I want to join the army, my ex and I have joint custody, will I be able to

[Kristy]

take the kids with me after basic? I am wanting to go active duty army, but am concerned about my kids. My ex stated that they can stay with him and his parents permanently when I go. I explained to him that I am joining for my family. My children are 10 and 8. They have already said they want to stay with me and my husband. During my training, of course they would stay with their father, but after basic and ait I want them to come with me to my duty station. My husband has even suggested that my ex moves to the same area and we will help him until he gets on his feet. I know-sounds weird. Anyways, basicly I want to know what rights my ex has if I join anyways. He has not paid child support in over 5 years, has no job right now, and still lives with his parents. I am just afraid that if I join, he will fight me for custody. I am pretty sure I would win, but custody cases sometimes take a long time. I would not be able to take them out of the state until custody was decided. I have no idea what I need to do. Do I need to go to court before I join the army and see what they say or do I have to wait until after. I live in TN and I don't know all of the laws. Someone please help. Thanks in advance.