With regards to UCMJ and Army [military] regulations, what are some golden rules for active duty service members owning store fronts?

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 Feb 2016 19:26:05 -0500

Response by Cpl Mark McMiller made Feb 1 at 2016 7:32 PM

Cpl Mark McMiller — Mon, 01 Feb 2016 19:32:24 -0500

I am not aware of any laws,regulations, or rules barring a active duty service member from owning a store front.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2016 7:42 PM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 Feb 2016 19:42:32 -0500

I've gone down this road before, and the only rule you'll likely find (assuming USMC is the same as the Army) is the one requiring your Commander's approval for off-duty employment.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Feb 1 at 2016 7:48 PM

PO1 John Miller — Mon, 01 Feb 2016 19:48:11 -0500

I've known a few members over the years who owned businesses, and what they did sometimes was list their spouse or a family member as owner or co-owner of the business. Nothing illegal, they did it mostly so that if the business were to do really well the military wouldn't try to discharge them for "being independently wealthy."

Response by CPT Mark Gonzalez made Feb 1 at 2016 8:30 PM

CPT Mark Gonzalez — Mon, 01 Feb 2016 20:30:45 -0500

I would ensure your chain is fully informed and recommend seeking trial counsel so that they can provide you the appropriate resources. You are wanting to do the right thing and just need the info.
There are off duty employment rules, but they vary by installation. There are fraternization rules and you have to ensure you do not violate those. I have also heard about rules regarding the usage of government computers or resources for private businesses. Good luck.

Response by SFC Maury Gonzalez made Feb 1 at 2016 8:46 PM

SFC Maury Gonzalez — Mon, 01 Feb 2016 20:46:23 -0500

Selling to your subordinates may be frowned upon

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made Feb 1 at 2016 11:24 PM

Capt Mark Strobl — Mon, 01 Feb 2016 23:24:22 -0500

Great advise from CPT Mark Gonzalez - Keep your chain of command informed. Just a side-note: Be careful how you enter into sales & contracts with your fellow service members. Once had a GySgt call me demanding to speak to one of my Marines. From the military side of the house, he had no business speaking to him... NONE. But, it was disclosed that my Marine defaulted on his line of credit to the GySgt's privately owned business. The GySgt was out of line to use his rank/position AND the DSN line to make collection calls for his business. So, his CoCO got a phone call, as well. We worked it out sans the legal department. But, both Marines had kind of made a mess.

Best of luck with your business, 1SG Private RallyPoint Member!

Response by Maj John Bell made Apr 2 at 2016 1:15 AM

Maj John Bell — Sat, 02 Apr 2016 01:15:20 -0400

I never had that problem cross my desk. I have no idea where I get this memory, but I think the policy was: On a not to interfere with duties (normal or not) was ok for enlisted personnel. For Officers not, unless you are an absolutely silent partner, and never partnered with enlisted personnel.