Is it fraternization for a member of the Army NG to have a relationship with a Coast Guard Academy Cadet?

2019-10-28T00:49:57-04:00

A PFC in my squad in the Army National Guard asked me if it is fraternization if he seeks a relationship with a Coast Guard Academy Cadet who is about to Comission. I have read through the AR and looked into some Coast Guard Regs. The national guard does have the exception to mainly civilian based relationships. Regulations would be great as well. Thank you all!

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Oct 28 at 2019 12:12 PM

2019-10-28T12:12:24-04:00

The Army sources are AR600-20 and DA PAM 600-35

AR600-35 2–11. Officer and enlisted Soldier (dating)
a. Situation. ChiefWarrantOfficerTwo(CW2)BakerandSSGYoung,bothunmarriedSoldiers,meetonsocialmedia, and start dating. On their second date, each finds out that the other is in the military and stationed at Fort B. CW2 Baker is in the division headquarters while SSG Young is in the corps headquarters. Neither is in a position to influence the career or duty assignments of the other. What are their options?
b. Explanation. The dating relationship is a violation of AR 600–20. Commanders have a wide range of responses available, including counseling, reprimand, order to cease, reassignment, or adverse action. Commanders must carefully consider all of the facts and circumstances in reaching a disposition that is warranted, appropriate, and fair. Generally, the commander should take the minimum action necessary to ensure that the needs of good order and discipline are satisfied.
c. Alternative situation. What if CW2 Baker was actually CDR Smith, on active duty with the Navy? Would that change anything?
d. Explanation. No. A prohibited relationship between an Army officer and an Army enlisted Soldier would still be prohibited if between a Navy officer and Army enlisted Soldier. This prohibition applies to relationships between Army personnel and personnel of other military services.

AR600-20 states this too, but lists in 4-14 as an authorized exception:
(d) Personal relationships between members of the RA and members of the National Guard or Army Reserve when the relationship primarily exists due to civilian association and the RC member is not on AD (other than AT), on FTNGD (other than AT), or serving as a dual status military technician.

At the end of the day, the senior in the relationship is "responsible" for maintaining a proper relationship and the Commanders involved are charged with its measure of impropriety and good order and discipline.

Coast Guard COMDTINST M1600.2
2.A.4.c
Romantic Relationships between Officer and Enlisted
The custom of the Service prohibits romantic relationships outside of marriage between officer and enlisted personnel. This includes such relationships with members of other military services. Officer and enlisted romantic relationships undermine the respect for authority which is essential for the Coast Guard to accomplish its military mission.

Photo attached, the chart indicates this is expressly a prohibited relationship from the Cadet's perspective..

I did not see any exceptions in that document for Reserve component personnel. Further in there was discussion about Academy personnel. Looks like this will be prohibited from the USCG perspective and the Senior has the primary responsibility for the relationship. AR600-20 would prescribe the Cadet as the Senior in the relationship.

I did not see a DOD publication on this topic.

Response by CPL Gary Pifer made Oct 28 at 2019 4:09 PM

2019-10-28T16:09:16-04:00

Seek? Ain't found one yet. I wouldn't worry about it.. the cadet will be to busy after the commission... tell him to keep his mouth shut.

Response by LTJG Richard Bruce made Oct 28 at 2019 7:29 PM

2019-10-28T19:29:02-04:00

All CG Academy cadets get or give a "Dear John" letter before graduation.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Oct 29 at 2019 10:46 AM

2019-10-29T10:46:09-04:00

Let me throw something into the mix... Would this even apply since the Coast Guard is currently not organized within the DOD?

Response by SPC Roger Giffen made Oct 30 at 2019 9:55 PM

2019-10-30T21:55:13-04:00

I was told I could date whoever I wanted as long as that person was not in my chain of command or in a position to further my career. But that was a long time ago. dated many a nurse while I was a SP4.

Response by PO1 Sanford Snyder made Nov 3 at 2019 10:11 AM

2019-11-03T10:11:41-05:00

Not having access to hard evidence, I will just throw out my opinion. They are in different services, a logistics problem for any relationship. They are, yes, different levels of rank. But mostly I feel, being the CG is under the Department of Transportation, not DOD,
how would that be a problem, they will never be in the same chain of command.