Army lets soldiers take ‘I do’ to Iraq war zone
 

Army lets soldiers take ‘I do’ to Iraq war zone

Historic policy lets spouses serving together share the same bunk

BAGHDAD - When American soldiers get off duty in Iraq, the men usually return to their quarters, the women to theirs. But Staff Sgt. Marvin Frazier gets to go back to a small trailer with two pushed-together single beds that he shares with his wife.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23884819/

Interesting... I'm guessing that means that the US equivalent of the "non-fraternization" policy has been repealed? Could open a can-of-worms that they don't want, but let's see how it plays out...

No-policy is still in place. Read whole story.
"Husbands and wives are still prohibited from public displays of affection, under the same strict regulations that govern unmarried men and women in uniform. Holding hands and kissing, whether on duty or in the chow hall, are against the rules."

So just sections of the policy have been repealed? That's going to be a huge legal headache for the US Army me thinks - so fraternization is permitted as long as it's 'private', or only for married couples in 'private'?

All I know is what is in that story RA.
Maybe follow-ups to come with side bars et al.

Married couples living together isn't necessarily fraternization. That term is generally applied to situations arising from certain social relationships between officers (including warrant officers) and enlisted people. That can include personal relationships as well as business relationships or even gambling with different ranks (no NCAA bracket pools).

But on a larger scale, I don't agree with this policy at all. The article says there are around 10,000 married couples in the Army. So these people can share a bunk while downrange and the 100,000+ other soldiers, of which probably at least half are married, have to spend 15 months away from their spouses and families? I just don't see the fairness of that at all. Retention is hurting somewhat, but sheesh! It just seems like a sell-out.

I didn't even realize they could serve in a war zone together. If it were me, I wouldn't want my spouse there. It's got to be hard to keep your head in the game as it is, without the extra worry.

Is pregnancy a reason for discharge? or is it maternal leave? Pardon my ignorance.

Not generally. A female soldier will have a maternity profile, which means different uniforms, wearing tennis shoes, less PT, etc. until the baby is born. She then gets some time off... I can't remember the exact amount. It's between 2 and 4 weeks, if my recollection is correct. But then she has to go back to work. And if the woman has a husband who is also a soldier, then they have to file a family action plan which outlines who will take care of the child. The couple, if they have to deploy at the same time, will generally give the child to a family member. BUT, in the case of pregnant females, they DO NOT go downrange. That's why a lot of female soldiers seem to get pregnant just before a deployment... because they know that will preclude them from going. I, myself am not that cynical, but my husband, who is in the Army, says that's what happens.

scbelle...yeah, pregnancy, it happens. A Lot. Also, by just not doing a family care plan our female soldiers won't get deployed. They may or may not face a chaptering out of the Army due to that choice, but that is up to their BN CO's discretion.

Currently we have quite a few soldiers (and officers) that are married living together. Cohabitation is not illegal if they are married. Actually, not long ago the commanding general repelled the no closed door policy. Basically saying that during certain hours soldiers of the opposite sex can be in the same room together with the door closed.

Like scbelle said, the marriage thing was sort of an issue. You see a married couple come into work happy, with pep in their step and all the single soldiers are just fucking pissed all the time. Haha.

Is it creating problems? None that weren't already present.