Can Single Parents Join The Military?

I’m extremely impressed by men and women in the military; as they place their lives on the line to protect the lives of other people.

A lot of people wonder, can single parents join the military? This is a tough question that has been debated by many over time considering that many single parents would love to join the military. 

Well technically, single parents can join the military, but the procedure is not a bed of roses. 

Now let’s see the conditions for single parents who want to join the military.

Can Single Parents Join The Military? – Conditions For Single Parents Who Want To Join The Military 

1. You Have To Relinquish Custody Of The Child Before Enlisting

All military branches necessitate giving up custody of the kid or children, although the regulations vary slightly depending on the branch.

Until six months after the court order takes effect, you cannot enlist in the Navy.

You can’t sign up for the Marines for a whole year after relinquishing child custody. 

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2. You Must Pledge Not To Later Attempt To Reclaim Custody Of The Child

For the Army and Air Force, you must take an oath that after basic training, you will not attempt to reclaim possession.

If you do, you risk being fired and may be accused of fraud.

Giving up your parental rights specifically to join the military is likewise severely discouraged, and in some branches, it is outright forbidden.

The military will not tolerate individuals who may try to neglect their parental responsibilities by running off to join the AirForce or Navy.

3. The Military Does Not Allow Single Parents To Enlist If They Have Custody Of More Than One Child

In the United States, single parents are not allowed to enlist in the military if they have custody of more than one child.

 This policy is in place to ensure that all service members can be deployed if needed and that their children are taken care of in their absence.

 The military does provide some benefits for single parents, including child care and financial assistance, but those benefits are not available to parents who have custody of more than one child. 

Some people argue that this policy is unfair, as it disadvantages single parents who have multiple children. 

Others argue that the policy is necessary to maintain the effectiveness of the military.

Read also: 15 Tips To Figure Out How You Can Succeed At Work As A Single parent

4. You Must Meet All Regular Requirements For Military Enlistment 

All single parents must meet all requirements for enlistment, such as being a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident and meeting age and physical requirements.

To join the military as a single parent, you must be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident. 

You must also meet the physical requirements for your branch of service and be at least the minimum age required. For most branches of the military, this is 18 years old.

If you are not a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident, you may still be able to join the military if you are an immigrant with a valid visa or green card. 

5. You Must Make Adequate Financial And Custodial Arrangements For The Child 

If you are a single parent considering joining the military, it is important to make adequate financial and custodial arrangements for your child.

 Joining the military can be a great opportunity for single parents, but it’s important to remember that your child will need to be taken care of while you are away. 

You’ll need to make arrangements with your ex-partner or another family member to ensure that your child is well taken care of in your absence. 

You’ll also need to make sure you have enough money saved up to cover your child’s expenses while you’re away. 

6. They must also agree to abide by the military’s deployment rules and regulations

Single parents joining the military will have to follow all guidelines and deployments which can require frequent moves and long separations from loved ones. 

Special privileges would not be given to you because you are a single parent. You world be treated equally as the rest of your crew. 

Read also: 15 Tips To Figure Out How You Can Succeed At Work As A Single parent

What if you become a Single Parent after Enlisting? 

If you become a single parent after enlisting in the military, you must apply for a Family Care Plan if you become a single parent (FCP).

 You will be unable to carry on serving without it. Only individuals who have already enlisted are eligible for FCPs.

 This document attests to the fact that service members have made the required preparations to take care of their dependents while on duty, including children and other family members. 

According to the U.S. Army, it might contain a guardianship power of attorney, guardianship instructions, copies of child custody agreements, and other pertinent data.

Final Remarks

 Although single parents can join the military, they may have a more difficult time doing so than those who are married. 

There are many benefits to joining the military, and single parents should explore all of their options before making a decision.

 The military can provide single parents with opportunities that they may not have otherwise, so they should consider all of the pros and cons before making a final decision.