Anthropology, 210 (Marriage Response)

 I feel like my time in the military plus coming from a home which resulted in divorce has possibly coloured my impression of marriage in a negative way.  I feel like marriage is more of a social obligation, that couples can live together and have strong meaningful relationships without needing a ceremony to affirm said relationship.  

In the military, couples tend get married quickly, often within 30 days of meeting each other during tech school.  These couples are fresh out of Basic Military Training, a high stress and emotionally trying time, only to move to another stressful and emotional situation.  I know from personal experience, you tend to cling to the people who transition with you, and some form romantic bonds which burn hot at the onset.  Couples rush into marriage with someone they may not know very well because they want the change to get to know them and the easiest way to do so is to become man and wife for the military to recognise a couple and station them together.  This situation is a way for couples to continue to get to know each other and possible have a strong lasting relationship, and if not, getting a divorce is easier than being stationed apart for 2 or 4 year tours, others use it purely for the benefits and extra income.  Seeing this happen multiple times made me feel disenfranchised with the idea of marriage as a sanctimonious union and more as a means to an end.