Military dating tips
Dating during deployment
- Agree on realistic communication expectations; connectivity and OPSEC limits are real.
- Never share unit locations, movements or mission details online.
- Letters, care packages and scheduled calls help. So does having your own support network.
PCS moves
- Talk early and honestly about what a move means for the relationship.
- Update your dating app location only once you've arrived, and be upfront that you're new to the area.
- Base family readiness and community programs are good ways to meet people in a new place.
Dating near base
- Meet first dates in public places off base, and tell a friend your plans.
- Respect that your date may have duty, drills or recall on short notice.
- Civilians: ask about their life, not just their uniform.
Stay safe on public Wi-Fi
Video calls and dating apps often run over base, barracks, airport, or hotel Wi-Fi. A VPN encrypts that connection so others on the same network cannot snoop on it. That is all it does — it does not tell you whether someone is who they claim to be.
Affiliate links may earn us a commission at no cost to you. It never changes our ratings. Disclosure.
Staying safe from romance scams
Scammers often pose as deployed soldiers. Red flags:
- Asks for money, gift cards, crypto, or help with "leave fees," shipping or medical bills
- Can't video chat or always has an excuse
- Professes love very quickly and wants to move off the dating site
- Photos that appear elsewhere online (try a reverse image search)
Real service members don't need to pay to take leave or come home. If you suspect a scam, stop contact and report it to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov, and report the profile to the dating site.