Attending Military College as a Student with a Spouse?

Hey friends, I'm in a unique situation where I'm still in high school but also married. I've been looking into military colleges but I'm unsure how this could work being married. Is this possible? Will my spouse have to relocate?

Attending a military college while being married can present some challenges, but it's not impossible. The key is understanding how the specific military academy or military college you're interested in accommodates married students.

Military academies like the U.S. Military Academy (West Point), U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, and U.S. Coast Guard Academy have strict regulations that often prohibit cadets or midshipmen from being married. These academies are highly regimented environments with strict schedules that might not accommodate family life well.

However, if you're considering a senior military college such as Virginia Military Institute (VMI), The Citadel, or Norwich University, or other service colleges like the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, you might find more flexibility. For instance, The Citadel allows cadets to be married as long as they live off-campus.

If you're planning on joining the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) at a traditional college or university, you'll likely have no issues with being married.

As for whether your spouse will have to relocate, that generally depends on the policies of the college and how comfortable you are with living apart. If you attend a school that allows off-campus living, it's more feasible for your spouse to live with you.

Remember, each institution may have its own specific policies, so it might worth reaching out to each admissions office directly for the most precise understanding of what's possible. Making an informed decision will allow both you and your spouse to plan accordingly. Good luck with your future path!