If a service member started his own business and was able to meet all of their service requirements, would there be a problem?

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 27 Apr 2020 20:37:50 -0400

If a service member started his own business and was able to meet all of their service requirements, would there be a problem? Asking for a friend.

Response by PO1 Richard Cormier made Apr 27 at 2020 9:27 PM

PO1 Richard Cormier — Mon, 27 Apr 2020 21:27:39 -0400

Don't really know. Depends a lot on the command, the duty that the member is assigned to, their "other duties" (watch standing etc)... Back in my days, you could put in a special request chit just to ensure you were on the right side of the Command.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Apr 27 at 2020 11:32 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Mon, 27 Apr 2020 23:32:25 -0400

To do any kind of work (moon Lighting) you must have permission from your chain of command- it's seldom given.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2020 2:58 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Apr 2020 02:58:09 -0400

Believe you can do this, it requires permission from the CO, though. There is a YouTuber named Nick Bare. I believe he was an army 2nd LT. and made quite a lucrative business from selling fitness products and creating his own gym. I know he mentioned the process of doing so whilst in the army, but I dont know the specifics. May be worth checking out ?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2020 3:44 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Apr 2020 15:44:01 -0400

Yes, you can do this. You will have to look into your particular service regulation, to take outside employment you typically need command permission. Also look at the definition of employment in the regulation, being your own boss may make the requirement not apply.

Response by PO2 Mike Vignapiano made Aug 19 at 2020 8:18 PM

PO2 Mike Vignapiano — Wed, 19 Aug 2020 20:18:19 -0400

There should be no issues if you can perform all tasks/duties required. It’s like having a 2nd job. As long as it doesn’t interfere with your military obligations, you’re fine.

Response by SSgt GG-15 RET Jim Lint made Aug 20 at 2020 12:07 PM

SSgt GG-15 RET Jim Lint — Thu, 20 Aug 2020 12:07:07 -0400

Depends on the business type. Hopefully it is something that you can always be recalled or deployed. If you get shipped to Korea or AFG, you can not use your business for an excuse to not get deployed. Also, what type...if it is a strip bar or if in NV a Bunny Ranch, or even a Marijuana dispensary, which may be legal in your current state, but not at the federal level.

Response by SSG Brian G. made Aug 20 at 2020 1:17 PM

SSG Brian G. — Thu, 20 Aug 2020 13:17:53 -0400

That really depends on the business you ... or rather rather your friend... intends to start and on your Commander. Most units require command approval prior to outside work or starting your own.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2020 9:39 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Aug 2020 21:39:10 -0400

Let me just caution you about being too open with this kind of thing. Even when you're doing everything right, there's still someone with more rank than sense that could get butt hurt.

When I was a young PFC and SPC in Wuerzburg, Germany, I was in the Gerbrunn Volunteer Fire Department. We had some training on the weekend, and after I'd already departed for the day, one of the barracks SGTs decided to have a GI party because he knew I wasn't there. I got in trouble for not showing up, despite the fact that it was no notice.

Response by SSG Paul Headlee made Aug 21 at 2020 12:06 AM

SSG Paul Headlee — Fri, 21 Aug 2020 00:06:04 -0400

It sounds like you have a great sense of initiative! You absolutely must get the permission of your commander first. Here's an example of why. We had a soldier reenlist for the college option. I don't know about now but then you could re-enlist and go to college for six months. Depending upon your unit you may or may not have to check in at PT time. Anyway, this Soldier took a job without the knowledge of the chain of command and did not attend college. She was injured at this job and wound up losing her arm to just below the shoulder. Since she did not have the permission of her commander to take outside employment so the responsibility for paying any medical bills pursuant to this became her responsibility. Also she found herself not qualified to continue service. Don't know what kind of business you are contemplating but please get the permission of your commander before you proceed.