Navy Fraternization Policy OC Santiago

Official Policy Personal relationships between officer and enlisted members that are unduly familiar and that do not respect the differences in rank and grade are prohibited, and violate the long- standing custom and tradition of the naval service. Similar relationships that are unduly familiar between officers or between enlisted members of different rank or grade may also be prejudicial to good order and discipline or of a nature to bring discredit on the naval service and are prohibited.

English? Any relationship between Navy personnel that is uniquely familiar and that do not respect the difference in rank or grade is prohibited. This includes personal relations that in any way takes away from the respect and courtesies granted by a persons rank.

This Policy is Gender-Neutral Its focus is on the detriment to good order and discipline resulting from the erosion of respect for authority inherent in an unduly familiar senior-subordinate relationship, not the sex of the members involved. It is the difference in rank, not sex, that give and obey orders. The erosion of the respect between the ranks and grades inhibits the flow of commands.

They’re not kidding.. Service members who are married or otherwise related (father/son, etc.) to other service members, must maintain the requisite respect and decorum attending the official relationship while either is on duty or in uniform in public.

General suggestions The answer to 90% of life’s problems… common sense. Always give the correct courtesies to those who’s rank calls for it (sir/ma’am, stand at attention, etc.) Never use first names unless asked by a senior officer, and even then only for that time being. Give respect, and demand it in return. Consider positional authority. Your supervisor now may be your best friend in an hour.

Personal pointers If you find yourself wondering: “Is this relationship okay?” it probably is not. If you find yourself specifically excluding people from a group activities, you are wrong. If you feel a sense of camaraderie and loyalty to those both above and below you, then maintain the level of respect that got the team to that point.