How do you report fraternization between junior enlisted and an NCO without causing issues in the workplace?

2016-03-31T02:20:50-04:00

Soldiers are married, one couple is dual military. servicemember is definitely using corercion and divorce (spouse wants to work it out) to prevent spouse doesn't reporting it.
The situation is causing issues in the dual military spouses focus/performance. The several of the soldiers under the NCOIC know about the relationship.

Response by SGT Benjamin Huminski made Mar 31 at 2016 2:33 AM

2016-03-31T02:33:34-04:00

Call 353-6204 if you have brought your issue to the immediate supervisor and nothing has been done.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 31 at 2016 2:36 AM

2016-03-31T02:36:24-04:00

I had this problem when I was in a unit and the soldier was in my platoon I was the PSG at the time and she was fraternizing with another PSG. I sat her down and gave her several verbal warnings and also corrected her and talked about what kind of reputation she wanted to create for herself as a soldier and how the army doesn't take lightly to adultery. At the same time I was also getting chewed out by the SFC whom I was a SSG at the time who was married and you need to try to handle it at the lowest level possible then utilize your chain.

I hope this helps.

SSG. Butcher

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Mar 31 at 2016 6:25 AM

2016-03-31T06:25:42-04:00

The Chain of Command is where you report any issues related to the organization. If you have concern about your COC's ability to take action you can contact the next higher Chain and or the IG. All of which are confidential.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 31 at 2016 11:38 AM

2016-03-31T11:38:36-04:00

I would recommend that you personally limit your own involvement, but as it is affecting the unit, subordinates, and performance, this makes it First Sergeant business. If he/she is unaware, make them aware and let them work the issue to an appropriate conclusion. If they will not take action, you may want to exercise some of the outside the CoC options through the Open Door or IG.

You are not the morality police, but as this personal conduct problem is affecting the unit, it needs to be addressed.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Mar 31 at 2016 1:42 PM

2016-03-31T13:42:15-04:00

Is their dirt, a great misjudgment made by either spouse?

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 31 at 2016 3:46 PM

2016-03-31T15:46:30-04:00

That's a rough situation. But the people involved brought this on themselves. And threats of divorce may or may not be valid. I'm afraid you have to find a way to report this, the damage is done to the unit and the morale/cohesion of your unit as a whole, as well as the lessons others will learn from this and carry forward. Sadly, you probably do know what to do, and now have to find a way to do it. Best of luck.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 31 at 2016 3:54 PM

2016-03-31T15:54:19-04:00

Like many, I've dealt with this before. First off the Soldiers need to be counseled on the perception of their fraternization. You can not counsel them saying they are fraternizing unless you have physical proof. My commander tried to push for UCMJ but JAG said unless there is video or photos of the Soldiers in the act then nothing can be done. Their FLL or 1SG needs to counsel the Soldiers individually on what the perception is of their relationship and what the ramifications can be if this perception should be deemed verifiable. Even if the spouses complain if their is no physical proof the Command can do nothing but counsel.

Response by 1SG Cameron M. Wesson made Mar 31 at 2016 7:07 PM

2016-03-31T19:07:27-04:00

No war story... had this issue in Iraq in 03/04... soldiers brought it to my attention.

I drug the NCO in question into my office... placed both size 10s on his butt... and advised that he was hosing himself and that the CO would shortly talking to him and issuing a "No contact order" and unless he wanted to face a "disobeying a direct order" he would comply.

So... take it to the First Sergeant discreetly... unless the 1SG is a SPEC8... then drop the dime with a senior NCO that you trust.

Rest of the story.. they behaved... I know as I had eyes everywhere... we redeployed... he divorced his wife and ended up married to the other soldier.... after she ETSd within the year... 11 years later they still are still married. The working out is not my business... thats the chaplains business... but the stuff that goes on in the unit... is mine and the COs.

HOpe it helps

Response by PO2 Randall Knight made Apr 5 at 2016 6:54 PM

2016-04-05T18:54:16-04:00

Once the coercion was made apparent, then the only real recourse is the chain of command.

Response by SMSgt Bob Wilson made Oct 26 at 2020 1:05 AM

2020-10-26T01:05:10-04:00

You don't. YOU REPORT IT and get the scumbag out of the unit and hopefully out of the military. BUT HAVE PROOF. Cameron has a great posting.