Cadet Conduct

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bobthebuilder

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May 28, 2016
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It is my understanding that as an Officer, it is both a violation of military code and unethical to date those under your command or enlisted personnel. It creates a conflict of interest, and potentially can cause serious problems.

That being said, I understand that being a Cadet isn't the same as being in the real Army. However, it seems inappropriate for a Cadet Lieutenant to be dating a MS-1 Cadet Private directly under her command, and also taking him as a date to the military ball. He is an outstanding cadet and a PT stud, and I have great respect for both of them, though I can't understand why someone so close to commissioning would behave in such a manner. Who's to say this won't become a habit for them when they enter the Real Army. Where does the line get drawn? Am I the only one bothered by this? I have long abided by the rule of never dating through the workplace, let alone as an Officer who is expected to lead honorably by example. Why should it be any different in Cadet land?
 
It depends what the rules are for ROTC and even within that unit if they are in violation of any rules.
 
Here is a similar thread, but for NROTC. https://www.serviceacademyforums.com/index.php?threads/dating-marriage-within-an-nrotc-unit.54084/
Going together to the ball, persay, is not dating. Dating within the chain of command is an issue and probably a violation of the units rules of conduct.

IMHO, dating within a ROTC is not a good idea and should be avoided and I am sure that is what anyone leading a ROTC unit would say. But, in most cases it is not a conduct violation unless it is within the chain of command or between upperclassmen and freshman.
 
I think the main concern is the potential for unwanted advances from a supervising cadet.

In this case if there is no harassment, and everything us mutual, most ignore it. But gossip and favoritism can stem from thus so they should be careful.
 
Jcleppe said:
If dating among cadets was Fraternization, the USMA Chapel would get a lot less use.
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And I'd be missing out on a terrific DFDIL (Dear Future Daughter in Law). She and DS were in the same AROTC Battalion one year apart. They dated for almost three years while in ROTC. In their particular battalion, she was the Rock Star.
 
Not specific any ROTC, but I think what they dont want is Seniors dating freshman
 
@bobthebuilder, you are doing the right thing by bringing up your concerns. The rules should be clearly stated in the unit fraternization policy. Find the most current version, go over it, and ask your CoC to clarify if necessary.
 
I was curious about the comment regarding the UCMJ. A brief look at Google provided the guidance that while academy students are subject to the UCMJ, ROTC students are not. That sounds right to me but thought I would post it here in this thread for comment/ clarity.

I consulted this page (http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...J.docx&usg=AFQjCNEN5_Lh-lcS6KevZgW4K_Pq2obT9A)
which was a link to the UCMJ but it was too long to study this afternoon.

I also found this page (http://www.ucmj.us/about-the-ucmj) which included the following paragraph: "Cadets and midshipmen at the United States Military Academy, United States Naval Academy, United States Air Force Academy, United States Merchant Marine Academy, and United States Coast Guard Academy are also subject to the UCMJ. On the other hand, Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) cadets and midshipmen are by law exempt from the UCMJ (even while on active duty for training such as CTLT, LTC, LDAC, or while attending various training schools such as Airborne School, Air Assault School, Mountain Warfare School, etc.)."
 
I know this is "ancient history" but I will share for what it's worth... I was a freshman and started dating a senior... we were both in AROTC... he was not in my direct chain of command. On person in the cadre was opposed and made my life miserable within ROTC classes, and particularly PT. When my boyfriend graduated, he asked me to go with him to flight school. I agreed, and we got engaged and married while he was in flight school. March will be our 24th wedding anniversary.
 
inSANEmom said:
When my boyfriend graduated, he asked me to go with him to flight school. I agreed, and we got engaged and married while he was in flight school. March will be our 24th wedding anniversary.
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Should I assume you left ROTC in the tail lights, better yet the rotor wash?

Congrats on the upcoming anniversary.
 
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Jcc123 said:
Why would you think that? Presumably they're all adults.
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The units don't want Upperclassmen getting in a situation where there could be risk of a parent choosing to file statutory rape if they do not like the cadet or if the younger person gets mad since they could not 'legally' consent.

A large number of freshman are not legally adults. DS was 16 at start of Fall semester and is still only 17. His girlfriend (also a Freshman but) just turned 20. Her family 'warned' her that she was then more than the 2 year exception to statutory rape law. They are also very religious which to them says she wouldn't but I don't have same blind beliefs so sent him condoms...
 
KeyzCat said:
The units don't want Upperclassmen getting in a situation where there could be risk of a parent choosing to file statutory rape if they do not like the cadet or if the younger person gets mad since they could not 'legally' consent.

A large number of freshman are not legally adults. DS was 16 at start of Fall semester and is still only 17. His girlfriend (also a Freshman but) just turned 20. Her family 'warned' her that she was then more than the 2 year exception to statutory rape law. They are also very religious which to them says she wouldn't but I don't have same blind beliefs so sent him condoms...
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The things you learn on SAF...
 
I met my ex-husband in AROTC. He was a non-scholarship student who later dropped out of ROTC but graduated with his bachelors degree. After we were married and I was on active duty, he went to grad school at a university near my post and finished up his last year of ROTC and was then commissioned. Back in the 80's at my school a lot of cadets dated.
 
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