[anguish]

Geez. I would've thought that it was up to each person to decide to whom they'd get married. I'd refuse to ask for permission from anyone. Well, except the bride that is :)

[saquin]

Here's a link to the original story ("Iraqi Girlfriends Capture GI Hearts"), for anyone interested:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/972708/posts

[Stultis]

I'd refuse to ask for permission from anyone.

Nobody asks permission of the taxpayer, either, to pony up the additional benefits for the spouses and dependents of military members, but they do.

[Blood of Tyrants]

I'd refuse to ask for permission from anyone.

And your @$$ would be in a very large sling for a very long time. You haven't ever been in the military, have you? Once in the military you waive certain rights (for example you may NEVER sue the military for ANYTHING) and agree to follow all lawful orders given. It is a different life and culture. You don't just make decisions and say "The hell with it" without serious repercussions.