The divorce rate among active-duty Marines is relatively low when compared to other branches of the military. According to the DOD, during the 2019 fiscal year, the Marine Corps reported a divorce rate of 3.
2%, which is just below the average rate of 3. 3% for all branches of the military. This rate is notably lower than the civilian divorce rate which was estimated to be at 43% in 2019.
Since the military branches are not required to report the reasons for these divorces, the reasons for why the rate is lower for Marines can only be speculated. One theory suggests that Marines are typically more physically and mentally fit than other branches of the military, and thus more capable of sustaining a committed relationship.
Marines also receive more elaborate pre-deployment training and strong support from their peers and department, which could also play a part in keeping their divorce rate low.
It should be noted that while active-duty Marines have a lower divorce rate than the civilian population, around 5% of those discharged have experienced divorce since 2017. Given that conditions and demands of the Marine Corps can be difficult to adapt to civilian life, divorce rates among discharged Marines is higher than the general population and may continue to be so for the near future.
Table of Contents
What is the divorce rate in Marines?
The divorce rate among Marines has fluctuated over the past several years. According to a 2014 survey, the overall divorce rate among U. S. Marines was 4. 7%, which was lower than the civilian divorce rate of 5.
3%. In 2018, the most recent year with published statistics, the overall divorce rate among U. S. Marines was 4. 2%.
When broken down by gender and number of years in the service, the divorce rate for female Marines was higher than the rate for male Marines. Among female Marines serving for one year, the divorce rate was 6.
1%. For male Marines, that figure was just 3. 2%. Among female Marines who had been serving for six or more years, the divorce rate was 4. 9%, while for male Marines with the same length of service, the rate was just 2.
8%.
The figures suggest that female Marines are more likely to experience divorce in comparison to male Marines. This may be due to a number of factors including the demanding nature of military service, long deployments, and other factors that can take a toll on the longevity of a relationship.
Which military branch has the highest divorce rate?
Unfortunately, the U. S. military does not maintain records of divorce rates by military branch. The most comprehensive research into the divorce rate among service members was conducted in 2010 and concluded that the overall divorce rate among service members was 3.
7%, slightly lower than the national average. However, certain demographic factors – age, rank, marital status, etc. – have a marked effect on divorce rates.
The Army was shown to have the highest divorce rate, at 4. 6%, while the Air Force had the lowest, at 2. 6%. This can largely be attributed to the extended periods of overseas deployment and stressful working conditions in the Army, while deployed members of the Air Force averaged shorter deployments and less stress from their roles.
Other research has pointed to a gender disparity in military divorce rates. When looking at female service members only, the Army had the highest divorce rate, at 10. 25%, far exceeding the national average for American women.
The Air Force had the lowest rate of female divorce, at 8. 4%, as well as the lowest rate of male divorce, at 2. 7%.
Overall, it is difficult to definitively say which military branch has the highest divorce rate because of the diverse and dynamic nature of military service. However, due to the evidence available, it appears that the Army has the highest overall divorce rate and the Air Force has the lowest.
How common is military divorce?
Military divorce is actually quite common. According to the Department of Defense, the divorce rate among active-duty military personnel rose to 3. 7 percent in 2018, up from 3. 6 percent the year before.
This may seem like a small percentage, but that number translates to thousands of service members who divorced in 2018. That same year, over 10,000 marriages among military couples ended in divorce.
In general, military divorces are slightly higher than the civilian rate, which was 2. 9 percent in 2018. It is important to note that the total rate of military divorces doesn’t take into account the fact that many military personnel are stationed overseas for long periods of time and may be divorced even if they are geographically separated from their spouse.
However, this is still the best statistic available for comparing military divorce rates to civilian divorce rates.
Research suggests Deployment Status, Deployment Duration, Deployment Support, Deployment Separation Proximity, Deployment Interruptions and Provider Sex as key factors affecting divorce outcomes in both military and civilian couples.
Reading between the lines, it’s clear that deployments can significantly increase the stress on a military marriage and often lead to divorce.
Overall, military divorce is quite common — but it doesn’t have to be. With proper support and understanding, military couples can persevere through deployments and build a lasting relationship.
Is the divorce rate higher in the military?
Yes, the divorce rate in the military is higher than in the civilian population. A 2013 study by the Department of Defense showed that the overall divorce rate in the military was 3. 7%, compared to 3.
2% in the civilian population. This divergence could be attributed to a number of factors. Military families often experience frequent moves, extended separations due to deployments, and increased financial pressures.
These factors can all contribute to a greater strain on marriages and potentially lead to higher divorce rates. In addition, military spouses may have difficulty accessing support services, like counseling, due to their remote locations and lack of resources.
Whatever the cause, this disparity is concerning and military spouses should be provided with greater access to resources and support in order to help strengthen their marriages and limit the rate of divorce.
How does divorce work in the Marines?
Divorce in the Marines operates similarly to the other military branches in that it requires the approval and processing by the respective branch. The Military Justice System for the branch governs and administers the process and thus should be consulted for detailed information.
Generally speaking, the requirements for filing a divorce in the Marines are the same as state civilian requirements. Most states require one party to prove a “reason” or ground for dissolution of the marriage.
Common reasons are desertion, adultery, cruelty, imprisonment, mental incapacity, or a broken marriage. Generally, once the ground is established, the divorce process begins by filing a divorce complaint in the proper court and serving the paperwork to the other party.
This can typically be done by mail, though in some cases a process server may need to be involved.
Once the divorce complaint is filed, the couple moves towards resolution. If both parties are amicable and can agree on the terms of the divorce, an uncontested divorce is possible. Uncontested divorces typically move quickly and involve an agreement on issue such as child custody, child support, marital property, and alimony.
If an agreement cannot be reached, a contested divorce is the only option. A contested divorce involves a hearing in front of a judge who will make a ruling on any unresolved issues.
After the divorce has been approved by the court, the Marines require that a copy of the court order be submitted to the branch to be review and classified as a “Military Divorce”. Along with the documentation, the branch usually requires other information such as discharge status and eligibility to receive pay.
Once all requirements are met, the court-approved settlement is finalized and the divorce is complete. The official date of divorce is the date that the decree is entered by the court, not the date the settlement is approved.
How many military marriages fail?
It is difficult to determine concretely how many military marriages fail because there are several factors to consider. However, according to the Department of Defense, the divorce rate among military families was 3.
7 percent in 2018, which was lower than the national divorce rate of 3. 9 percent. This suggests that military marriages may be more stable than other marriages, although the military divorce rate had been increasing since 2011 when it was at a much lower rate of 2.
6 percent.
Continued research indicates that the military divorce rate for enlisted members is much higher than that of officers and civilians. In 2018, the military divorce rate for enlisted members was 4. 6 percent, while the rate for officers was only 2.
6 percent and the civilian rate was 3. 9 percent.
Since deployments, service-related health issues, and other factors associated with military life can contribute to marital strife, understanding the risk of military divorce is important. A study conducted by the Department of Defense in 2014 showed that there were a few behaviors that could predict an enlisted soldier’s risk of divorce: enlisted soldiers who had deployed two or more times in the previous five years were at greater risk of divorce.
The study also found that enlisted soldiers who had received an award or medal, or had received a promotion, were at lower risk of divorce.
Overall, it appears that military marriages generally have a higher success rate than civilian marriages. However, more research needs to be conducted to get a better understanding of the risks faced by military couples, as well as ways to better address the unique issues faced by military couples.
What benefits does a Marine wife get?
Being a Marine wife has both its challenges and rewards. One of the biggest rewards is the support and comradeship that comes from your fellow Marine wives. From day one, you become part of a team and develop a close bond with your fellow Marine wives who understand the struggles and triumphs of being married to a Marine.
The Marine Corps also offers a variety of programs, resources, and benefits specifically designed to assist Marine wives with both their personal needs and their family needs. These include:
– Educational counseling and college opportunities
– Financial support and resources
– Spouse and family employment refresher training
– Medical coverage through Tricare
– Limited child care assistance
– Marriage and family counseling
– Relocation assistance
– Special discounts and programs through the Marine Corps Exchange
– Assistance while you are away from your Marine with communication, tips, and resources
Additionally, joining the Marine Corps family allows you to actively support our troops by participating in various events, such as the Marine Corps Birthday Ball or Toys for Tots. Finally, you are part of an incredible organization that serves our country, and the honor that comes with being a Marine wife is something to be proud of.
What is the leading cause of divorce in the military?
Mental health issues are the leading cause of divorce in the military. Statistics show that in the military, issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder, military sexual trauma, depression, and anxiety are the primary contributors to divorce.
Studies conducted by the Department of Defense show that mental health problems are the primary cause of divorce among U. S. military personnel, accounting for up to 60% of divorces among active-duty service members.
Military service presents a number of challenges that can be difficult for anyone—particularly for couples–to manage. Service members often have to cope with long periods of separation, frequent deployments, and the intense stress of serving in combat areas.
Mental health issues can be compounded when couples have difficulty managing these challenges and do not have sufficient coping strategies.
For many couples in the military, relationship strife can be the first indicator of a larger mental health problem. Arguments, tension, and low intimacy are just some of the issues that can result from mental health issues.
If these issues are not addressed, they can eventually lead to divorce. Because of this, it is important for military couples to access resources such as counseling and couples therapy in hopes of gaining a deeper understanding of their issues and how to better manage them.
What is the 10 10 rule in military divorce?
The 10/10 rule in military divorce is a legal concept that applies to members of the military who are divorced and are receiving military retirement pay as part of their divorce settlement. In a 10/10 divorce, each spouse receives a minimum of 10 years of creditable service from the military in regard to their retirement pay.
The 10/10 rule is designed to protect the military retiree from having to split their retirement pay with a soon-to-be ex-spouse, even if their marriage is of short duration and their spouse has not served in the military.
If a couple was married for more than 10 years and the military spouse has more than 10 years of creditable service, then the amount of the retirement pay the non-military spouse receives is determined by the state court deciding the case.
The 10/10 rule generally provides that the ex-spouse receives a certain percentage of the retirement pay or a total amount, as determined by the court.
Are military divorces different?
Yes, military divorces can be different than civilian divorces. The unique issues involved in a military divorce can be complex and require the expertise of an attorney knowledgeable on the Uniformed Services Former Spouses’ Protection Act (USFSPA).
The USFSPA grants state courts the authority to treat a military pension is an asset that can be divided in the state divorce proceedings. The division of this pension will depend on the state’s laws, but in most cases the pension can be divided with the non-military spouse receiving a portion of the pension.
It is important to note that, while the spouse of a military service member may receive all or a portion of the pension, the pension may not be garnished or otherwise attached.
In addition to pensions, military divorce cases often involve issues such as overseas spouses, child custody, child support, and spousal support. All of these issues can add to the complexity of the military divorce.
At the conclusion of a military divorce, it is important to obtain a Final Decree of Divorce that states that you are a former spouse of a service member. This will allow you to take advantage of certain benefits, such as military ID cards, healthcare, and a portion of the military retirement pay.
In order to obtain these privileges, you must provide a Certified Copy of the Final Decree of Divorce so that it can be verified in the military personnel records.
Overall, military divorces can be unique for both parties and require the experience of an attorney who understands the nuances of military divorce cases. It is important to obtain a thorough understanding of the benefits involved and the process you must follow to ensure that all rights, responsibilities, and entitlements are met.
What is a military wife entitled to in a divorce?
Depending on the state, a military wife is generally entitled to the same things as any other wife in a divorce. This includes alimony, child support and/or child custody, division of marital property such as assets and debt, and other issues if necessary.
Each state has its own specific divorce laws which can affect entitlement.
With that said, a military wife may have additional rights or benefits that other non-service spouses are not eligible for when it comes to a divorce. Generally speaking, once a military service member has completed at least 20 years of active service duty, their spouse is eligible for a one-time payment from the military’s Survivor Benefit Plan.
This is in addition to any other compensation, such as alimony paid in the divorce.
In addition, military pensions and survivor benefits must generally be taken into consideration during the marital property division portion of a divorce. If the service member spouse has earned any special pay or bonuses, these may also need to be evaluated.
Additionally, certain military medical benefits may be extended during a divorce, such as the TRICARE health insurance plan which may include the spouse following their divorce.
In some situations, a service member spouse may also be eligible for additional attributes such as disability pay, housing allowances, and medical benefits. These are taken into consideration when determining any entitlement rights in a divorce.
It is important to consult an experienced family law attorney in these matters to ensure each party is rightfully compensated and represented in the divorce proceedings.
What happens if you get divorced while in the military?
If you get divorced while in the military, the outcome is likely to depend on your particular circumstances and the state in which you are filing for divorce. Generally, if you are still on active duty, you may file for divorce in the state where your permanent duty station is located, or in the state of your legal residence.
Divorce in the military can take many forms, including fault-based and no-fault divorces. It is important to note that certain states, such as California, offer no-fault divorces and other states, such as Texas, may still grant fault-based divorces.
The division of property and assets is handled differently in each state, so it is important that you understand the laws relating to division of marital assets in the state where you are filing for divorce.
Be aware that in a military divorce, the court may need to consider your earning potential as a service member and how it will affect the division of assets. Additionally, the courts may consider any pensions and military retirement benefits to be marital property, although this will vary from state to state.
Another important factor in a military divorce is child custody and visitation. Generally, a court will consider the child’s best interests when making a custody and visitation determination, and the court may take into consideration the unique lifestyle and characteristics of being in the military, such as frequent relocations and deployments.
It can also be important to know that, in some cases, military personnel are protected from being held in contempt of court for failing to pay support as ordered by a state court. This is because they are subject to the regulations of the military and may not be able to pay their support obligation while they are on active duty.
Given the complexities of divorce and the specifics of military divorce, it is important to consult a family law attorney who has experience with the process and the state where you are filing for divorce.
How long does a divorce take in military?
The length of a military divorce depends on many factors, including how complex the divorce is and how cooperative the two parties are in making decisions. Generally, it takes at least six months to obtain a divorce in the military, as there are specific steps that must be completed before the divorce is legally finalized.
The divorce must be requested through the military court system, and the divorce decree, which includes all court rulings, must be signed by a military judge. The divorce process may take longer if the couple is engaging in a lengthy dispute or if any other legal matters have to be processed first.
Additionally, all parties involved must have enough time to properly prepare for the divorce hearing and attend it to ensure that the legal proceedings are accurate and complete.
Will the military pay to move my spouse after divorce?
No, the military will not pay to move your spouse after a divorce. However, the military does have programs that may help financially with the move. Depending on the branch you serve, there may be various relocation programs and grants available to assist with the expenses of moving.
For example, the Navy’s the Navy Homeowners Assistance Program (HAP) may provide a grant to cover relocation expenses like storage fees and transportation costs. The Air Force also has a Move-In allowance program to help offset some of the cost associated with moving into a new residence.
It is possible to apply for a reimbursement of certain expenses if you were approved for a transfer within the military and need to move. Additionally, when the military provides a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move due to a reassignment, the service members and their dependents are entitled to travel and relocation assistance.
Labor laws and financial assistance can vary depending on the state you currently reside in. It’s important to do your research and be aware of the different options and benefits available to you. Additionally, it might be beneficial to talk with a legal professional to understand your rights and options post-divorce.
