I really have no idea where to post this, so if it is in the wrong place I am sorry.

Can someone in the Military get in trouble for DATING someone who is under 18 years of age?
My Military friends have told me they can get in trouble if their CO's find out. I know you can get married under 18 with parents consent though.

If you are 16 or 17 and he is a few years older (ie 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 even) then it shouldn't be too much of a issue unless your family makes it an issue. If you are younger than 16, then he shouldn't be involved with you at all nor should you be.

A few ladies were arguing about it and I figured I would ask on here. Thank you

[Btw the question isn't about me, I am 19]

It really depends upon how much under 18 and the age difference. Personally, I tried to stick with those that were at least 18, and preferably out of high school, when I was young and in the Navy. There is that issue of how someone in high school interacts with people as opposed to a servicemember who has been through boot camp and, in many cases, been in a combat area. At one point I did spend some time with a 16-year-old while I was in Italy although we weren't really dating, it was more just kind of hanging out in the town square with several other people. I was discharged shortly after that and returned to Texas and she went to Colorado to live with an aunt. I thought about seeing her when I went skiing but then realized that the under 18 thing could really get me in trouble.

Be safe and don't do it. If the parents did get involved one could be facing at the worst having to be a registered offender for life. Not worth it. I say don't cause anymore stress to a CO than necessary.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: 22439422,

Like I said, the post isn't about me. There was a 16 yr old arguing with me saying theres no way a guy in the Military can get in trouble for dating someone under 18.

Thank you for answering I appreciate it

Well, you know, a 16-year-old is the smartest person in the world and no one older than him, especially someone old enough to be a parent, could possibly ever be right and them be wrong.

Unfortunately, for me, my 22 and 25 year olds still tend to act that way.

First it was her military friends telling her they can get introuble for dating someone under 18.
THEN
it changed to a few ladies arguing about it
THEN
it changed to a 16 year old arguing with her about it. funny how her story has changed 3 different times regarding who was telling/arguing about this info