What are the red lines in terms of relationships between Officers and Officer Candidates?

2017-10-19T12:20:13-04:00

Is an officer allowed to date an officer candidate (OC) even if they both are in the same platoon? (The officer being the platoon leader). What should be done if the officer puts in awards for the OC for things he/she did not do?

I wasn’t able to find regulations on this.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 19 at 2017 12:32 PM

2017-10-19T12:32:17-04:00

Pretty sure that falls under fraternization and it's a no-go.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 19 at 2017 12:36 PM

2017-10-19T12:36:40-04:00

I agree with SSG Private RallyPoint Member. An OC is an enlisted person in an Army school. It might be different if they had a prior relationship (engagement/marriage).

Response by LTC Stephen Conway made Oct 19 at 2017 1:01 PM

2017-10-19T13:01:09-04:00

I am almost positive it is fraternization and punishable under UCMJ. when you become a second lieutenant ,you are Honorably Discharged as your prior rank you still have to serve the remainder of your term in this case as a National Guard officer like me it was 6 years in the National Guard and 2 years in the inactive ready reserve I don't know if it's changed since 1996.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Oct 19 at 2017 1:13 PM

2017-10-19T13:13:43-04:00

"What should be done if the officer puts in awards for the OC for things he/she did not do? "
A quite and simple conversation..

Sir, you can fix this, or I can.......Do the right thing because its the right thing to do, or I will follow that same idea and this will get fixed in spite of you, not because of.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cable made Oct 19 at 2017 1:42 PM

2017-10-19T13:42:26-04:00

The relationship between a TAC Officer and the Candidate is the same as between a Drill Sergeant and a Basic Trainee. Yes, it's fraternizing and Yes, it's a violation of the honor code. I don't know of any situation where dating a subordinate is kosher.

Response by 1LT Matthew Robles made Oct 19 at 2017 2:17 PM

2017-10-19T14:17:27-04:00

I suggest reading through the Federal OCS handbook for clarification: http://www.benning.army.mil/infantry/199th/ocs/content/pdf/OCSOP.pdf

Generally speaking, romantic relationships formed during Officer Candidate School is frowned upon. Candidate-Candidate relationships and Candidate-Cadre relationships are explicitly forbidden. Anything else that falls outside of fraternization would still be ill-advised. OCS is only a limited amount of time; love can wait.

OCSOP.pdf

Response by LTJG Richard Bruce made Oct 19 at 2017 10:39 PM

2017-10-19T22:39:41-04:00

Officer candidates shouldn't have relationships. Expend all your effort in learning. There is plenty of time after commissioning to spend time with someone.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 28 at 2017 1:43 PM

2017-11-28T13:43:55-05:00

Dont do it?

Response by SPC David Willis made Nov 28 at 2017 3:34 PM

2017-11-28T15:34:30-05:00

No one in any form of TRADOC should ever have any relationship with any trainee (aside from being the trainees god) at any time. Ever. Aside from Bergdhaling it there is no faster way to ruin your military career than messing around with a trainee. After reading that, also keep in mind officers are held to a higher standard. While it could get a DS kicked off the trail, an officer could very well face serious punishment.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 28 at 2017 3:45 PM

2017-11-28T15:45:11-05:00

Your answer is in your sentence, officer candidate is not and officer, just like a Specialist promotable is not a Noncommissioned officer.

Regarding the awards, I would attempt to resolve it at the lowest level. If this isn’t resolved then, utilize the chain of command and their open door policy.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Nov 28 at 2017 3:47 PM

2017-11-28T15:47:54-05:00

SGT Private RallyPoint Member "You Touch Me Like You Know Me" Robin Williams "Reality What a Concept" His First Album, I'm Sorry I Couldn't Help Myself.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden Passed 7/29/2025 made Nov 28 at 2017 8:57 PM

2017-11-28T20:57:46-05:00

That question needed to be asked? The officer’s military education failed him!

Response by LTJG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 29 at 2017 9:16 AM

2017-11-29T09:16:48-05:00

This is a VERY CLEAR DRAWN LINE. Keep the relationship professional at ALL TIMES. No dating of any kind can be conducted between an Officer and an OC. This is clearly fraternization Especially in the same Platoon. If the Officer is showing favoritism or worse lying about awards earned by an OC, bring it up the chain. Simple as that.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 15 at 2018 12:40 PM

2018-04-15T12:40:20-04:00

The fraternization rule exists for exactly this reason, among others.
Whether or not the OC deserves that award or not everyone will always question if it was given as a result of the relationship.
Alternately, not giving the OC an award that they deserve because of a relationship and wanting to avoid the perception of showing favouritism is also wrong for the OC.
The whole situation smacks of a lack of integrity.