[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.

[anguish]

You haven't ever been in the military, have you?

I'm a second lieutenant (reserve), but in the Swedish army. Hence my original question - I don't know everything about the codes and regulations that American servicemen have to abide to. My personal reflection, however, is that asking for permission from the government/military/whatever to marry someone isn't something I would do. In other words, if there were such regulations for me, I'd disregard them and take the consequences. It's not compatible with my "belief system", but I wouldn't look down on someone who thought it was right.

[cyborg]

I wonder what would have happened if they just SLEPT with them. I do not think militaries really care about 'decorum' as we've seen with how American GIs filled Vietnam to overflowing with illegitimate babies. Also, not just American GIs but there are plenty of stories from WW2. If it were me and in charge of basic training, there really should be a stronger emphasis on morality.