prior Relationships

[WIBecky74]

I'm admitting to posting a question before researching. I will do my homework, but am looking for as much info as I possibley can. I was thinking maybe someone here will have the skinny. I really do need accurate information and would like anyone posting to be positive on the information given. Thanks!!

My friend met a guy last year. She wasnt in the National Guard at the time, wasnt even contemplating it. The daily rut called life went on, and they stopped talking for about nine months. Last September they got back in contact. She knew he was in the army, but didnt know many details last year. At this time she found out he was an AGR Ssg (close to a promotion to E-7). In October she joined the National Guard herself as an E-2 M-day. Wont go to basic until Sept '07. Her gentleman friend will be in the same Battalion as her, although different unit. (promotion may change that, he could end up being in another unit/battalion within 18 months-he is being deployed likely within the next two months) Can they progress with a relationship. Or do they have to remain platonic friends?

[andrew.tischner]

according to regulation as long as the relationship started before she joined the army it is ok but look it up for more details

[VTguard]

This is an excerpt from the Army Command Policy regulation (AR 600-20):

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.

In the National Guard, relationships between different ranks can occur while not on duty as long as the two in the relationship are not in each other's chain of command, and it does not (or even appear to others) that this relationship is inappropriate. This is a potentially uncomfortable situation that needs to be handled carefully. If conflicts between work and personal life exist, or appear to other soldiers to exist, then the situation should be brought to the attention to the chain of command. One of them can be moved to another unit, if necessary.

[WIBecky74]

Thank you for your time and information. I did read up on regulations. Although it appears the regs were changed recently to clear up misundertandings and to make things more clear and cut...it does seem to be a touchy and not black and white subject.