How can a Section NCOIC be married to the 1SG and there not be a conflict of interest or violate some regulation?

2014-06-16T22:49:03-04:00

My gaining unit branch NCOIC is a SFC and is married to the 1SG. Should this be taking place? Is this against a regulation? I see a conflict of interest!

Response by SSgt Gregory Guina made Jun 16 at 2014 10:54 PM

2014-06-16T22:54:51-04:00

Seems like a conflict to me. I don't know of any hard rule prohibiting this. In the MC if married individuals are in the same command they separate them so that there no chance of favoritism.

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Jun 16 at 2014 11:21 PM

2014-06-16T23:21:41-04:00

You see conflict or 'potential' conflict, SGT McMurdy?

Is it not possible for professionals to be professional at work?

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Jun 17 at 2014 7:11 AM

2014-06-17T07:11:35-04:00

The potential for conflict certainly does exist. Whether or not that potential is realized is another story. In either case, I would say that it is not proper and could cause some morale issues within the unit based on perception (keeping in mind that ones own perception is their reality).

Response by SFC Luis Austin made Jun 17 at 2014 9:06 AM

2014-06-17T09:06:01-04:00

Normally, if at all possible, the BN CSM should ensure that the appearance of impropriety is addressed. Which is why, when possible, the CSM re-assigns one of the two spouses to another Company, or even another BN in the same Brigade. However, this is not always possible. It is hard to tell without knowing the details. When this is not possible for some reason, the rating chain is adjusted, but the case you described may not allow for that since the 1SG still has review authority over the all senior NCOs, even if not directly in the rating chain. However, if you bring this up, you might be labeled badly by the chain, thread carefully. If this is happening and no one above has addressed it, then they are in aggreance and your concern will not be taken as that of a concerned soldier

Response by SGT Kristin Wiley made Nov 17 at 2014 6:11 PM

2014-11-17T18:11:24-05:00

My last command had 14 married couples of different ranks within the same company, so I am not surprise when something like this occurs. Unless you find someone who cares about this conflict of interest, reporting it probably won't amount to much.