Fraternization

Definition: Generally, fraternization is an unduly familiar personal relationship between an officer member and an enlisted member that does not respect the difference in rank or grade. Relationships between officer members and between enlisted members that are prejudicial to good order and discipline or of a nature to bring discredit on the Naval service are unduly familiar and also constitute fraternization.

US NAVY REGULATIONS 1165: Prohibits personal relationships between officers and enlisted personnel that are unduly familiar and do not respect the differences in grade or rank. Such relationships are prejudicial to good order and discipline and violative of service tradition. Conduct is prejudicial to good order and discipline if it calls into question the senior’s objectivity, results in actual or an appearance of preferential treatment, undermines the senior’s authority and compromises the chain of command.

Fraternization can cause a disruption in the chain of command and can cause favoritism.

The department of defense issued a uniform policy for all branches to follow, any relationship can be prohibited if it has an adverse effect on a unit or chain of command. Fraternization becomes a criminal offense under article 134 of the uniform code of the military justice. When the conduct has compromised the chain of command or undermined good order, discipline, authority, or morale.

Penalties for this violation are a thirty day suspension of duty, loss of a half month's pay for two months, confinement in quarters for 30 consecutive days, extra duties or additional limits as deemed appropriate by the commanding officer

The policy for fraternization is gender-neutral. The difference is in rank, not sex.

The respect between the ranks and grades inhibits the flow of command.