What action should be taken if soldiers are complaining about an inappropriate relationship between two Soldiers in their section?

2018-10-11T13:48:08-04:00

What action/s should be taken if the soldiers in your section are complaining about an inappropriate relation between two Soldiers in their section? One Soldier (female) is married and lives off post, the other (male) is not and lives in the barracks. These two have been missing for hours when asked to complete a task together, seen at the females off post residence (her spouse is prior service and travels for work), seen at the males barracks room he shares with another Soldier in the section. There is also talks around the shop about a SNAPCHAT video with the male Soldier with his shirt off, in the females residence. I have been informed to write a counseling on the perception of a relation between them by their section and how it is affecting moral and our mission. The female is a SPC(P) and the male is PV2. How would I word this counseling? What kind of Plan of Action should be implemented?

Response by SSG Stephan Pendarvis made Oct 11 at 2018 2:04 PM

2018-10-11T14:04:52-04:00

For the first time I am stumped.....I really do not know how to address this. Perception is not the word here I must say. They are definitely doing something. I would at least put in there the ramifications and the seriousness of what they are doing. Plan of action? No clue....

Response by SSG Brian G. made Oct 11 at 2018 2:10 PM

2018-10-11T14:10:58-04:00

A couple of questions:
Is the Spc the squad leader for the private? If not then there is not a reg issue as both are lower enlisted.

The missing for hours at a time however, IS a problem. As is the way they perceptively progressing and the impact it is having on your section.

First off separate the two in terms of work details. Clearly they cannot be trusted to go about a mission together and execute it and return in a timely manner. They'll balk but oh well, we live in a Democracy, we don't practice it.

Next, sit BOTH of them down and have a chat with them, explaining how their actions are affecting unit morale and mission readiness and if they continue it is not out of the realm of kicking this up the chain to for UCMJ action. Advise them to cease and desist their relationship or further actions will be taken and to keep private life... private. As far as a counseling statement and the wording. Call this one a verbal counseling but document it for paper trail.

IE "On this date verbally counseled SPC(P) and PV2 of the impropriety of their ongoing relationship and advised both to cease. Advised both they will not be on details together due to past incidents. Advised both that further incidents can lead to further UCMJ action. "

One for each, sign, date and file it.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 11 at 2018 2:48 PM

2018-10-11T14:48:07-04:00

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member, I just sent you some PMs

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 11 at 2018 2:55 PM

2018-10-11T14:55:27-04:00

Have the counseling forms ready for each Soldier, then give them no notice of the counseling session. But, do it one on one so as to give them no time to prep their stories. Ensure they understand that the perception is that they are having something extra going on. And, ensure they understand that perception is everything, and can be looked as perception IS reality. Explain to them what their continued actions can lead to in regards to UCMJ. Ensure they are no longer authorized at either place of residence for any reason other than official duty purposes...and without someone with them. I would go so far as to say they will not be seen together with just themselves even when off duty. Ensure they understand that if they violate the plan of actions in any way, you will immediately recommend an investigation and/or UCMJ actions.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Oct 11 at 2018 11:24 PM

2018-10-11T23:24:44-04:00

- Is the Commander going to issue a no contact order?
- was the plan for you to counsel and the chain of command to,pursue UCMJ? You will need to coordinate effort.
- AR600-20 has the definition and terms of inappropriate relationships and Fraternization. If you need more detail, DA Pam 600-35. Squad Leader and a Joe...no go
- unless you have graphic and explicit evidence on the Adultery, it will be tough. That is why it needs to be coordinated. The Commander will need to engage the CJA.
- if they are not going the whole 9 on this you can counsel on the Appearance of an Adulterous relationship. MCM Article 134.

Squad Leader: the fraternization and appearance of the adulterous relationship
Joe: appearance of the adulterous relationship.

Both need a no contact order. Would recommend the Command team reassign one or both to another section. MSG Private RallyPoint Member has likely provided some good input. Here is another example http://www.armywriter.com/fraternization-counseling.htm

Fraternization with Officers Counseling

IAW Fraternization is discouraged

Response by SGM Gregory Tarancon IV made Oct 11 at 2018 11:31 PM

2018-10-11T23:31:06-04:00

SSG(P) DeAndra Swain, thank you for posting; this is a very serious problem for our military. Some servicemembers forget that the military is not the private sector and we have rules in place to maintain good order and discipline. I have seen it firsthand, degrade, demoralize and ruin the moral and esprit de corps of good units. SSG(P) Thomas Livingston has provided some great advice. I commend you having the moral courage to confront this issue and bring it to the attention of the chain of command. You probability not only saved the integrity of the unit but the careers of the individuals in question.

Response by SSG Shoyn Jones made Oct 12 at 2018 8:36 PM

2018-10-12T20:36:06-04:00

Have a talk with both of them about fraternization tell the married one that she can’t do that make sure to remind her that to keep it professional she is showing the young soldier who needs to know about military behavior

Response by PFC Elijah Rose made Oct 13 at 2018 3:29 PM

2018-10-13T15:29:26-04:00

I would be careful because you really can't be sure what's been going on exactly. In fact these two appear to be coworkers and the worst evidence against them are the kind of rumors people spread because their board. I wouldn't advise doing anything except talking to the soldiers anout the rumors and maybe moving one to another part of the unit.