Q: Can engaged couples in the military get time off a honeymoon?
A. Most military members get two weeks or so notice before actually leaving on a deployment. So, it's possible that a commander would grant a couple of days leave during that two weeks. However, not much leave, as there is much to do before a unit can deploy.
Otherwise, there are two primary ways to get "time off" in the military. The first is called a "pass," which is basically normal time off (like holidays and weekends), and special time-off that might be granted by a commander or supervisor (up to 72 hours). The second way is leave (vacation) time. Every military member gets 30 days of leave per year, earned at the rate of 2.5 days per month.
A commander and/or supervisor could grant a pass (up to 3 days) for a member to get married and/or honeymoon, or the military member could take up to 30 days leave (assuming he/she had that much leave "saved up," and the unit could afford to lose him/her for that long of a period).
Q: Is there any general advice you have for honeymooning military couples?
Make the most of your time. Spend as little of it traveling as possible; save the far-off journeys for when you can spare the days. Also, if you can afford to, splurge on one night in a great hotel rather than two in a mediocre one. And let the world (or at least the reservations clerk) know that you're on your honeymoon. It's true that all the world loves a lover, and you never know what goodies or upgrades may come to you gratis.
Q: What about couples who have a bit more time?
Whether on a honeymoon or not, military members can travel "space available" for free on military aircraft to locations around the world. If available leave time is a factor, Space-A travel might not be viable. To travel Space-A, a military member must already be on leave. Sometimes it can take several days for a flight with space available on it to be going in your direction. Also, one wants to make sure he or she has adequate funds to buy a return ticket, in case the passenger can't find a Space A flight available going back to the originating base.
Q: Are there any honeymoon deals military couples should know about?
A: Yes. Check out the Armed Forces Vacation Club. This program allows military members to rent luxury condos around the world for $249 per week. In addition, many hotels and resorts offer military discounts; it always pays to ask.
Q: What if we're low on cash?
A military couple could stay in billeting on any military base, for about $16 to $20 per night -- if you don't mind spending your honeymoon on a military base.
Q: Anything else?
Consider the tradition of giving a wedding night gift to your new spouse. It doesn't have to be large or expensive (you can even make it yourself), just some object that can serve as a sentimental reminder of your first night together as a married couple. Then, if orders come through and you're separated for a time, you'll have something wonderful to hold onto until you're reunited.
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