Are AIT soldiers prohibited from befriending DA Civilians?

2019-07-12T00:04:08-04:00

I just transitioned out of the military, and I am now a federal employee as a DA Civilian. I met a couple of the AIT soldiers at the gym, we were working out together and I could definitely see them as workout buddies considering we all lift around the same and have similar goals. Is this allowed? I just don't want to get them in trouble if they can

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2019 12:41 AM

2019-07-12T00:41:09-04:00

This question can be answered by the AIT Chain of Command. In most training bases AIT students have abridged rules of conduct as do Cadre. It is best to ask the question before inadvertently getting you workout buddies in possible trouble.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2019 4:03 AM

2019-07-12T04:03:41-04:00

It is prohibited by local policy letters in every AIT location as TR 350-6 prohibits any relationship between trainees and permanent party and civilians that are not family. In Fort Gordon, GA it is covered under Policy Letter 17 and we brief every trainee of these prohibited relationship within the first week of arriving. So, that is a negative on befriending them. They are only allowed to have professional relationships with any other person to include other trainees (excluding family).

Response by MSG Gary Eckert made Jul 12 at 2019 8:25 AM

2019-07-12T08:25:14-04:00

Generally, off duty conduct for Army Civilians is not controlled by the Government. A perfect example of this is the SHARP rules apply to Soldiers whether they are on duty or not and only apply to Army Civilians when they are on duty. Common sense would dictate that if you are involved with their training in any way that you avoid the appearance of favoritism by associating with them during non working hours. That being said, since it is a training environment it is possible special rules apply to interacting with trainees. To me it would make sense if there were special restrictions that you would have received a briefing during new hire orientation. If you are a member of a bargaining unit (most non-supervisors) are then I would check with the Union Representative since you will need them to defend your actions if someone complains.