Inter-Service Fraternization: is it legal?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 29 Aug 2015 18:44:23 -0400

The topic of fraternization has been approached before and discussed with mixed opinions but I haven't seen the following question asked: Are officer/ enlisted relations prohibited when the two service members are in different branches of the military (e.g. an Army officer and an enlisted Airman)? Ignoring the fact that an inter-military relationship would be very difficult and focusing less on casual relations and more on serious ones (e.g. marraige), is it legal?

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 29 at 2015 6:53 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 29 Aug 2015 18:53:32 -0400

The enlisted/officer barrier is still applicable across services. Much less enforced though, but still there.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 30 at 2015 1:24 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 30 Aug 2015 13:24:21 -0400

Last I knew, Army regulations dictated that Officer/Enlisted relationships are also a no no.

Response by PO2 Jeffrey Sheibels made Aug 31 at 2015 12:08 AM

PO2 Jeffrey Sheibels — Mon, 31 Aug 2015 00:08:21 -0400

As long as neither member is under the same command and they are both enlisted or both officers. If both are enlisted and one becomes an officer the relationship can continue as long as it is documented that the relationship started when both where enlisted and they were at separate commands.

Response by PO1 Rick Serviss made Aug 31 at 2015 4:46 AM

PO1 Rick Serviss — Mon, 31 Aug 2015 04:46:34 -0400

It's probably acceptable but protocol applies when in public. They probably would get some flack from the military community (e.g. wives club).

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 1 at 2015 12:26 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 01 Sep 2015 12:26:52 -0400

Per AR 600-20, here is the wording directly quoated..."4–14. Relationships between Soldiers of different grade
a. The term "officer" used in this paragraph includes both commissioned and WOs unless otherwise stated. The term
“noncommissioned officer” refers to a Soldier in the grade of corporal to command sergeant major/sergeant major. The
term “junior enlisted Soldier” refers to a Soldier in the grade of private to specialist. The provisions of this paragraph
apply to both relationships between Soldiers in the Active and Reserve Components and between Soldiers and
personnel of other military Services. This policy is effective immediately, except where noted below, and applies to
opposite-gender relationships and same-gender relationships."

Response by SSG Kenneth Lanning made Sep 1 at 2015 12:29 PM

SSG Kenneth Lanning — Tue, 01 Sep 2015 12:29:53 -0400

It's a no-no; however, if the two people are under different commands and know how to separate work/off-duty and don't push it in others' faces, it isn't an issue. Is this the right answer? No...but it is the logical one.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Jan 28 at 2020 7:16 AM

LTC Jason Mackay — Tue, 28 Jan 2020 07:16:55 -0500

SFC Private RallyPoint Member this has been asked and answered multiple times on here. Just two weeks ago we answered about Army reserve enlisted and both USCG and USN midshipmen and officers. While 600-20 needs amplification the sister services are much clearer on saying no.