Fraternization in the Marine Corps - Just WHEN does it apply?

Okay, I am preparing to go into the USMC. After having made my decision (not due to) I met my current boyfriend. He is a Corporal in the USMC, and is stationed in Beaufort, SC. Obviously he is in Aviation, but when I join, I don't intend to have a similar MOS - in fact, I'm seriously considering Intelligence or Linguistics. We'll be stationed in separate locations. I was just wondering how fraternization worked, and how it could affect our relationship long-term? I won't make my decision about entering based solely on our relationship. I want to earn the title of Marine, regardless of who I am with. By the time I come out of Boot Camp, he'll probably have picked up Sgt.

Public Comments

1. If you knew him before you joined and yall will be stationed at different locations and have different MOS it shouldnt matter. Oh bye the way good luck in boot camp. Maybe your boyfriend can visit you if you make it to graduation. Its a short drive from P.I. to Beufort
2. Semper Fi! Fraternization applies in your case to E-4 and below, unless he held a billet like plt sgt over you. If he were a Sgt. then it could be a problem, but since you guys will be on seperate installations then there isn't nothing to worry about. Dillion
3. fraternization is when you go after some one of a higher rank or you are in Boot camp and you after a drill SGT or someone who is already stationed at the base you are at while at boot camp, also flirting or dating with people who are in command of you like your PLT SGT, your Section SGT, your Commander and 1SGT. You should be OK with your boyfriend, he is not in command of you or in your section, or as long as he does not out rank you.
4. Based upon your description, I see no problems. Fraternization is an improper relationship that doesn't respect differences in rank or rate. When I was in the Nav, the simple way we'd sort it out went like this: ~ Not in the same shop (or platoon). ~ Not in the same duty section (not sure how that translates to the Marines). ~ Not in the same immediate chain of command (i.e. one isn't giving orders to the other on a daily basis). ~ Senior and junior enlisted stay apart (i.e. CPOs with CPOs, blueshirts with blueshirts). ~ Officers and enlisted stay apart. ~ Not on duty (i.e. when not on liberty, keep your pants zipped). ~ Not in the official spaces, nor on board a ship (i.e. when in a place where you'd normally be working, even if you ARE on liberty, keep your pants zipped). Not at all difficult to work with, really - The rules are mostly common-sense, and give a LOT of latitude. I met my wife on the same ship I was stationed on. We were together as a couple for almost three years, aboard the same ship, before getting married. We never once broke the rules, but still had plenty of time to be with each other. Relax... You and your man will be fine.
5. As long as he or you is never an officer while the other is enlisted you will be fine and also as long as you are never in the same chain of command. The rest of what you said has nothing to do with anything. Fraternization is when two people are in the same chain of command and one person can have undue influence over the other person in some way. Special treatment in evaluations or jobs that sort of thing. Or a physical or personal relationship that gets in the way of everyday business simply stated. OR if either of you is ever and officer while the other is enlisted regardless of where you are stationed you are never allowed any kind of relationship.
6. I am a Marine. If you are already together before you join then there is really nothing that they can do about it. Just as long as it is before you join.