Fraternization

From USAFA Folklore

Fraternization (or "Frat") is an inappropriate relationship within the military command structure. In the Real Air Force, it often is thought of as occurring between an officer and an enlisted member, but may include any relationship that occurs between a superior and a subordinate, regardless of rank, that undermines good order and discipline or is perceived to do so. Frat can occur in varying degrees, from merely friendly to romantic.

Fraternization can also occur at the Academy between cadets--most significantly in an inappropriate relationship between a fourth class cadet and an upperclass cadet. At USAFA, frat may be as simple as an upperclassman being too friendly with a smack by, say, inappropriately providing the smack with special benefits, getting the smack out of training, or socializing with the smack in an unprofessional manner. The most significant cases are romantic or physical relationships between four degrees and upperclassmen. Cadets usually will try to keep such affairs secret, but usually word gets out eventually. If the relationship is discovered after the smack becomes a three degree, nothing normally comes of it. It is not uncommon to see new three degrees going on "first dates" with new two degrees or firsties immediatly following that year's graduation ceremony.

The emphasis on enforcing fraternization has changed over time. Frat between male and female cadets was commonly enforced by cadets in the early days of women cadets at the Academy. More recently, enforcement has dropped off somewhat. Many current cadets don't care about frat to a certain extent as long as, from what they see, the relationship does not hurt anyone. However, the willingness to report frat may increase if the relationship is more obvious or if it negatively affects other cadets. The PTB often use frat as a sentence-enhancing charge when cadets have committed other offenses that are linked to the fraternization.

Frat is a common topic found in the cartoons of the eDodo.