Posted on Aug 24, 2015
SGT Ronnie Warford
17.2K
58
31
2
2
0
So I was talking with my CSM a few weeks back about a sports team and how my father gets tickets every know and then. Would it be inappropriate to invite him to on of these games if I had an extra ticket?
Posted in these groups: Images 20 NCOsArmyfb Sports2e48419c Fraternization
Avatar feed
Responses: 25
CSM Brigade Operations (S3) Sergeant Major
15
15
0
Edited >1 y ago
I will tell you how I see this from my perspective. If one of my NCOs asked if I would like to attend a sporting event I would respectfully decline. Too many perceptions would be made from other NCOs, Soldiers and officers in the unit. I would most definitely appreciate the offer and thank the NCO.

I don't think it would be inappropriate/wrong for you to ask but, I will be surprised if he accepts. Let us know how it turns out.
(15)
Comment
(0)
SGT(P) Unit Supply Specialist
SGT(P) (Join to see)
>1 y
CSM (Join to see) I have another question and I will take advantage that the topic is related. As you already know, I'm older than most of my peers, Soldiers of my age (32) are already E6-E7. I've been told that there is a 2 ranks up and down cap to socialize with other Soldiers. In my case is a little uncomfortable since the older Soldier in that ratio is like 24. Would it be inappropiate to spend some time with a SM that outranks me, even if he is not in my Company? I will appreciate the response.
(0)
Reply
(0)
CSM Brigade Operations (S3) Sergeant Major
CSM (Join to see)
>1 y
SGT(P) (Join to see) First off there is no such thing as a "two ranks" up thing. That's some made up nonsense. You can read AR 600-20 para 4-14 and determine what you think a relationship between a NCO and junior enlisted Soldier actually is according to the Army.

According to the regulation..."Examples of familiarity between Soldiers that may become “undue” can include repeated visits to bars, nightclubs, eating establishments, or homes between an officer and an enlisted Soldier, or an NCO and a junior-enlisted
Soldier, except for social gatherings, that involve an entire unit, office, or work section". I would say that you are violating the regulation and are unduly familiar with a NCO.

That's by the book in my interpretation but, there are other factors the regulation does not take into account. I am an older PFC and my wife and SFC Snuffy's wife work together at the PX and have become good friends. SFC Snuffy isn't in my unit, and through our wives we have met several times and get along pretty good. Personally I don't see a problem with that, I am not a big fan of the Army telling me who I can or cannot be friends with. As long as you're not calling each other by first names in uniform and you are rendering the proper customs and courtesies while on duty, who fucking cares...like I said that is my personal opinion so don't go telling your CSM that a SGM told you it was ok to hang around with the SMA.
(4)
Reply
(0)
SGM Steve Wettstein
SGM Steve Wettstein
>1 y
CSM (Join to see) - Mike that was a great example. I ran into that all of the time with my wife, who is Korean. She figured that all of her friends' husbands could/should be my friend also. I had to explain to her, many times, that just because she has a friend that is married doesn't mean I should/could or want to be friends with their husbands. Most of the time it was because of rank sometimes I just didn't like them.
(2)
Reply
(0)
SGT(P) Unit Supply Specialist
SGT(P) (Join to see)
>1 y
CSM (Join to see) thanks for the response and the reference. You cleared all my doubts about it. Have a great morning!
(1)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small
SGM Steve Wettstein
5
5
0
SGT Ronnie Warford That would probably be seen as a conflict in interest by your CSM and he would decline your offer. At least I would.
(5)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
LCDR Deputy Department Head
5
5
0
Unfortunately yes. It would look like trying to garner favor.

However if you invited EVERYONE you could get around it. The only other thing you could do is hold a raffle or something and hope he wins haha.
(5)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small

Join nearly 2 million former and current members of the US military, just like you.

close