Can you date a person of a higher rank in a completely different unit?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 19:37:25 -0400

I see it all day everyday and can relate to it in my personal life. I know that dating in your chain of command is a no go. How about dating a person of a higher rank in a completely different unit? Officer or NCO with lower enlisted? Do you look down on the higher ranking individual? I'd like some input from others involved in a similar situation. Thanks.

Response by CPT Zachary Brooks made Apr 29 at 2015 7:46 PM

CPT Zachary Brooks — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 19:46:15 -0400

Probably best avoided for your career sake, but likely not unheard of (for NCOs outside the chain of command at least). Any Officer would be risking his career to do so.

I know this can be a bit more lax on the National Guard side, but still not encouraged or flaunted.

Response by LTC Yinon Weiss made Apr 29 at 2015 8:35 PM

LTC Yinon Weiss — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 20:35:20 -0400

The Army fraternization policy as put out in AR 600-20, 4-14, applies equally whether one is in the same chain of command or not. Other branches of service will have their own variations.

Prosecution within one's own chain of command is more likely, but fraternization outside the chain of command is still prohibited between the following in the Army:

- Officers and enlisted
- NCOs (CPL and above) and junior enlisted (SPC and below)

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2015 8:40 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 20:40:40 -0400

I will say it like this we do not choose who we love regardless of the rank but if you are professional with it while at work or on post then yes I think it is acceptable. You also might want to follow the guidelines and letting your chain know. From my point of view just be happy.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2015 12:29 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 00:29:37 -0400

I would agree that it tends to be more lax on the reserve side. Probably because we see everyone 2 days a month, 3 wks a summer or if deployed. Technically, No to Officers and Enlisted. Be careful with in the unit as well. Obviously not in the chain of command. Personal opinion: if it isn't effecting work, morale and causing issues then I don't sweat it. No PDA for obvious reasons, especially on duty. Soldier side: no is the safer bet. Human side: you can't help who you fall for, just be smart about it. I once had a CPT give myself and another Soldier a class while at AT in Panama. First words out of his mouth were that he was married to a Private. I was thinking that I didn't care (not in a disrespectful manner) but in the aspect that I didn't personally know either one except for him instructing this class so I had no idea why he would announce this to the class

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2015 12:03 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 06 May 2015 12:03:37 -0400

just like when the policy changed in 97-98 giving officers and enlisted a certain amount of time to get married or end the relationship, the same is in effect for enlisted of different ranks Nov 2015 is the date. This was briefed by the SMA a few months ago.

Response by SSG Paul Setterholm made May 6 at 2015 7:19 PM

SSG Paul Setterholm — Wed, 06 May 2015 19:19:47 -0400

When I was a specialist, I dated a 1lt in the marines.

Response by MSG Morgan Fiszel, CPCM, CFCM made May 6 at 2015 8:41 PM

MSG Morgan Fiszel, CPCM, CFCM — Wed, 06 May 2015 20:41:09 -0400

Your an HR specialist / 42 series. Aren't you supposed to be a SME on that issue?

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 8 at 2015 1:36 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 Jul 2015 01:36:41 -0400

In the AF it is legal for NCOs to date/marry Airmen, but it can get tricky because of unprofessional relationships...which is definitely a grey area. People in the same unit dating would be frowned upon big time. On another note, I've known quite a few people who were married officer/enlisted because one of them got their commission after they were married. A few years ago a Chief (E-9) I knew retired because his wife made her star. At that point, there was for all intensive purposes no way for them to be stationed together and not be in the same reporting chain. (I wish I had their retirement, she ended up retiring as a 2 star.)