How can I report a fraternization situation without being exposed and possibly facing retaliation?

2022-10-26T14:00:50-04:00

NCO is having an affair with a private. This is getting to the point where they touched each other at night while everybody sleeps (currently in TDY). The NCO is married and is neglecting his soldiers even more now. He even goes around bragging of how he is “” this girl with the rest of the platoon. Chain of command know this but don’t do anything about it. I am worry of being a target of retaliation if I speak up. Can I do anything about it without exposing myself.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Oct 26 at 2022 2:12 PM

2022-10-26T14:12:41-04:00

It depends on your COC. You can go outside the unit like the chaplain and the EEO. I can't fathom the behavior of the NCO. If what you say is true, then he is a stupid piece of shit and employment in the army should be terminated.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2022 2:57 PM

2022-10-26T14:57:21-04:00

the truth will set you free... you already know this isn't allowed and want to do the right thing. Contact the JAG for advice.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2022 3:10 PM

2022-10-26T15:10:50-04:00

This is not a SHARP or EEO issue, this is a Fraternization issue. Fraternization is a command issue. You say your Chain of Command knows about it, but do they really? Are you certain that the Company Cammander, 1SG, CSM and BN CDR are aware of this relationship? I would be very shocked to hear that is true.

There are a few ways this gets resolved.
1. You do nothing. The spouse will find out and raise hell, or they will break up and the lower ranking person with nothing to lose will blow up his career. These things never last and they always end spectacularly terrible.
2. They slip up and put something inappropriate in the group text. Someone sends the screen shot anonymously in a larger forum. Honestly, you'd be surprised how many NCOs go down over group texts. Or maybe they just get recorded touching inappropriately, or something equally unprofessional.
3. While this is not an EEO issue, EEO is responsible for command climate stuff, you can report this to them.
4. Fraternization is against Army regs and policies, and if a Commander is not following those regs, this is where IG can step in and recommend action to the commander.

Best option :
Go to your 1SG and tell them. If your 1SG isn't willing to address it, go to your CSM and use their open door policy.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Oct 26 at 2022 3:17 PM

2022-10-26T15:17:44-04:00

So there is plenty going on. I see adultery and fraternization right off the bat. You need to utilize your open door policy and report it. Easy as that. See something, say something. If you have some troops who witnessed what you witnessed take them with you and make a group statement. Don't assume the Command knows.

Response by COL Randall C. made Oct 26 at 2022 4:15 PM

2022-10-26T16:15:29-04:00

Completely agree with the sentiments of MAJ Ken Landgren and the advice of SFC Private RallyPoint Member.

However, I'll add that if you witness illegal, immoral or unethical activity than you are duty bound to report it if you hold to your oath of office/enlistment - the activity you describe is toxic to the well-being of the unit and cannot stand.

I also would be shocked to discover that the chain of command knows about this and did nothing - that type of stuff gets leadership relieved of command.

To your last part about wanted to report it without exposing yourself to retaliation. Do you fear retaliation from your leadership or from the NCO in question? If the later, then I would say it shouldn't be an issue unless you make it one (i.e. bragging about how you "took down so-and-so").

If you truly fear that you will be facing reprisal from your leadership, then talk with a 3rd party intermediary. While not specifically in their wheelhouse, having the first IG in your command's chain have a discussion on your behalf with the commander on your behalf would be an option. Other personnel could be any trusted senior leader/NCO, Chaplain, etc. - it doesn't have to be in your immediate unit if you go this way because you are using them as an intermediary.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 27 at 2022 8:58 PM

2022-10-27T20:58:58-04:00

By chain of command, do you mean the 1SG and CO know about this and haven't done anything? If that's the case, you may need to go higher to BN leadership.

OR you could anonymously let the spouse of the NCO know and she/he can report it (if they believe you) to the CO and 1SG - which they could brush off or not. If you're worried about retaliation (which not sure why you posted on a public forum unless you used a fake name) that's the route you could go.

You could also go to JAG and ask them what should be done even stating it as a hypothetical to start with...

Or you can just ignore it like everyone else.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 27 at 2022 9:00 PM

2022-10-27T21:00:54-04:00

Wouldn't be the first time a BLO (JAG), OSJA (JAG), or IG gets an anonymous complaint. Hell they get complaints from pissed off spouses and family members pretty regularly.

SFC Private RallyPoint Member has some good advice.

Address your PSG, if you're not comfortable telling your PSG then go to the 1SG.
Inform your PSG that you want to use the 1SG's Open Door Policy, if you don't want to explain why then inform the PSG that it's a private matter and you don't want to discuss it at this time.

If you're not comfortable going to your 1SG then go to the Battalion CSM repeating the previous step.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 27 at 2022 9:10 PM

2022-10-27T21:10:32-04:00

If you're still unsure about other options discussed here, you can talk to the chaplain. No one has.complete confidentiality like a Chaplain, and they can talk to commanders about various issues.

Response by MAJ Steve Warnerski made Nov 1 at 2022 9:47 AM

2022-11-01T09:47:43-04:00

That is what the Inspector General is for, among other things. OR...CID.

Response by MAJ Steve Warnerski made Nov 1 at 2022 9:51 AM

2022-11-01T09:51:49-04:00

I was appointed as Investigating Officer (AR15-6) on an ENTIRE company. It was a Peyton Place. I read about 30 people their rights, and MOST talked, admitting to what they had done / what they KNEW others had done. I recommended court martialing all the folks screwing around with superiors, subordinates, or those committing adultery...and that the CO CDR be relieved. He wasn't but his days in the Army were numbered - non-select for O-4.

Response by MSgt Earl King made Nov 7 at 2022 2:25 PM

2022-11-07T14:25:02-05:00

Touched each other at night while everyone else was sleeping, You weren't sleeping were you, you were exposing yourself weren't you while dreaming, were they sleeping in the same barracks? I suggest you mind your own business and get some help!!

Response by SSG Roger Ayscue made Nov 8 at 2022 1:35 AM

2022-11-08T01:35:21-05:00

This can destroy a unit. If the Leader is in fact having a relationship with the private the boot to kick him out of the Army is not big enough to kick him far enough out.

Leaders have a responsibility to care for all their soldiers and getting into their pants is not the way to do that.

They should require all Leaders to Memorize "Worth's Battalion Orders" They say it all.

Worth’s Battalion Orders

But an officer on duty knows no one — to be partial is to dishonor both himself and the object of his ill-advised favor. What will be thought of him who exacts of his friends that which disgraces him? Look at him who winks at and overlooks offences in one, which he causes to be punished in another, and contrast him with the inflexible soldier who does his duty faithfully, notwithstanding it occasionally wars with his private feelings. The conduct of one will be venerated and emulated, the other detested as a satire upon soldiership and honor.

Brevet Major William Jenkins Worth

Response by SGT Kenneth Rand made Dec 10 at 2022 12:06 AM

2022-12-10T00:06:40-05:00

My ex wife was sleeping with someone in her company 6/17 cav usarpac fort wainwright ak. In 06 while we were married the 1SG, CSM, C.O., X.O. and PLT SGT all knew what she was doing and labeled me violent and aggressive because I was pissed they just let them get away with adultery. I'm sorry but when I joined I thought the army would have integrity but I learned aviation units have no integrity they're usually fat lazy slobs only out to further their careers.