Can an officer be charged with fraternization after they marry their significant other who was enlisted and recently ETS?

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Jun 2019 21:50:09 -0400

I knew my significant other before I commissioned but I did not want to rush into marriage just because of the military. Now we plan to wait until after he ETS. Can I get charged with fraternization during the period before he gets out? Is there an appropriate time to wait after he ETS? Or does it not matter because he is not in the military?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 13 at 2019 10:29 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Jun 2019 22:29:41 -0400

There is a regulation and a DA Pam entirely devoted to this topic as well as different scenarios. You should read those first and then ask questions. As a leader you're expected to read first and then ask. There's a good chance you will be the commander for someone in the same situation in the future, and fraternization is something you as an officer need to be Hyper aware of.

Response by CSM Carl Cunningham made Jun 16 at 2019 11:17 PM

CSM Carl Cunningham — Sun, 16 Jun 2019 23:17:02 -0400

You need to review AR 600-20, para 4-14. It lays out what is allowed and what is not. A few paragraphs below that is explains the exception, which you will have to provide proof for the exception. Once you come clean, I think you have a year to tie the knot in an acceptable manner. Again, read the regulation first.