FRATERNIZATION AND IMPROPER SENIOR-SUBORDINATE RELATIONSHIPS
1. REFERENCES
• Manual for Courts-Martial, 2008 Edition
• AR 600-20, Army Command Policy, dtd RAR 4 August 2011
A. Overview
The Army’s policy regarding senior-subordinate relationships imposes prohibitions on many personal and business relationships between officers
and enlisted service members. The policy does, however, permit many relationships in settings such as community-based organizations, church
activities, sports events, and family and unit social functions. Violations of the policy may be punishable under the UCMJ, as violations of a lawful
general regulation.
B. Officer-Enlisted Personal Relationships
Officer-enlisted dating, sharing of living quarters (other than due to operational necessity), and engagement in intimate or sexual relationships is
prohibited. This policy applies to relationships both between Army officers and enlisted members, and between Soldiers and members of other
branches of the services, one of whom is enlisted and the other of whom is an officer. There is an exception for Guard and Reserve Soldiers when
the relationship exists primarily due to civilian acquaintanceship as long as they are not in an activated status. The regulation also prohibits
relationships between trainees and permanent party Soldiers, even when the same rank, as well as recruits and recruiters.
C. Personal Relationships Between Soldiers of Different Ranks
The policy strictly prohibits relationships between Soldiers of different rank (whether the relationships are officer-officer, officer-enlisted, or enlisted-
enlisted, but does not preclude relationships based on position, e.g. CO and XO where both are 0-3s) that have any of the following effects:
• Actually or appear to compromise the integrity of supervisory authority or the chain of command.
• Cause actual or perceived partiality or unfairness.
• Involve or appear to involve the improper use of rank or position for personal gain.
• Are, or are perceived to be, exploitative in nature.
• Cause an actual or clearly predictable adverse impact on discipline, authority, morale or the command’s ability to accomplish its mission.
D. Business Relationships and Gambling
All business relationships between officers and enlisted service members, except for landlord-tenant relationships and one-time business
transactions (such as the sale of a car) are prohibited. Furthermore, the policy prohibits the borrowing and lending of money (no de minimis
exception), and commercial solicitations, between officers and enlisted personnel. There is an exception for Guard and Reserve Soldiers when the
relationship exists primarily due to civilian employment. Gambling between officers and enlisted personnel is strictly prohibited, e.g. an NCAA pool with
a monetary buy-in.
E. Team-Building Relationships
Social contacts between officers and enlisted members, or between Soldiers of different ranks, in forums such as community organizations, church
activities, sports events, family gatherings, and unit social functions are permitted.
F. Enforcement of Policy
The policy recognizes that commanders are responsible for enforcing the terms and conditions of the policy. It also recognizes, however, that all
military personnel share the responsibility for maintaining professional relationships.
1) Responsibility of All Soldiers
While the senior member in a relationship generally is in the best position to terminate or limit the relationship; the policy holds accountable all
Soldiers concerned who violate the policy.
2) Commanders’ Options
Commanders have a wide variety of options at their disposal in addressing violations of the policy. These options include, but are not necessarily
limited to, the following:
• Counseling.
• Orders to Cease the Conduct Violative of the Policy.
• Verbal or Written Reprimands.
• Reassignment.
• Adverse Evaluation Reports.
• Nonjudicial Punishment.
• Separation from the Army.
• Bar to Reenlistment.
• Denial of Promotion.
• Court-Martial.
3) UCMJ Violations
Violations of the policy may be punished as violations of one or more of the following punitive articles under the UCMJ:
• Articles 90 & 92: Disobedience of a Lawful Order or Regulation.
• Article 133: Conduct Unbecoming an Officer.
• Article 134: Fraternization.
• Article 134: Adultery.