Unprofessional relationships are a no-go

  • Published
  • By Maj. John Burtoft
  • 90th Missile Wing Inspector General
F. E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo. --  Unfortunately, working relationships between a supervisor and a subordinate can be easily perceived as favoritism and unprofessional. The ability of a supervisor to directly or indirectly influence assignments, promotions, training opportunities, awards and other opportunities places both the supervisor and the subordinate in a vulnerable position for the perception of an unprofessional relationship by fellow co-workers.

Professional relationships contribute to the effective operation of the Air Force. The AF encourages people to communicate freely with their supervisors regarding their careers, performance, duties and missions. This type of communication enhances morale and discipline and improves the operational environment while, at the same time, preserving proper respect for authority and focus on the mission. Participation by members of all grades in organizational activities, unit-sponsored events, intramural sports, chapel activities, community welfare projects, youth programs and such can enhance morale and contribute to unit cohesion.

Relationships are unprofessional, whether pursued on- or off-duty, when they detract from the authority of superiors or result in, or reasonably create the appearance of, favoritism, misuse of office or position, abuse of authority, or the abandonment of organizational goals for personal interests. Unprofessional relationships can exist between officers, between enlisted members, between officers and enlisted members, and between military personnel and civilian employees or contractor personnel.

Fraternization is one form of unprofessional relationship and is a personal relationship between an officer and an enlisted member that violates the customary bounds of acceptable behavior in the AF and prejudices good order and discipline.

While an occasional round of golf, game of racquetball, physical training or similar activity between a supervisor and subordinate could remain professional, the same daily or weekly activities between the supervisor and the same subordinate without including other subordinates could result in the perception of favoritism by others and result in unprofessional relationship allegations against the supervisor.

The nature of the military mission requires absolute confidence in command and an unhesitating adherence to orders that may result in inconvenience, hardships or possibly injury or death. This makes the maintenance of professional relationships consistent with the AF core values paramount.

Supervisors must avoid relationships when they could be perceived as unprofessional, adversely affect or have the reasonable potential to adversely affect the AF by eroding morale, good order and discipline, respect for authority, unit cohesion or mission accomplishment.

Serving as your local IG office, we provided unbiased and timely resolution of complaints within the best interests of the AF. You can reach Warren's IG office at: 773-4800, or the Fraud, Waste and Abuse Hotline at 773-3214.