Ok..so I live in SC, so I know my state doesn't recognize my marriage from D.C. But what about federal benefits for same-sex military couples? We only get the benefits if we are stationed in a state that recognizes our marriage? What of we are re-stationed to a state that doesn't recognize our marriage, do we then lose the benefit...?
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As of right now the DOD does not recognize same sex couples.
That may change because the federal portion of DOMA has been declared unconstitutional, but, until the DOD acts same sex couples will not gain access to military benefits.
There is one caveat, currently, the installation commander at Ft Bliss, Texas, has used his command authority to extend some local benefits to same sex couples on Ft Bliss. ID cards, PX and Commissary priveliges, etc. however, without DOD approval and funding, the other benefits can't be extended.
The DOD has to Codify it and fund it first.
Richard
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