Do these actions count as fraternization? What are the consequences?

Question

I know a 21 year old PV2 who had a sexual encounter with a 23 year old 2LT. Do these sort of actions can count as fraternization but what can happen to them if the army were to find out? I also read about two recruits who fooled around in basic training? What can happen to army recruits who commit fraternization? Also, i read about a 35 year old woman who propositioned an 18 year old and a 21 year old. But they were all the same rank. Would that count as fraternization?

Answer 1

Sexual encounter between an officer and enlisted is fraternization in all services.  If caught, the officer can expect at least NJP (aka Article 15 or Captain's Mast) and an end to their career.  Some get court martialed.

The Air Force considers relationships between instructors and students to be fraternization, even if they are the same rank.  When I cross-trained, I was an NCO as were my instructors.  One of them was a person I had gone to high school with.  We were not allowed to meet at the club or in any social function because she was an instructor and I was in student status.

Recruits fooling around at basic is not fraternization based on rank.  However, if the rules are clearly stated to stay away from other recruits, you can be prosecuted for violating a lawful order.

The older person and the younger person, both the same rank:  not fraternization unless one is an instructor and the other a student.

Answer 2

The last one with the 35 year old is not fraternization.  It could be sexual harrasment, depending on the context and method, but it's not fraternization.

The two basic training recruits are not fraternizating either.  The only reason they're in trouble is that the commander of the unit probably ordered them not to have s*x with each other while in training, and they were therefore violating a direct order by a comissioned officer; an offence that COULD have serious consequences, but would likely be ignored now that it's in the past, and if it couldn't be ignored (because someone got a bug up their but and wouldn't let it die), it would probably turn into an Article 15 for each of them (docked pay and some extra duty).

For the PV2 and the 2LT. it is fraternization, and the LT is SCREWED (no pun intended).

The only mitigating factors are if they had a relationship prior to their military relationship, that is, if they were dating for 6 months and then decided to join the army, and continued dating, then that's allowable (though frowned on).

OR if the 2LT can seriously claim to have had no reason to suspect that this person was in the military, or check.  And even then, it's pretty much still unacceptable.

I am a 2LT right now.  And if I were to go to another, non-Army town and hook up with some girl there, and then later found out that she was an enlisted servicemember, and instantly severed contact between myself and her, then I MIGHT be able to keep my job.  MAYBE.

The Army does not take that sort of thing lightly.

Answer 3

if they are not in the same chain of command, no it is not fraternization

Answer 4

Listen, you are throwing up too many instances. Are you trying to 'headhunt' or something? What do you have in stake in all this? All you part of the guilty crews?

Anyway, the 2LT thing is clear cut fraternization. I wonder how you know so much info. Recruits don't commit fraternization with each other. They are just having s*x and shouldn't be doing that. If it's with cadre, then it is a frat issue. The age thing with the 35 year 'cougar' and the 'young boys' means nothing. Same rank, but if one of them is in charge of the others, then it is frat or it would cause drama anyway if they all work together.

Read AR 600-20, chapter 4. it will clear your mind of this drama. It sounds like you saw something or are caught up in something. You need to use your Army values and report it or just stay out of it.

Here is some of the reg.

Prohibited Relationships

Relationships between soldiers of different rank are prohibited if they:

(1) Compromise, or appear to compromise, the integrity of supervisory authority or the chain of command.

(2) Cause actual or perceived partiality or unfairness.

(3) Involve, or appear to involve, the improper use of rank or position for personal gain.

(4) Are, or are perceived to be, exploitative or coercive in nature.

(5) Create an actual or clearly predictable adverse impact on discipline, authority, morale, or the ability of the command to accomplish its mission.

Relationships Between Officers and Enlisted

Certain types of personal relationships between officers and enlisted personnel are prohibited, even if they don't meet the above criteria. Prohibited relationships include:

(1) Ongoing business relationships between officers and enlisted personnel. This prohibition does not apply to landlord/tenant relationships or to one-time transactions such as the sale of an automobile or house, but does apply to borrowing or lending money, commercial solicitation, and any other type of ongoing financial or business relationship. In the case of Army National Guard or United States Army Reserve personnel, this prohibition does not apply to relationships that exist due to their civilian occupation or employment.

(2) Dating, shared living accommodations other than those directed by operational requirements, and intimate or sexual relationships between officers and enlisted personnel. This prohibition does not apply to

(a) Marriages that predate the effective date of this policy (March 1, 2000)

(b) Situations in which a relationship which complies with this policy would move into noncompliance due to a change in status of one of the members (for instance, a case where two enlisted members are married and one is subsequently commissioned or selected as a warrant officer).

(c) Personal relationships outside of marriage between members of the National Guard or Army Reserve, when the relationship primarily exists due to civilian acquaintanceships, unless the individuals are on active duty (other than annual training) or Full-time National Guard duty (other than annual training).

(d) Personal relationships outside of marriage between members of the Regular Army and members of the National Guard or Army Reserve when the relationships primarily exists due to civilian association and the Reserve component member is not on active duty (other than annual training) or Full-time National Guard duty (other than annual training).

(f) Soldiers and leaders share responsibility, however, for ensuring that these relationships do not interfere with good order and discipline. Commanders will ensure that personal relationships which exist between soldiers of different ranks emanating from their civilian careers will not influence training, readiness, or personnel actions.

(3) Gambling between officers and enlisted personnel.

These prohibitions are not intended to preclude normal team building associations which occur in the context of activities such as community organizations, religious activities, family gatherings, unit-based social functions, or athletic teams or events.

All military personnel share the responsibility for maintaining professional relationships. However, in any relationship between soldiers of different grade or rank the senior member is generally in the best position to terminate or limit the extent of the relationship. Nevertheless, all members may be held accountable for relationships that violate this policy.

Commanders should seek to prevent inappropriate or unprofessional relationships through proper training and leadership by example. Should inappropriate relationships occur, commanders have available a wide range of responses. These responses may include counseling, reprimand, order to cease, reassignment, or adverse action. Potential adverse action may include official reprimand, adverse evaluation report(s), nonjudicial punishment, separation, bar to reenlistment, promotion denial, demotion; and courts martial. Commanders must carefully consider all of the facts and circumstances in reaching a disposition that is warranted, appropriate, and fair.

The rest is here:

http://usmilitary.about.com/od/army/a/fr...

Answer 5

Yes, It is fraternization.  The consequences will depend on how many times they get caught.

Answer 6

yes officers are not allowed to have unduly familiar relationships with enlisted. The officer can get "relieved" of their position if anyone were to find out. In basic it depends they can get kicked out on an entry level separation or be ASMO'd back to the first day of training its up to the CO. Now about the 35 yr old and the other two. That is not fraterization as long as they keep that business separate from work. Because they are all of consensual age and in the same rank it is allowed also none of them can be in charge of the other or else it is fratenizing. But as the same rank you are allowed to date each other but they have to keep their dating life separate from work.