Posted on Sep 25, 2014
How do you deal with fraternization in the unit between NCO and subordinate?
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I've read over DA PAM 600-35, but I'm curious about how common fraternization between a NCO and his subordinate is across the Army. Should it be allowed, not allowed, or depend on the situation? How would you personally handle it at your unit?
We have a PFC fresh out of high school who despite hardly being at work: hardly gets tasked out, gets regular work days off so he can study for CLEP exams or "work on his warrant officer packet," and got moved to a fire team leader position despite the lack of knowledge and inability to perform the job over others. While this had bothered me in the past, it frustrates me more as a very young SPC team leader because I see how negatively it affects the morale of my team. What is the right way to handle the situation?
We have a PFC fresh out of high school who despite hardly being at work: hardly gets tasked out, gets regular work days off so he can study for CLEP exams or "work on his warrant officer packet," and got moved to a fire team leader position despite the lack of knowledge and inability to perform the job over others. While this had bothered me in the past, it frustrates me more as a very young SPC team leader because I see how negatively it affects the morale of my team. What is the right way to handle the situation?
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Fraternization
Fraternization
Edited 10 y ago
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 8
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SPC S., hate to put it so bluntly. But sometimes it's not what you know but............ There's another old saying that still holds water and it is; fk up, move up.
Now I'm not saying all that advance in position or rank are putting parts of their face on parts of other peoples bodies or screwing up and benefiting from the 'good ol' boy' syndrome. Maybe his leaders see something in him and they're grooming him. Or it could be one of the afore mentioned scenario(s).
All I do know is; try to worry about what's inside your range fans that you can control and let everything else work itself out. Lead your team/squad the best you can and take care of them, they'll take care of you in the long run.
Now I'm not saying all that advance in position or rank are putting parts of their face on parts of other peoples bodies or screwing up and benefiting from the 'good ol' boy' syndrome. Maybe his leaders see something in him and they're grooming him. Or it could be one of the afore mentioned scenario(s).
All I do know is; try to worry about what's inside your range fans that you can control and let everything else work itself out. Lead your team/squad the best you can and take care of them, they'll take care of you in the long run.
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First, as a former NCO, you are already going about it the right way. You question it, but discreetly and professionally. Next, gently probe to see if the time off is in fact being devoted to said activity. This one is harder to prove especially if fratinazition is truly occurring. If, and I mean IF, that is the case; then and only then do you take this higher. Reputation is hard to earn, destroying it only takes an accusation. Don't be that asshole who brings discredit to the unit over a personal vendetta. It is unbecoming of a soldier.
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The Army does cover this per AR 600-20 Army Command Policy - 6 November 2014
4–14. Relationships between Soldiers of different grade
b. Soldiers of different grades must be cognizant that their interactions do not create an actual or clearly predictable
perception of undue familiarity between an officer and an enlisted Soldier, or between an NCO and a junior-enlisted
Soldier. Examples of familiarity between Soldiers that may become “undue” can include repeated visits to bars,
nightclubs, eating establishments, or homes between an officer and an enlisted Soldier, or an NCO and a junior-enlisted
Soldier, except for social gatherings, that involve an entire unit, office, or work section. All relationships between
Soldiers of different grade 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 grade 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.
4–16. Fraternization
Violations of paragraphs 4–14b, 4–14c, and 4–15 may be punished under UCMJ, Art. 92 as a violation of a lawful
general regulation.
4–14. Relationships between Soldiers of different grade
b. Soldiers of different grades must be cognizant that their interactions do not create an actual or clearly predictable
perception of undue familiarity between an officer and an enlisted Soldier, or between an NCO and a junior-enlisted
Soldier. Examples of familiarity between Soldiers that may become “undue” can include repeated visits to bars,
nightclubs, eating establishments, or homes between an officer and an enlisted Soldier, or an NCO and a junior-enlisted
Soldier, except for social gatherings, that involve an entire unit, office, or work section. All relationships between
Soldiers of different grade 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 grade 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.
4–16. Fraternization
Violations of paragraphs 4–14b, 4–14c, and 4–15 may be punished under UCMJ, Art. 92 as a violation of a lawful
general regulation.
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