CPT Private RallyPoint Member 452371 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Understanding that it presents complications and risks to both parties for leaders and subordinates to socialize together, where exactly in the Regs does it say you can't? Specifically, I am looking at a SGT and a PFC drinking together outside of work. No romantic relationship. Just two "buddies" drinking. Is it a black and white "NO GO" or just a strong recomendation? Need some barracks lawyers (or real lawyers) to step up and empower an LT with Army Regulations. 2015-02-03T12:57:46-05:00 CPT Private RallyPoint Member 452371

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Understanding that it presents complications and risks to both parties for leaders and subordinates to socialize together, where exactly in the Regs does it say you can't? Specifically, I am looking at a SGT and a PFC drinking together outside of work. No romantic relationship. Just two "buddies" drinking. Is it a black and white "NO GO" or just a strong recomendation? Need some barracks lawyers (or real lawyers) to step up and empower an LT with Army Regulations.

2015-02-03T12:57:46-05:00 2015-02-03T12:57:46-05:00 Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS 452389

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Fraternization is what comes to mind. <br /><br />But the trick is if it violates good order &amp; discipline.

2015-02-03T13:03:02-05:00 2015-02-03T13:03:02-05:00 SFC Private RallyPoint Member 452437

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Ar 600-20;<br /><br />"4–14. Relationships between Soldiers of different rank.<br /><br />a. The term "officer," as used in this paragraph, includes both commissioned and warrant officers unless otherwise<br />stated. The provisions of this paragraph apply to both relationships between Army personnel (to include dual-status<br />military technicians in the Army Reserve and the Army National Guard) and between Army personnel and personnel of<br />other military services. This policy is effective immediately, except where noted below, and applies to different-gender<br />relationships and same-gender relationships.<br />b. Relationships between Soldiers of different rank are prohibited if they—<br />(1) Compromise, or appear to compromise, the integrity of supervisory authority or the chain of command.<br />(2) Cause actual or perceived partiality or unfairness.<br />(3) Involve, or appear to involve, the improper use of rank or position for personal gain.<br />(4) Are, or are perceived to be, exploitative or coercive in nature.<br />(5) Create an actual or clearly predictable adverse impact on discipline, authority, morale, or the ability of the<br />command to accomplish its mission.<br />c. Certain types of personal relationships between officers and enlisted personnel are prohibited. Prohibited relationships<br />include—<br />(1) Ongoing business relationships between officers and enlisted personnel. This prohibition does not apply to<br />landlord/tenant relationships or to one-time transactions such as the sale of an automobile or house, but does apply to<br />borrowing or lending money, commercial solicitation, and any other type of on-going financial or business relationship.<br />Business relationships which exist at the time this policy becomes effective, and that were authorized under previously<br />existing rules and regulations, are exempt until March 1, 2000. In the case of Army National Guard or United States<br />Army Reserve personnel, this prohibition does not apply to relationships that exist due to their civilian occupation or<br />employment.<br />(2) Dating, shared living accommodations other than those directed by operational requirements, and intimate or<br />sexual relationships between officers and enlisted personnel. This prohibition does not apply to—<br />(a) Marriages. When evidence of fraternization between an officer and enlisted member prior to their marriage<br />exists, their marriage does not preclude appropriate command action based on the prior fraternization. Commanders<br />have a wide range of responses available including counseling, reprimand, order to cease, reassignment, administrative action or adverse action. Commanders must carefully consider all of the facts and circumstances in reaching a disposition that is appropriate. Generally, the commander should take the minimum action necessary to ensure that the needs of good order and discipline are satisfied.<br />(b) Situations in which a relationship that complies with this policy would move into non-compliance due to a change in status of one of the members (for instance, a case where two enlisted members are dating and one is subsequently commissioned or selected as a warrant officer). In relationships where one of the enlisted members has entered into a program intended to result in a change in their status from enlisted to officer, the couple must terminate the relationship permanently or marry within either one year of the actual start date of the program, before the change in status occurs, or within one year of the publication date of this regulation, whichever occurs later. <br />(c) Personal relationships between members of the National Guard or Army Reserve, when the relationship primarily<br />exists due to civilian acquaintanceships, unless the individuals are on active duty (other than annual training), on full-time National Guard duty (other than annual training), or serving as a dual status military technician.<br />(d) Personal relationships between members of the Regular Army and members of the National Guard or Army Reserve when the relationship primarily exists due to civilian association and the Reserve component member is not on active duty (other than annual training), on full-time National Guard duty (other than annual training), or serving as a dual status military technician.<br />(e) Prohibited relationships involving dual status military technicians, which were not prohibited under previously existing rules and regulations, are exempt until one year of publication date of this regulation.<br />(f) Soldiers and leaders share responsibility, however, for ensuring that these relationships do not interfere with good order and discipline. Commanders will ensure that personal relationships that exist between Soldiers of different ranks emanating from their civilian careers will not influence training, readiness, or personnel actions.<br />(3) Gambling between officers and enlisted personnel.<br />d. These prohibitions are not intended to preclude normal team building associations that occur in the context of activities such as community organizations, religious activities, Family gatherings, unit-based social functions, or athletic teams or events. e. All military personnel share the responsibility for maintaining professional relationships. However, in any relationship between Soldiers of different grade or rank, the senior member is generally in the best position to terminate or limit the extent of the relationship. Nevertheless, all members may be held accountable for relationships that violate this policy. f. Commanders should seek to prevent inappropriate or unprofessional relationships through proper training and leadership by example. Should inappropriate relationships occur, commanders have available a wide range of responses. These responses may include counseling, reprimand, order to cease, reassignment, or adverse action. Potential adverse action may include official reprimand, adverse evaluation report(s), nonjudicial punishment, separation, bar to reenlistment, promotion denial, demotion, and courts martial. Commanders must carefully onsider all of the facts and circumstances in reaching a disposition that is warranted, appropriate, and fair.

2015-02-03T13:28:32-05:00 2015-02-03T13:28:32-05:00 LTC Private RallyPoint Member 452439

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Check the newest revision to AR 600-20, specifically para 4-14. The revision redefined relationships between junior enlisted Soldiers and NCOs.<br /><br />The pertinent language is here:<br /><br />b. Soldiers of different grades must be cognizant that their interactions do not create an actual or clearly predictable<br />perception of undue familiarity between an officer and an enlisted Soldier, or between an NCO and a junior-enlisted<br />Soldier. Examples of familiarity between Soldiers that may become “undue” can include repeated visits to bars,<br />nightclubs, eating establishments, or homes between an officer and an enlisted Soldier, or an NCO and a junior-enlisted<br />Soldier, except for social gatherings, that involve an entire unit, office, or work section. All relationships between<br />Soldiers of different grade are prohibited if they—<br />(1) Compromise, or appear to compromise, the integrity of supervisory authority or the chain of command.<br />(2) Cause actual or perceived partiality or unfairness.<br />(3) Involve, or appear to involve, the improper use of grade or position for personal gain.<br />(4) Are, or are perceived to be, exploitative or coercive in nature.<br />(5) Create an actual or clearly predictable adverse impact on discipline, authority, morale, or the ability of the<br />command to accomplish its mission.<br />c. Certain types of personal relationships<br /><br />Remember, the key takeaway is the creation of a perception. Impact vs. Intent if you will.<br /><br />When in doubt, CYA (call your attorney).

2015-02-03T13:29:40-05:00 2015-02-03T13:29:40-05:00 MAJ(P) Private RallyPoint Member 452441

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>If I had a concern, I would leave it up to the NCOIC. Let the NCOs handle that kind of Soldier business if it is appropriate. However…<br /><br />"Good order and discipline."<br /><br />It seems easy to determine what affects that and what does not. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. Is the SGT his supervisor? Are they in the same PLT? Does it have an affect in the work place? Does he show favoritism? More importantly, is it perceived that he shows favoritism? What is the level of professionalism between the two?<br /><br />I tend not to worry too much about with whom Soldiers spend their downtime with as long as it does not affect good order and discipline within the unit and does not go against any UCMJ article. However, that is merely my leadership approach.<br /><br />I encourage leaders spending time with their Soldiers outside of work – when done professionally. It is a great way to get to know your Soldiers. When I was a PLT SGT, I would have an occasional BBQ at my place. It was open to all and most attended. I had to set the example with regards to keeping it professional and make it more about building the team rather than drinking parties. <br /><br />Everyone has a different leadership approach though.

2015-02-03T13:31:47-05:00 2015-02-03T13:31:47-05:00 MSgt Michael Durkee 452445

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>For years, and I would hope it still exists, Air Force Squadrons and Flights had "Boss and Buddy Night" is was by no means a "piss up" but more an opportunity to see your Supervisor in a more relaxed light. Of course, there was still care in the interaction, but an opportunity to see the person vs. The Rank.

2015-02-03T13:37:15-05:00 2015-02-03T13:37:15-05:00 Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member 452634

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I&#39;m sure glad I&#39;m in the Air Force. We regularly get together outside work...2LT up to Lt Col. Occasionally, even an O-6. At a bar. With booze. Often on base, in uniform. The bar is where some of the best mentoring takes place. It&#39;s also where senior leaders can get the most unfiltered feedback from the troops in the trenches.

2015-02-03T14:55:06-05:00 2015-02-03T14:55:06-05:00 PO1 Private RallyPoint Member 1045877

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I don't know Army regs, but in the Navy that is a NO-GO. It is considered frat for a leader to spend "alone" time regardless the nature. He could do it if the SGT invited all his subordinates, but one on one invitation is frat (to the Navy and Corps).

2015-10-16T18:38:06-04:00 2015-10-16T18:38:06-04:00 MSG Private RallyPoint Member 1644665

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>i spent most of my career as reservist, many of us work together in civi land, so while in uniform i would say not a good idea, alcohol and rank dont mix, even if your not in uniform but are still on orders or weekend drill, not a good idea, unit functions are also a gray area, i agree with unit coheasion but again alcohol and rank dont mix, so i leave this up to s4 personnel to answer on the regs there are too many to remember

2016-06-19T11:54:24-04:00 2016-06-19T11:54:24-04:00 Capt Dwayne Conyers 3495181

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Remember General Urschler who would share a keg with the men.

2018-03-30T01:06:59-04:00 2018-03-30T01:06:59-04:00 2015-02-03T12:57:46-05:00