What are your thoughts on NCOs hanging out with Soldiers after work?

I've seen the attempt by some NCO's to hang out with the troops. From what I've seen, the troops really don't appreciate it, or for that matter, Trust the motives of the NCO .... just based upon the chatter that occurs after he departs. It's bad enough that they have to answer to him on duty, but when off duty, they need a break from the military bearing and should be free to kick back without an NCO looking over their shoulders. It also reflects poorly on the judgement of the NCO ... in my opinion

I personally didn't take this too far. If I saw my paratroopers outside of the daily job I was still Sergeant Luckner or Sergeant Luck and nothing else. They handled this well and it kept our relationship professional. Nothing wrong with having a good time while continuing to set the standard of professionalism for your soldiers.

How is this a question?

Most people will agree that sharing a meal as a unit is one thing but going out on a regular basis is the issue. That is fraternization and that is not allowed. Don't do it or be prepared for the difficulties and penalties associated.

I don't see anything wrong with it, but I served in a different military then todays. It takes a rare and dedicated group of people to pull this off. Today you say Tom I'd be glad to grab you another beer and tomorrow you say yes sergeant I'd be glad to stir that burning barrel of shit until it disappears. Can you do it or do you pull friendies to get out of a crappy job. Most of us know the answer to that, so maybe not so much today. I did a lot of deployments and these people are your family, but you have to know how to separate. If you can't leave it alone.

Well now let me weigh in on this particular conversation as a Retired Senior Chief, I've read all the comments regarding the fine line and the articles of the UCMJ etc . So now that we've gotten passed all that, here is how I view this with good order and discipline in mind ! Along with Fraternization issues and so forth. If there's a command or departmental/divisional function of base, there will be Officers, NCO's and junior enlisted personnel attending this function. There generally will be beer and plenty of food and non-alcoholic beverages as well.
NCO's are not only mature individuals in the majority of all branches of our armed forces but they are well versed on the UCMJ, Fraternization and all other forms of interpersonal issues. The fine line is identified for those who either have or had the potential of crossing into the this forbidden area of concern. So with this understanding and the function mentioned it is something that is a bonding and morale factor for the junior and senior to loosen up and enjoy their respective company of their participation with such items like softball, hose shoe throwing, basketball, flag football and the like.
It becomes an issue when you as a leader officer or senior NCO loose sight of your consumption of alcohol and stray into the "Stupid Factor Zone", that it comes into the area of the fine line.
I have attended countless of these functions with great success on both sides , and other branch service members in attendance without incident ! We as senior NCO's are responsible for maintaining this "Good Order and Discipline" both on and off duty, so this is where you police those who exhibit an other than honorable behavioral trait and have them escorted back to their command without further incident ! We all attended the classes to make us aware of how and when to curtail someone from crossing the line in any situation, and most importantly train the subordinates on Fraternization, UCMJ, and how to develop themselves for future promotions forward rather then backwards. Understand one part of this clearly, at no time due you as a Officer or NCO have functions outside of what we've discussed. No invite to house or apartment etc.

Due to long hours and hardships bonds are formed but there needs to exist a a separation between leaders and subordinates. Theoretically, you may have to order one of your soldiers to perform a dangerous activity. Cut the ambilical cord of letting your professional relationships tie into your personal relationships. I've seen countless examples of leaders assigning subordinate soldiers with less tasks because of their friendship. I've also witnessed senior leaders favoring the subordinates they drink with. You may think your relationship with your subordinate buddies is fine because when at work you're not buddies any more, but it's an unhealthy relationship due to the power imbalance. It's also fraternization.

There is nothing wrong with hanging with lower enlisted as long as you don't lower your standarts.

when something goes wrong? It used to be that when you got promoted to E5 you switched companies to alleviate the problems that could arise from this. As soon as they stopped doing this we started having problems. It's nice that you have friends, but in the military price try to take advantage of those with the rank.

It depends on the activity, and the professionalism of the people involved. At Ft. Huachuca, my unit had a bowling team. Most of us were mid grade enlisted (E-5 E-6), but we did have a 1LT on the team. At the bowling alley, it was "Jim" and "Ken." At work, it was "Lieutenant" and "Sergeant."

I do not remember who said it, but I do remember the quote: "If one is superior, he never thinks about it. If one is subordinate, he never forgets it."

I don't really have a thought on this subject as I was so very bussy I didn't get proper time to even hang out much with my family. In and out of meetings. Councelling people on their duty performance that day. working extra hard to stay out of squadron politics. Making sure team leaders beneath me were briefed on essential items to keep production as smooth as possible, them when i had time go over property accounts and see what was needed to get more performance from my workcenter and keep the commanders out of my shop.