Officer renting from Enlisted- problem?

[phluidradiation]

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So I have my orders and have been looking for off-base housing at my new duty station for Internship. I came across a few places for rent, posted by military folks but I wasn't sure if it is still considered "fraternization" in any of these cases. I personally wouldn't mind, but I'd rather avoid any unnecessary problems.
For instance
1. Renting a room in the house of an enlisted soldier
2. Renting a condo owned by an enlisted solider
3. Living by myself in a self-sufficient condo on the same property owned by an enlisted solider while he is currently living in his own "housing unit" on that property.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[colbgw02]

I don't know if I would call it fraternization and I have no idea what the letter of the law says, but in my opinion it's a bad idea. Your relationship is not between equals, at least in the eyes of the military, so I would be very leary of doing anything to alter that dynamic, especially if there are alternatives. Chances are that you're both reasonable dudes and nothing would happen, but there are probably tens of thousands of situations gone bad that started out with something similarly innocent.

 

[DrMetal]

So I have my orders and have been looking for off-base housing at my new duty station for Internship. I came across a few places for rent, posted by military folks but I wasn't sure if it is still considered "fraternization" in any of these cases. I personally wouldn't mind, but I'd rather avoid any unnecessary problems.
For instance
1. Renting a room in the house of an enlisted soldier
2. Renting a condo owned by an enlisted solider
3. Living by myself in a self-sufficient condo on the same property owned by an enlisted solider while he is currently living in his own "housing unit" on that property.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

The letter of the law sais #1 is not ok. That's a situation that can lead to potential conflicts (fights with roommates over all sorts of things). It's a point of contention that can be used against you, if someone really wants to be a dic about it. I wouldn't do it, unless you knew the guy really well and were sure that there would be no conflicts. [we're talking same sex, right? If opposite sexes are involved here, don't do it at all! Bad bad juju.]

Remember: Frat is like J-walking; you're probably not going to get prosecuted (b/c it's done so at the command discretion) until somebody really wants to stick it to you (usually for some other vendetta) or until it becomes an awkward/dangerous situation (jwalking across a freeway!).

As far as #2,#3, that's probably fine. You're not living together. The only conflict that could arise is a breach of leasing contract (you don't pay the rent, or he doesn't honor the contract). That's a much easier conflict to deal with, than, "Hey roomie, can you stop playing loud music at night, trying to go to bed!" His reponse: "Don't think you can tell me what to do at home, just b/c you're an O..." drama ensues.

 

[AF M4]

As Metal says, #1 definitely not, #2-3 probably OK.

One important thing to find out is the rank of the enlisted person. If this is a 22-30 y/o lower to mid-rank enlisted, than you'll probably want to tread carefully or avoid. If it's some crusty old master sergeant who's retiring next week and owns properties next to half a dozen of the bases where he used to live in his 24 years in the service, you'll be fine - the day the MSgt can't handle some fresh faced punk of an O3 for being behind on his rent is the day America gets conquered by the Lilliputians.

 

[haujun]

So I have my orders and have been looking for off-base housing at my new duty station for Internship. I came across a few places for rent, posted by military folks but I wasn't sure if it is still considered "fraternization" in any of these cases. I personally wouldn't mind, but I'd rather avoid any unnecessary problems.
For instance
1. Renting a room in the house of an enlisted soldier
2. Renting a condo owned by an enlisted solider
3. Living by myself in a self-sufficient condo on the same property owned by an enlisted solider while he is currently living in his own "housing unit" on that property.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Either all three cases are okay or not recommed. In my personal opinion, I think it is okay as long as it is not a personal relationship with enlisted. Although the business relationship falls under fraternization (borrowing money, business partnership) not every cases of "relationship" between enlisted and officers are illegal. Military law prohibit inappropriate relationship if such relationship undermine the chain of command or good order. If this enlisted fall under the same chain of command I would stay away. If not I doubt it. Please talk to your JAG officer just to be sure as this application of this law depend on surrouding circumstances and many factors, and I would hate that you overlook potentional good deal based on some opinions of medical doctors in this forum.

 

[Perrotfish]

Please talk to your JAG officer just to be sure as this application of this law depend on surrouding circumstances and many factors, and I would hate that you overlook potentional good deal based on some opinions of medical doctors in this forum.

I feel like asking a JAG if something is a legal hazard is a lot like asking an EM doc if a patient needs a CT.

 

[DoctaJMa]

The day the MSgt can't handle some fresh faced punk of an O3 for being behind on his rent is the day America gets conquered by the Lilliputians.

👍

 

[DD214_DOC]

I rent my current place from an active-duty Navy Senior or Master Chief. We completely avoid any conflict by solely allowing our wives to handle everything as intermediaries. We never have any contact and I have never spoken with him. It has worked out really well.

Just a thought if you happen to be married. I think the enlisted guy's rank is also a benefit, as most Chiefs I have encountered don't really give two craps about an O3. In fact, in the Navy I think the Chiefs are primarily responsible for the grooming of junior officers up to O3 and seem to interact with us a little bit differently.