Hey, I’ve got a question about AR-600-20 paragraph 4-14c. Is dating between an NCO and a junior enlisted soldier in the National Guard allowed when both are in the same unit? I’ve been trying to understand the rules but it’s a bit confusing. I know the regulation talks about relationships causing issues with the chain of command and unit cohesion, but I read somewhere that there’s an exception for National Guard members, especially when they’re not on active duty. Anyone here familiar with this situation?
Hey, I think you’re right about the National Guard exception. I’ve read that if they’re not on active duty or training, the rules can be a bit more relaxed. But even so, the command can still step in if they feel it’s causing problems for the unit. Have you had any issues with that in your unit?
Yeah, this is a tricky one. I was in a similar situation in the past, and we were told to end things because it was seen as a potential conflict of interest. Even with the National Guard exception, if the relationship is making people uncomfortable or seems to affect the chain of command, the command will act. Did you hear anything about what could happen if the directive isn’t followed?
Hey, I’m new to all this but I’m a bit confused. Does the rule only apply when they’re actively serving or would it still apply if they’re just drilling together? Could someone explain what counts as ‘active duty’ in this case?
I think the big thing to remember is that the command has a lot of leeway in these situations. Even if the regulation has exceptions, if the relationship is causing issues within the unit or affecting morale, the command will still step in. So it’s probably best to respect the directive, even if it feels unfair.
I agree with you all, but I’ve seen cases where this kind of relationship gets overlooked if it’s low-key. The command might turn a blind eye unless it’s actually causing problems. That said, it’s probably safer to follow the directive to avoid any complications later on.