Is it fraternization between an E-4 and an E-5 if they are in a different unit?

2015-07-08T01:13:16-04:00

If a Sgt from a different unit hangs with a spc does that qualify as fratnazation? I read the reg but doesn't say anything about unit.

Response by LTC Yinon Weiss made Jul 8 at 2015 1:17 AM

2015-07-08T01:17:31-04:00

According to the regulations, NCOs and non-NCO relationships would fall under fraternization, independent of what unit they are in. So CPL and SGT would be ok, but SPC and SGT would not according to AR 600-20, 4-14, same unit or not.

Simply "hanging out", as you described, may not however fall in the category of fraternization ("creating an actual or clearly predictable perception of undue familiarity").

More info on this discussion here:
https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/can-you-date-a-person-of-a-higher-rank-in-a-completely-different-unit

Can you date a person of a higher rank in a completely different unit? | RallyPoint

I see it all day everyday and can relate to it in my personal life. I know that dating in your chain of command is a no go. How about dating a person of a higher rank in a completely different unit? Officer or NCO with lower enlisted? Do you look down on the higher ranking individual? I'd like some input from others involved in a similar situation. Thanks.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 8 at 2015 1:31 AM

2015-07-08T01:31:34-04:00

I wouldn't consider it fraternizing unless the E-5 was in the E-4's direct chain-of-command. That's awfully nitpicky.

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 8 at 2015 6:33 AM

2015-07-08T06:33:17-04:00

"Hangs out"? Is this a romantic situation or simply friends?

I realize that is falls into the "non-NCO and NCO" realm of the regs, but I think most would be hard-pressed to make an issue of it given the proximity of rank. Now if it was a PVT and a SSG, that would raise a few more eyebrows.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 8 at 2015 7:40 AM

2015-07-08T07:40:29-04:00

By the Regs, the NCO and SPC are popped for fraternization. But, if they were buddies prior to the NCO making the stripes, and as long as certain professional lines are not crossed, then commands usually don't raise an eyebrow. The same goes for if that NCO and SPC are in a relationship and had been before the SGT made the stripes.

Response by SSG Gary Whitener made Feb 18 at 2018 10:51 AM

2018-02-18T10:51:41-05:00

My last station had a CSM married to a 1sgt in the same BN. An Lt. Married to a 1SGT (different companies same BN). A SGM married to a SPC (She joined to finish her 20 but same BN)

Response by SSG Gary Whitener made Feb 18 at 2018 10:53 AM

2018-02-18T10:53:23-05:00

Correction an LT. married to a SGT (same BN different Companies)

Response by SSgt Boyd Herrst made Feb 18 at 2018 4:36 PM

2018-02-18T16:36:12-05:00

It doesn’t matter.. what different org. Or Service they are from.. Regulations are there for a reason.. it rests on good order and discipline. It’s believed that the junior of the two ranks could use their sit-rep to take advantage of the more senior’s rank to influence other lower ranking personnel in the member’s duty section

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 7 at 2018 10:30 PM

2018-03-07T22:30:15-05:00

You tread a fine line with this question. Unless unit or either command team has a Fraternization Policy techically answer is no. If you were is say a FSC in a BN/SQDRN/TRP and he/she was in say maintenance company or another FSC from same BSB then it could be frat because both SMs are in same unit.
If SGT is not in SPC CoC and there is no chance for he/she to influence the other career then its acceptable. Frowned upon but not illegal.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 25 at 2018 11:05 AM

2018-07-25T11:05:38-04:00

No.