An 'unprofessional relationshipr doesn’t have to be romantic Published June 22, 2009 By 1st Lt Taren Clement 341st Missile Wing Judge Advocate's Office MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- According to AFI 36-2909, Professional and Unprofessional Relationships, unprofessional relationships are those interpersonal relationships that erode good order, discipline, respect for authority, unit cohesion, and ultimately, mission accomplishment. An "unprofessional relationship" includes any relationship that detracts from a superior's authority. It includes relationships that result in or create the appearance of favoritism, misuse of position, or abandoning Air Force goals for personal interests. An unprofessional relationship can be addressed with verbal counseling; written administrative action, such as a letter of counseling, admonishment, or reprimand; Article 15 action; or even court-martial. An unprofessional relationship can result from many different types of interaction. While all situations have unique facts and circumstances and must be evaluated independently, an unprofessional relationship can be drinking with a subordinate at a bar on a recurring basis. It can be two unit members of different rank sharing a house. It can be excessive familiarity by a supervisor. It can be a weekly golf game with a superior. It can be an noncommissioned officer vacationing with an senior noncommissioned officer. It can be between males or females. It can be between officers, enlisted, civilian employees and even government contractors. In fact, it can be almost any activity between any DoD employees if it lacks official purpose or organizational benefit, especially if on a frequent or recurring basis. Fraternization is a type of unprofessional relationship that is specifically identified as being criminally punishable. It is a violation of UCMJ Articles 92 and 134. Fraternization is a personal relationship between an officer and enlisted member that exceeds customary bounds of acceptable behavior and prejudices good order and discipline, discredits the armed services, or dishonors the officer involved. Fraternization includes, but is not limited to, an officer gambling with enlisted members, lending or borrowing money from enlisted members, having sexual relations with or dating enlisted members, and sharing housing with enlisted members. Everyone has a duty to watch out for unprofessional relationships. If you observe personnel engaging in an unprofessional relationship, please be aware that they may not even be aware of their transgression or the potentially adverse impact that they are causing. The best thing to do is talk to one or both of the individuals. If you don't feel comfortable with that, you can talk to your supervisor or first sergeant. Most unprofessional relationships can be curtailed with counseling before they degrade the mission. With all this in mind, you shouldn't be afraid to interact with superiors. Certain activities and communications with superiors are beneficial and even critical to military operations. How do you know whether a relationship or activity crosses the line? A good rule of thumb is that professional relationships are always respectful and can always be related back to the mission. Are yours?