have homes available. You will need to wait until he gets his duty station. You don't want to take yourself and your children to Iraq do you?  

Answer 5

Some tours such as Korea(1 year)  for the Army are considered hardship and you do not get to take your family.  In some cases you can get sponsorship but it is usually for higher ranks and they it makes the tour go up to 2 years.

Places such as Korea are limited on space and facilities.

Answer 6

It depends on a few things.  If the spouse is deployed, say to Iraq, then of course the family does not accompany theme.  Most deployments last about 12-15 months, so that would certainly qualify for a long time.  The other scenario is if your spouse got orders to a base that does not allow family members to accompany them...Korea is the most frequently mentioned one.  These assignments do not have a lot of housing or support facilities for families and can be considered too dangerous for dependents.  Those assignments generally last 18-24 months.

Answer 7

My daughter and her husband are both stationed in Guam with thier child. My son was stationed i n Spain with his wife.

I think when you are on a ship its different.

I don't think you would want your wife stationed in Iraq with you. I really think its your choice.