Most military movies these days romanticize military life or over-generalize what they think military life is. It’s usually the military hero saving the world with his spouse running into his arms at the end, or the most extreme side of things like deployment or PTSD. These movies never discuss the nuance, complexity, or just the real side of military life.
The Reality
Tricare and free housing, anyone?
Marrying for money and benefits is a taboo topic in the military community. Head to any military spouse group, and the slightest mention of it is sure to set off a flurry of angry comments.
Despite it being an uncomfortable topic, the reality is service members earn stable paychecks and receive guaranteed health coverage for little or no cost. Additionally, when they choose to marry someone, they are offered the option of free housing on-post or will receive a housing allowance if they choose to live off base.
These perks are alluring and thus can begin the idea of marrying for money, aka “contract marriages.”
Upcoming Netflix “Purple Hearts Movie” Explores The Idea of Marrying for Money In The Military
Per IMDB: “Cassie (Sofia Carson), a struggling singer-songwriter drowning in medical bills after being diagnosed with diabetes, and Luke (Nicholas Galitzine), a troubled service member, agree to marry solely for military benefits. But when tragedy strikes, the line between real and pretend begins to blur.”
Not too many details have been released about Purple Hearts yet but visit Netflix for updates.
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Krystel is the mom of two and an Army Wife. In addition to Army Wife 101 she is the Co-Founder of SoFluential.com a digital media agency that connects brands with the military market.
She has appeared on MSNBC ,FOX LA and formerly was a weekly contributor to HLN's "Raising America". She has written for various outlets including Sheknows and Lifetime and is a big fan of cupcakes and french fries.