UCMJ as it applies to Servicemember/GS Civilian Interaction. Do you know?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Jun 2014 22:26:45 -0400

If this topic has been covered before I apologize:

I want to generate a bit of dialog pertaining to the relationship between Civilian GS employees and the Servicemember.

I don't particularly plan on doing these situational questions, but in my initial Google searches I could not find anything related. So

1- can a soldier receive UCMJ for disrespect towards a GS employee?

2 - by regulation is a Servicemember required to render any specific courtesies, gestures ( ie parade rest, attention)

3 - What is the extent of authority a GS employee has?

These are just some examples. I want to encourage dialog and situational discussions related to this. I want to look beyond the simple be professional and follow the golden rule concepts. Thank you all in advance for your constructive contributions to this topic.

Response by CWO4 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 20 at 2014 10:34 PM

CWO4 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Jun 2014 22:34:45 -0400

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 20 at 2014 11:24 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 20 Jun 2014 23:24:04 -0400

This came up only a few times when I was assigned to Ft. Meade....years ago...back in the day it was called....I think .. the "purple movement"...basically what's called Joint Commands.

A sailor I worked with decided to catch a rash when dealing with an individual who just happened to be SES grade. I think it was the second time this sailor "caught the rash" and the SES simply made a call. Shortly there after the sailor ended up a stripe short and his pockets a lot emptier.

So...based on that experience:

1. Absolutely, you can receive UCMJ punishment for disrespect - especially if they are in your professional chain.

2. While I can't find the exact wording that a servicemember is required to render courtesies - I KNOW that as a professional you would want that civilian to recognize your rank, position and authority. A simple courtesy goes a long way.

3. The authority of a civilian is dependent on what the situation is. I deal with military before, during and after disasters frequently. We task the NG/Reserves and active duty often. While we (civilian authority) do not interfere with military matters, we do direct the mission, mission location(s) and mission parameters to the extent of the law.