Would it be considered fraternization for a SGT to date a SPC, even though if in different sections of the same battalion?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 Feb 2019 21:17:55 -0500

I was recently promoted to E5 in the guard. I had been talking to a female SPC medic in the same battalion prior to the promotion. We are different MOSs. Would it be considered fraternization to date even though we are in different sections of the same battalion?

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Feb 5 at 2019 9:54 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Tue, 05 Feb 2019 21:54:06 -0500

AR 600-20 Para 4-14 and 4-16. DA PAM 600-35 Para 2-4 and 2-5. Yes this would be fraternization. All compos, full stop.

Response by PVT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2019 10:40 PM

PVT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 Feb 2019 22:40:52 -0500

No man..So i know a 1SG that dates a PFC and they are happy together so I think its fine.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 5 at 2019 11:29 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 Feb 2019 23:29:05 -0500

If you were active duty, absolutely. You're NG so if the relationship was developed outside of work it would be OK.
It would be difficult to convince a commander and 1SG that you two developed your relationship outside of work since you clearly met at the unit.

Definitely fraternization. LTC Mackay pointed out the references already

Response by SPC Angela Burnham made Feb 6 at 2019 8:52 AM

SPC Angela Burnham — Wed, 06 Feb 2019 08:52:56 -0500

You're National Guard so the answer is very different than if you were active. If you're in different companies and started talking before being promoted, then I'd say you're in the green. At the very least, I've never seen an E5 get in trouble for dating an E4 in a different MOS and company (in the guard).

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 6 at 2019 10:49 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 06 Feb 2019 10:49:11 -0500

AR 600-20 prohibited relationships: b. Relationships between Soldiers of different rank are prohibited if they— (1) Compromise, or appear to compromise, the integrity of supervisory authority or the chain of command. (2) Cause actual or perceived partiality or unfairness. (3) Involve, or appear to involve, the improper use of rank or position for personal gain. (4) Are, or are perceived to be, exploitative or coercive in nature. (5) Create an actual or clearly predictable adverse impact on discipline, authority, morale, or the ability of the command to accomplish its mission.

There are several other specific examples for trainees and officer/enlisted. So the reality is it is your commander's call. IMO an E5 and an E4 not in the same company does not cause partiality or unfairness. It would be difficult to show how someone could perceive unfairness as an E5 typically doesn't have enough authority to create unfairness outside their team. If you were the supply sergeant I could possibly see this, but generally not.

If you decide to cohabitate or have an open sexual relationship that will change this.

Response by SGT Benjamin Foster made Feb 8 at 2019 12:18 PM

SGT Benjamin Foster — Fri, 08 Feb 2019 12:18:09 -0500

From my experience in the Reserves, usually as long as the person isn’t in your chain of command then it’s not an issue as long as you keep your working relationship professional. However, you’d need to check with your commander and 1sg to make sure.