Can a home-based business affect your responsibilities and your Soldiers???

2013-12-12T21:30:29-05:00

As more e-commerce sets in is it ok or a moral issue to include your direct or indirect subordinates into a legal home-based business ie.) Amway, market America, mary kaye, Tupperware etc.? The reason is Soldiers have difficult time separating on and off duty interaction. Are we professional enough to know the difference. I guess the Guard and Reserve elements could be doing it without initially knowing it. Thoughts??????

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 12 at 2013 10:08 PM

2013-12-12T22:08:40-05:00

No I don't think so, in my case, I work outside all day and got a second shift job in the evening. None of those two affect my responsibilities as a leader and it does not affect my soldiers at all. ( as far as I am aware). So I don't think that a Home Business affects any thing when it comes to military. That's just my point of view.

Response by MAJ Joseph Parker made Dec 12 at 2013 10:11 PM

2013-12-12T22:11:16-05:00

NO! Don't get a home based or any other kind of business involvement with soldiers of any rank. Department of Defense Regulation 5500 7-R, Joint Ethics Regulation, is very clear on this. Keep the spousal unit tidy on this, too. Now that the regulation side is clear, let's look at the moral and ethical side.

Every soldier knows that "the leader's wish is a command". So how does the soldier draw the line? The soldier doesn't, the leader does! How can an E2 know if the E5 (or the E5's spouse) is "inviting" the E2 to look at Amway, or it is really expected that the E2 buy the Amway? The E2 doesn't know. That is why the regulation is there. BTW, it could be an O2 and O5 and it's the same difference. That is also why SMs not allowed to do missionary work, or express political opinions in uniforms. How would a junior know if they are being told to vote or worship a certain way? It is just too complex. The regulation are there to protect all soldiers from uncertainty or unintentional influence. Keep it all simple!

Each service has their own corresponding regulations. Also, the type business SSG Christopher G. mentioned is called "multi-level marketing" in the sales world. Even though home-based, it's a good idea for the SM to go through the "second job" permission procedure with their commander. Reasons:

1. If the SM is suddenly deployed, the SM will have civil liabilities for that business. One of the reasons for getting permission is so the CDR isn't surprised with phone calls from creditors, customers, the SEC, etc.

2. Money will be moving. When the amount of money moving reaches a certain threshold, the CDR needs to be aware of the SM's obligations, not to mention things that will automatically kick in from the IRS and on security clearances.

3. The nature of the home business must not be in conflict with the interests of the government or good order and discipline.

4. The CDR can help young soldiers avoid scams.

This is a good question, SSG Christopher G.; Running a home-based business can be fun and profitable. It can also be hard work or get the SM in trouble (and not just with the military) if not done correctly.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 12 at 2013 10:34 PM

2013-12-12T22:34:13-05:00

It could if it compromises one's ability to do their military job.

Response by LTC David Haines made Dec 13 at 2013 12:05 AM

2013-12-13T00:05:31-05:00

I wouldn't put yourself in the position of being accused of exerting undue influence on subordinates with regard to a home-based business.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 13 at 2013 6:12 PM

2013-12-13T18:12:20-05:00

I really appreciate it sir. The main reason for this question is that my wife has two home-based businesses and there are tons of wives on this post constantly distributing to one another so didn't know how it affected the military side will let spouse know asap appreciate all the information.