October 17, 2019  

Soldiers knock boots. Marines, Sailors and Airpeople fraternize differently, I guess. Trying to get laid in the Army is fraught with danger.

First, I must address sexual assault and harassment.     The training concerning these are ongoing in the military.   The statistics con...

First, I must address sexual assault and harassment.   The training concerning these are ongoing in the military.  The statistics continue to dismay.  There are more reported sexual assaults annually since the wars wound down than during.  Perhaps that’s a good thing, more folks standing up for themselves after being violated?   Unless the act(s) are consensual sexual contact is criminal.  Making people feel uneasy due to language, manipulation or coercion is likewise foul.  Taking a girl home from the bar, leaving her safe and then calling her the next day is classy, as alcohol clouds judgement. Despicable acts are black and white.

But there is a lot of gray area when it comes to fraternization in the military.  Prohibiting folks from falling in love is like trying to push the ocean back with a broom.  The Army has necessarily adapted the application of the uniform code of military justice.  Here are the rules:  Officers (Lieutenants, Captains etc.) shouldn’t knock boots with Non-commissioned Officers (Sergeants).  No one should play touchy feely within the chain of command (the same outfit), bosses not putting the moves on subordinates (harassment).  Seniors shouldn’t pursue junior enlisted.  The rule of thumb is that only Privates should handle the privates of other Privates.

The military has always been like fishbowl, people working and living very closely with each other.  Everybody knew everybody else’s business even before the Facebook.  When sexual relationships start impacting unit missions the drama begins.  Special treatment like not having to perform the onerous task, or accusations of extra work after a breakup can start being broadcast.    Soap opera bullshit negatively affects morale and then Officers must start investigating.  But if no one gets mad and complains to the Inspector General, typically love can bloom.

These examples are grey matter:  The Captain that falls for a Staff Sergeant in another Company, the Sergeant Major who dates a First Lieutenant from another command, the young Sergeant who proposes to the younger corporal, these are ignored.  Unless someone gets mad.

Sometimes Seniors want to impose their brand of morality and start documenting relationships with an eye to punish.  Getting married has always been the “get out of jail free card” when it comes to charges of Fraternization.  Adultery is wrong and a mountain of paperwork to convict.  It is so much easier just to mind your own business.  Never kiss and tell in the military, if you do, you may get into trouble.  But maybe that’s why it’s so exciting.