People get all pissy when they hear that. But there was a time all E-4 and below had to have CO approval to marry. Depending on base, Military housing was limited and E-4 and below were on long wait lists. Allowances meant to “assist” with rent and food, usually only covered rent off base. E-5 and above earned enough to pay rent and expenses. The services were being smart, actually protecting their members from predatory women, landlords and realtors. Common story, lonely Marine marries woman with three kids. Despite warnings from the Legal Officer, adopts all three kids. Broken hearted he leaves the warm bosom of his family to deploy. Gets served divorce papers while deployed, all three kids now get free healthcare, she gets support payments X3
Go on bases now, see the E-3 with 20 year old wife and two kids. Still barely surviving on MilPay and you cannot imagine the crap that goes on with babies married to babies. Checkout JVille Girls Call Me Maybe on YouTube. They are referring to JVille NC outside Camp Lejeune. Nothing has changed!