If an active duty enlisted and an Army Reserve company commander are dating, how does AR 600-20 para 4-14 (c) apply ?

2017-01-02T09:17:55-05:00

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Jan 2 at 2017 9:43 AM

2017-01-02T09:43:36-05:00

para 4-14, a
The provisions of this paragraph apply to both relationships between Soldiers in the Active and Reserve Components and between Soldiers and personnel of other military Services.

The relationship you describe is not allowed by reg best I can tell. But a simple question of your local JAG will get you an educated answer, vice an educated guess.

Response by 1SG Al Brown made Jan 2 at 2017 8:01 PM

2017-01-02T20:01:44-05:00

I remember an active 1SG and a USAR Major who were dating, and were confronted by our BN CoC. They said they would stop dating immediately. They were married the following weekend.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2017 12:11 PM

2017-01-03T12:11:28-05:00

It seems pretty clear from the wording of 4-14(c) that the O/E relationship is a violation. This is true regardless of the potential for command influence, favoritism, or morale, which means it's true even if they are in completely separate chains of command, and the reg makes clear that it applies to RA/AR/NG alike.

The only "outs" are:
-- if the dating relationship existed prior to the rank difference, and even then they only have a year to get married.
-- if they are already married, and even then the period prior to marriage may be actionable if it was a violation.
-- if the dating relationship originated outside of service entirely, which is a bit of a grey area that you'd probably want to get further guidance from JAG on.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 11 at 2019 12:26 PM

2019-12-11T12:26:25-05:00

Well if you look into 600-35 which breaks actual Scenarios down this situation only becomes an issue when the reservist goes on active duty status. Then relationship must end or become married with in a year.