Fraternization is the concept of improper relationships in the military, which can range from business relationships to friendships to romantic relationships. Such relationships, when occurring between military members of different ranks and positions, are prohibited, as they can undermine the chain of command.

Are romantic relationships allowed in the military?

Military regulations chiefly regulate against dating between two soldiers of different ranks. Military policy in all branches prohibits all kinds of fraternization between soldiers of different grades; while the prohibited relationship is officer/enlisted solider, it also applies to any two different grades of soldier.

What is considered fraternization?

Fraternization (from Latin frater, brother) is turning people into brothers by conducting social relations with people who are actually unrelated and/or of a different class (especially those with whom one works) as if they were siblings, family members, personal friends, or lovers.