Workplace romances are usually thought of as occuring between a boss or manager and a subordinate of some kind. In the civilian world these relationships often cause problems, but they are not illegal. No one is breaking the law. However, in the US Navy workplace romances fall under the umbrella of fraternization and are forbidden by law. Article 134 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) states "an unduly familiar personal relationship between an officer member and an enlisted member that does not respect the difference in rank or grade. Relationships between officer members and between enlisted members that are prejudicial to good order and discipline or of a nature to bring discredit on the Naval service are unduly familiar and also constitute fraternization." Proof that a relationship is 'prejudicial to good order and discipline' varies greatly from circumstance to circumstance, but in general "unduly familiar relationships between officers and enlisted members have traditionally been contrary to Naval custom, because they undermine the respect for authority." For dedicated sailors Senior Chief Hank O'Mara and Lieutenant Bethany Morton any relationship should be impossible. The story of their struggle with love versus loyal service is told in Off Limits my April 1, 2012 release from Red Sage Publishing. Off Lilmits is an erotic romance, please click on this link to read an excerpt http://eredsage.com/store/Off_Limits.html. Please leave a comment with contact information here or at my website, http://rueallyn.com. One lucky commentor will receive a free download of my first erotic romance, The Widow's Revenge. The winner will be announced on Thursday. March 8, 2012 at my website http://rueallyn.com
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