The great variety of interpersonal relationships precludes listing every specific situation that members and commands may encounter. While some situations are clearly discernible and appropriate action is easily identified, others are more complex and do not lend themselves to simple solutions. Evaluating interpersonal relationships requires sound judgment by all personnel. Factors to consider in assessing the propriety of a relationship include:
(1) the organizational relationship between the individuals: whether one member can influence another's personnel or disciplinary actions, assignments, benefits or privileges
(2) the relative rank and status of the individuals: peers, officer/enlisted, CPO/junior enlisted, supervisor/ subordinate, military/civilian, instructor/student; and
(3) the character of the relationship (e.g., personal, romantic, marital).
(a) Personal relationship: Non-intimate, non- romantic association between two or more people (of the same gender or not), such as occasional attendance at recreational or entertainment events (movies, ball games, concerts, etc.) or meals. (Does not involve conduct which violates the UCMJ.)
(b) Romantic relationship: Cross-gender sexual or amorous relationship. (Does not involve conduct which violates the UCMJ.)
(c) Unacceptable relationship: Inappropriate and not allowed under Service policy. Resolution normally administrative. Relationship must be terminated or otherwise resolved once recognized.
(d) Prohibited relationship: Violates the UCMJ. Resolution may be either administrative, punitive, or both as circumstances warrant.
Relationships cross gender lines, can develop into romantic relationships, and even lead to marriage. A relationship, including marriage, does not violate Service policy unless the relationship or the members' conduct fails to meet the standards set by this section, standards of conduct set by the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), or other regulations.
Romantic relationships between members are unacceptable when:
(1) members have a supervisor/subordinate relationship (including periodic supervision of duty section or watchstanding personnel), or
(2) members are assigned to the same small shore unit (less than 60 members), or
(3) members are assigned to the same cutter, or
(4) the relationship is manifested in the work environment in a way which disrupts the effective conduct of daily business. The nature of operations and personnel interactions on cutters and small shore units makes romantic relationships between members assigned to such units the equivalent of relationships in the chain of command and, therefore, unacceptable. This policy applies regardless of rank, grade, or position. This policy applies to Reservists in an active status, whether or not on duty.
Romantic relationships between chief petty officers (E-7/8/9) and junior enlisted personnel (E-4 and below) are unacceptable.
Coast Guard policy prohibits the following relationships or conduct, regardless of rank, grade, or position of the persons involved:
(1) Engaging in sexually intimate behavior aboard any Coast Guard vessel, or in any Coast Guard- controlled work place.
(2) Romantic relationships outside of marriage between commissioned officers and enlisted personnel. For the purposes of this paragraph, Coast Guard Academy cadets and officer candidates (both OCS and ROCI) are considered officers.
(3) Personal and romantic relationships between instructors at training commands and students.
Service members married to Service members, or otherwise closely related (e.g., parent/child, siblings), shall maintain requisite respect and decorum attending the official military relationship between them while either is on duty or in uniform in public. Members married to members or otherwise closely related shall not be assigned in the same chain of command.
Examples of acceptable personal relationships:
(1) Two crewmembers going to an occasional movie, dinner, concert, or other social event.
(2) Members jogging or participating in wellness or recreational activities together.
Examples of unacceptable relationships:
(1) Supervisors and subordinates in private business together.
(2) Supervisors and subordinates in a romantic relationship.
Examples of unacceptable conduct:
(1) Supervisors and subordinates gambling together.
(2) Members lending or borrowing money for profit or benefit of any kind.
(3) Giving or receiving gifts, except gifts of nominal value on special occasions.
(4) Changing duty rosters or work schedules to the benefit of one or more members in a relationship when other members of the command are not afforded the same consideration.
