How does cross-branch military marriage work?

Hi folks, bit of an unusual question here. I have a girlfriend who's also planning on joining the military after high school, but she's leaning towards a different branch than I am. Curious if anyone can share their experiences or knowledge about cross-branch military marriages? Like, would we still get to see each other often? Or does it create complications? Any insight is much appreciated!

Indeed, cross-branch military marriages can be a bit complex, but they're not uncommon and many military couples have navigated through them successfully.

The first thing to understand is that marriage does not guarantee you'll be stationed together. However, there are programs like the Joint Spouse assignment program, or 'Collocation' programs across all branches that aim to keep military spouses together, although they are not always successful depending upon the career fields and manning requirements of specific job descriptions. Each branch of the military has their own version of this, but note that these programs typically prioritize assignments geographically rather than branch-specific. They work by trying to find job openings within each branch that are near each other but they don’t guarantee you and your spouse will be at the same base.

While the program works hard to keep military spouses together, meeting halfway may entail compromises, such as potentially not getting your top-choice assignments. Also, depending on your fields, one branch may have more bases than the other, causing one spouse to potentially do more moving than the other.

Secondly, dual military marriages, irrespective of branches, involve a lot of understanding, especially in balancing career aspirations with family life. Deployments can also create challenges when both are in the military and may be deployed simultaneously, hence having a solid support system is crucial.

Lastly, regular communication is paramount, as in any long-distance relationships, and the understanding of each other's roles, ranks, and protocols can help make military life a shared experience. While no two experiences are the same, many cross-branch military couples have found their relationships to be deeply enriching, granting them both an intimate understanding of the military lifestyle.

Remember, every situation is unique and can change depending on rank, occupation, and at times the current needs of the military. Therefore, it's essential to do your research, get some advice from others in similar situations, and make informed decisions. Don't hesitate to reach out to support networks available within the military community. They can provide invaluable advice and guidance.