An Airman's guide to Valentine's Day

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Andrew Ro
  • 71st FTW Legal Office
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Yes, there is an Air Force instruction for everything, and the season of love - or lack thereof - is no exception. Regardless of the holiday or season, military members should be mindful of the type of relationships they have with others in the workplace and in their personal lives.

Last year alone, 50 officers from across the Air Force received Article 15, non-judicial punishment under the Uniform Code of Military Justice for unprofessional relationships.

Air Force Instruction 36-2909, Professional and Unprofessional Relationships, considers relationships to be unprofessional "when they detract from authority of superiors or result in, or reasonably create the appearance of, favoritism, misuse of office or position, or the abandonment of organizational goals for personal interests."

Unprofessional relationships can form between officers, enlisted members, officers and enlisted members, or between military members and civilian employees or contractors.

At Air Education and Training Command, this includes relationships between instructors, students and support staff, as well as their immediate family members.

This begs the question: What types of activities might create unprofessional relationships?

Prohibited relationships can include shared living accommodations or transportation, social interactions between senior and junior members within an organization, and dating or close friendships -- sexual or not.

And, it is important to remember that Airmen should not have unprofessional contact via texting, email or social media.

So, are we allowed to socialize -- ever? Attending organizational functions such as unit picnics, graduations and base-sponsored activities is allowable and encouraged to bolster camaraderie and morale.

Whether you are going out for dinner, barbeque, or celebrating Singles Appreciation Day with a group of people, it is important to review the Air Force Instruction 36-2909, Professional and Unprofessional Relationships, prior to making or accepting an invitation.

The situations highlighted in this article are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all the relationships that may be unprofessional. For further clarification, seek guidance from your chain of command, or contact the Legal Office at 580-213-7404.