Is it against regulation for someone who is in a leadership position,(commander/NCO) to shop at a business that I own if I’m jr enlisted?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 07 Dec 2020 17:24:13 -0500

I own an auto detailing business and want to promote on base. Is this against regs.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 7 at 2020 5:39 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 07 Dec 2020 17:39:44 -0500

Bring it up with legal and get their input

Response by LTC Eugene Chu made Dec 7 at 2020 5:48 PM

LTC Eugene Chu — Mon, 07 Dec 2020 17:48:48 -0500

As others have said, talk to JAG. You should also consider your status if you are active duty or drilling as National Guard or Reserve. If you are an active duty service member, outside employment (even if it is self-employment) may require command permission depending upon your unit's policy.

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Dec 7 at 2020 5:48 PM

MAJ Javier Rivera — Mon, 07 Dec 2020 17:48:55 -0500

As a commander, I would sponsor the business very SPORADICALLY (emphasis added) to show support. That said, an opinion from JAG wouldn’t hurt; just to err in the side of safety!

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made Dec 7 at 2020 8:50 PM

SFC Ralph E Kelley — Mon, 07 Dec 2020 20:50:18 -0500

Our 1SG at Fort Knox was the franchise owner of a kiosk at the PX. No problem that I saw.
One of my Captain's had a used car business in Hawaii - sold cars to all ranks.
I know of a LTC who regularly held inspirational seminars for soldiers.
Knew an NCO who taught checkbook balancing.
As long as you follow normal business practices and ethics I see no problems.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 7 at 2020 11:55 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 07 Dec 2020 23:55:03 -0500

Technically, yes. All businesses that operate on post and advertise on post usually are controlled by the Department of MWR. I don't know why they control it. I found this out when I was looking at some business ventures myself. If you operate on post you have to be approved to do so. But if you do it by would of mouth then you are fine. But if you start putting up signs then you would have an issue.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 8 at 2020 6:51 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Dec 2020 06:51:41 -0500

BLUF: Perception is everything.

There is not anything against it but if someone perceives your leadership as showing favoritism, then they could have some issues. So, a legitimate business or buying candy for a kids fundraiser should be done sparingly.

For example, if a commander bought something from one soldier’s fundraiser, he would then be expected to buy from anyone else who has one in order not to show favortism. Does he have to? No, but it avoids perception or him/her explaining why.

For specific details on what the army says is a ”no-go”, check out AR 600-20.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 8 at 2020 8:06 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Dec 2020 08:06:23 -0500

BLUF: Perception is everything.

There is nothing specifically against it but leadership should be careful not to demonstrate favortism. A legitimate business or fundraiser should be done sparingly. For example, if a commander purchased items from one Soldier’s fundraiser and the commander may be expected to purchase from any other fundraisers of his/her Soldiers. Do they have to? No, but it eliminates perception of favortism and frees the commander from explaining themselves. For specifics check out AR 600-20.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 8 at 2020 11:54 AM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 08 Dec 2020 11:54:45 -0500

I wouldn't think so, unless you are cutting prices for him for promotion points or any other quid pro quo. He walked in, so that's not solicitation. It's a free market, but ask a Sr. NCO for their take.