DAOD 5019-1, Personal Relationships and Fraternization
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
Date of Issue: 2004-12-22
Date of Last Modification: 2014-07-11
Application: This DAOD is an order that applies to officers and non-commissioned members of the Canadian Armed Forces ("CAF members").
Supersession: CFAO 19-38, Personal Relationships
Approval Authority: Chief of Military Personnel (CMP)
Enquiries: Director Military Careers Policies and Grievances (DMCPG)
2. Definitions
fraternization (fraternisation)
Any relationship between a CAF member and a person from an enemy or belligerent force, or a CAF member and a local inhabitant within a theatre of operations where CAF members are deployed. (Defence Terminology Bank, record number 43080)
personal relationship (relation personnelle)
An emotional, romantic, sexual or family relationship, including marriage or a common-law partnership or civil union, between two CAF members, or a CAF member and a DND employee or contractor, or member of an allied force. (Defence Terminology Bank, record number 43170)
Context
3.1 The CAF is committed to:
- respecting the inherent right of CAF members to form personal relationships of their choosing;
- respecting the privacy of the personal relationships of CAF members; and
- providing fair and unbiased treatment to persons in the care or under the protection of CAF members and preventing the exploitation of vulnerable persons.
Role of the Chain of Command
3.2 In keeping with professional military values, leaders and the chain of command have a responsibility to uphold standards of conduct in relation to personal relationships and fraternization, through personal example, as well as the judicious use of administrative and disciplinary action.
Objectives
3.3 The following table sets out the objectives of this DAOD and the means to achieve them:
To achieve the objective of the ... | the chain of command must ... |
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prevention of erosion of lawful authority, |
|
maintenance of operational effectiveness, |
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protection of vulnerable CAF members and others, |
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maintenance of general standards of professional and ethical conduct, |
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avoidance of detrimental effects on unit operational effectiveness, |
|
Fraternization
4.6 Fraternization can have detrimental effects on unit operation effectiveness due to potential threats to the security, morale, cohesion and discipline of a unit. Task force commanders must issue orders and guidance on fraternization appropriate to the situation in their area of operations.
Adverse Personal Relationships
5.1 If a personal relationship has a negative effect on the security, cohesion, discipline or morale of a unit, the personal relationship is considered adverse for the purpose of this DAOD.
5.2 Administrative action must be taken to separate CAF members who are involved in an adverse personal relationship.
5.3 If an adverse personal relationship cannot be changed within the applicable unit/sub-unit for the CAF members in a supervisor/subordinate relationship, the CAF members must be separated by attached posting, posting, change in work assignments or other action.
5.4 Such a separation is not punitive in nature, nor must there be a negative stigma or career implication towards the CAF members.
Postings
5.5 CAF members who are known to be, or have declared themselves to be involved, in a personal relationship must normally not be posted to the same unit. If the unit is of sufficient size that posting the CAF members involved is unlikely to have an adverse effect on the security, cohesion, discipline or morale of the unit, they may be posted to same unit, but not the same sub-unit.
5.6 CAF members who form a personal relationship must normally complete current postings, provided the work relationship does not have a negative effect on the security, cohesion, discipline or morale of the unit.
Criteria for Decision to Post
5.7 If CAF members are involved in an adverse personal relationship and posting is being considered, the CO must consult Director General Military Careers (DGMC) or the appropriate reserve authority.
5.8 The decision having the least negative career effect on both CAF members must be taken, considering:
- future career prospects for both CAF members; and
- the effects upon both CAF members of an internal reassignment, attached posting, posting or sub-component transfer.
Posting Process
5.9 The following table outlines the process for a posting if the personal relationship of a CAF member may be adverse:
Who does it? | Action | |
---|---|---|
The CO of the CAF member |
determines if the personal relationship is adverse and … |
|
|
if a CAF member of the … |
then the CO must forward all particulars along with a recommendation … |
Regular Force, |
for posting to DGMC. | |
Reserve Force, |
for an attached posting, internal reassignment, posting or sub-component transfer to:
|
|
Director Reserve Support Management (CO Supplementary Reserve) |
reviews and, if in the interests of the CAF, approves a sub-component compulsory transfer under QR&O 10.06, Transfer Between Sub-Components of the Reserve Force to the Supplementary Reserve. Note - A sub-component compulsory transfer to the Supplementary Reserve is considered to be an option of last resort. It is not to be considered punitive in nature. |
Disciplinary and Career Action
5.10 Before taking disciplinary and/or career action for conduct which is contrary to this DAOD, unit authorities should consult with the local representative of the JAG.
Responsibilities Table
6.1 The following table identifies the responsibilities associated with the administration of personal relationships and fraternization:
The ... | is or are responsible for ... |
---|---|
DGMC |
|
Canadian Forces Recruiting Group |
|
Reserve Force |
|
Director Reserve Support Management (CO Supplementary Reserve) |
|
CO |
|
Acts, Regulations, Central Agency Policies and Policy DAOD
- QR&O 10.06, Transfer Between Sub-Components of the Reserve Force
- DAOD 5019-0, Conduct and Performance Deficiencies
Other References
- DAOD 5002-4, Supplementary Reserve
- DAOD 5012-0, Harassment Prevention and Resolution
- DAOD 5019-4, Remedial Measures
- DAOD 5019-5, Sexual Misconduct and Sexual Disorders
- DAOD 7021-1, Conflict of Interest
- DAOD 7023-1 Annex A, Statement of Defence Ethics
- CFAO 27-1, Messes
- CANFORGEN 134/12, Decentralization of Authorities Related to Remedial Measures and Administrative Actions
- CANFORGEN 112/14, Amendment – Decentralization of Authorities Related to Remedial Measures and Administrative Actions
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