Posted on Dec 13, 2015
Is the most recent fraternization policy hindering camaraderie within units?
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When I was lower enlisted, me and most of my platoon to include NCOs within the company used to hang out, bbq, party...etc on the weekend. We never had issues separations work from fun. In my personal opinion, built up trust and respect between us. It created more of a family level closeness and we operated amazingly in garrison as well as during deployment.
Posted in these groups: 
Camaraderie
Fraternization
Camaraderie Fraternization
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 4
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Understand that the policy is designed to head off future conflicts of interest or the appearance of it. I fully support NCOs and enlisted interacting in a manner that boast esprit de corp and unit cohesion. On the flip side of the coin, a squad leader shouldn't be hanging out with junior enlisted "buddy" in the barracks playing call of duty. All soldiers should be treated equally and considered equal. If Officers, NCOs, and Junior Enlisted should be permitted to be at a BBQ, but the invitation has to be all inclusive. You cant invite one without another. Also it is important to remember that customs and courtesies apply in and out of uniform. Thats why this has become such an issue. Just because you take the uniform off after duty hours, does not permit an E4 to address an E5 by first name for example.
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SGT(P) Daniel McBride
True. Now some soldiers can't differentiate situations like that but from personal experience I've never had an issue as a soldier
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SFC (Join to see)
I've had and have seen issues where Soldiers have been unable to maintain the line... namely due to alcohol. In the end it boils down to the command climate and what is perceived as acceptable. Keep in mind that their are seniors who don't understand the concept of fraternization which only contributes to the problem.
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SSG Audwin Scott
There is a thin line, especially dealing with alcohol. Me personally my soldiers loved me and I loved them, was it okay or cool to hangout with them in certain situations absolutely. I did try to keep a line however between hanging out though. I stuck with my fellow NCO's when it came to going out or even throwing a parties in which I did on numerous occasions at my place. If the event was a military structured event, I was all in with hanging with my soldiers or lower enlisted, but on my personal time not....
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Fraternization occurs when only specific cliques are involved and special favors for those that participate. Group outings are fine if everyone is included.
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No. Once I am through with this uniform, the connections I've made through the years will always be there for me, mentors or those that I've helped mentor. I know the boundaries of relationships, and would never jeopardize the professionalism of the United States Army. Professionalism is the key to minimizing incidents that affect mission readiness. Professionalism is the driving force that is generally missing in most issues regarding misconduct.
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