About Dating an Army Officer

By: Eva Talent - Updated April 27, 2015

Dating relationships between civilians and Army officers often differ from relationships between civilians

Army officers are frequently gone for long periods of time due to service obligations.

Army officers are frequently called to duty outside normal business hours. During the normal work week, Army officers generally report for work earlier than civilians. Army officers may deploy to combat zones for extended time.

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Prohibited Relationships

Fraternization between military service members is prohibited by Army Regulation 600-20.

Army Command Policy (AR 600-20) prohibits enlisted service members from dating Army officers unless the relationship existed prior to either the officer's commission or the service member's enlistment. Such relationships are considered fraternization and are punishable under Article 134 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

Separation

Dating an Army officer may require long periods of separation. Army officers may deploy to combat zones for up to 15 months, and communication may be infrequent. Dating relationships are not recognized by the Army, and access to military installations and benefits is restricted to spouses and legal dependents.

Work Hours

Army officers generally work more than 40 hours a week.

Dating an Army officer requires understanding and flexibility regarding work hours. Army officers must report for duty by 6:30 a.m. during the normal work week. In some instances, Army officers are required to work early mornings (prior to 6:30 a.m.), late evenings (after 5 p.m.) and weekends.

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References

About the Author

A professional writer since 1994, Eva Talent was trained as a journalist by the U.S. Army. She received two Army Commendation Medals and an Army Achievement Medal for journalistic excellence. Her press releases are frequently featured on the websites of the Department of Defense and the Army. Talent holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University of Michigan.

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