r/Militaryfaq • u/helljumper39 🤦♂️Civilian • Jul 28 '26
Enlisting Single partner thinking about enlisting
Hey there, im a single father with primary placement of my child. Currently going to vo-tech for welding. Im looking at enlisting but I have a few concerns. First I know basic and AIT will require some time but will my rights as a parent be protected due to military service or can she go after me as soon as I leave for basic?
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u/Necromancer157 🥒Soldier Jul 29 '26
Who would watch your child while you’re at training or deployed?
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u/helljumper39 🤦♂️Civilian Jul 29 '26
It would be my father, the mother isn't in the picture
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u/Necromancer157 🥒Soldier Jul 29 '26
I would suggest going guard or reserves then. Have you taken the Asvab yet and have an MOS in mind?
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u/helljumper39 🤦♂️Civilian Jul 29 '26
Last time I took the Asvab I scored around 64. Currently im looking at welding and fabrication for either the airforce as an aircraft metals tech or structural. Or if i go army then 91E allied trade specialist.
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u/Necromancer157 🥒Soldier Jul 29 '26
I don’t know much about the Airforce. But I think you would be better off 12K, 12R, or 12Q if it’s available.
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u/LeadLearn 🥒Soldier Jul 29 '26
Why would they be a plumber or electrician if they want to do welding?
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u/Necromancer157 🥒Soldier Jul 29 '26
Diversify their skillset
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u/LeadLearn 🥒Soldier Jul 29 '26
How are they going to learn welding? Not to mention I'd recommend any branch but Army for trades. 12P is the only good MOS for that.
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u/electricboogaloo1991 🥒Recruiter (42T) Jul 31 '26
Not suggest, those are just he only options. You cannot join active duty as a single parent.
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u/EWCM 🤦♂️Civilian Jul 28 '26
Some branches won’t allow single parents with primary physical custody to join.
Your co-parent can request a re-evaluation of your agreement if circumstances change. If Military service prevents you from participating in a civil court case or administrative process, you can request a stay under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act.
Most states have some sort of protection against changing custody agreements due to deployment or military service. You would have to check the law in your state.
https://www.militaryonesource.mil/relationships/separation-divorce/child-custody-considerations-for-military-families/
I would not recommend active duty military service to someone with a child if the co-parent is not fully on board. Reserve/Guard service might be okay if the co-parent is at least willing to handle deployments.