Josh,
Great topic.  It is something that gets officers, especially junior officers, in trouble.  Yes, you can interact with your NCOs and Junior Enlisted.  However, those interactions need to remain professional.  Professional, however, does not mean just related to the military.  Leaders most certainly, and should, get to know their Soldiers… likes, dislikes, family situation, etc.  That is part of good leadership.  Just remember that you are not their friend.  I have helped investigate a few fraternization allegations.  There are a few things I look at when determining if something is appropriate.

1. Where the interaction occurred.  If the interaction was at work in a public area, that is less likely to raise concerns.  However, if the interactions are at a club, at some off duty establishment, then that may raise more concerns.  Location alone does not determine anything.  I’ve seen people fraternize at work and seen professional interactions outside of the work environment.  It can help to control perceptions, though.

2. When the interactions occurred.

3. Who was involved/invited.  A platoon BBQ off duty is generally not a problem as long as the entire platoon was invited (or the whole squad if it is a squad function, etc).  Selective invitations across rank categories can quickly turn something into fraternization.

4. What occurred during the interaction.  An officer getting drunk with subordinates is generally considered inappropriate.  However, having a drink with Soldiers at a unit function is likely to be ok.  Spending time with Soldiers at a club is a no go in my book.  Going on a trip or a vacation with them, sleeping at their house, having a Soldier’s family stay with you, etc are all generally not allowed.  I have seen junior officers do all of those and in every case they lost their position and were eventually booted from the Army.

By all means get to know your Soldiers.  As an MP I worked a lot of law enforcement shifts with my Soldiers.  That gave me 8 hours one on one to get to know whatever Soldier I was working with that day on shift.  Knowing their background and future plans allowed me to help get them resources they need or direct them to the education center to start the right degree.

I always keep my interactions professional with my  Soldiers, but I enjoy interacting with them.  That is one of the great parts of being a leader.  Be true to yourself, though.  Getting to know the people I work with has made me a better, more effective leader.  I use work interactions to build that knowledge.  There are so many opportunities to learn about your Soldiers.  Ask one of your Soldiers to teach you about a weapon system, how to PMCS a type of vehicle, how to do some sort of task, etc.  While they are teaching you, get to know them better.  You win four ways by doing that.  1. Your Soldier feels like you care.  2. Your Soldier feels invested in your development and is more likely to want you to succeed.  3. You learn something new.  4. You get to know your Soldier.

Chad