DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS
2000 NAVY PENTAGON
WASHINGTON DC 20350-2000
OPNAVINST 5370.2E
N17
4 Nov 2020
OPNAV INSTRUCTION 5370.2E
From: Chief of Naval Operations
Subj: NAVY FRATERNIZATION POLICY
Ref: (a) U.S. Navy Regulations, 1990
(b) SECNAVINST 5300.26D
(c) OPNAVINST 5354.lG
(d) OPNAVINST F3100.6J (NOTAL)
(e) SECNAVINST 5370.7D
1. Purpose
a. To provide policy and procedures on fraternization as defined in reference (a).
b. This revision provides updates to the background and discussion section, and the action and
responsibility section to include reporting procedures. It is a complete revision and should be
reviewed in its entirety.
2.
Cancellation.
OPNAVINST 5370.2D.
3. Policy.
Personal relationships between officer and enlisted members that are unduly familiar
and do not respect differences in rank and grade are prohibited and violate long-standing customs
and traditions of the U.S. Navy. Relationships that are unduly familiar between officers or between
enlisted members of different rank or grade may also be prejudicial to good order and discipline,
and are also prohibited. Commands are expected to take administrative and disciplinary action as
necessary to correct such inappropriate
behavior.
This instruction and the prohibition of
fraternization found in article 1165 of reference (a) are lawful general orders effective without
further implementation. Violation of this instruction or article 1165 subjects the involved members
to disciplinary action under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).
4. Background and Discussion
a. The Navy has historically relied upon custom and tradition to define the bounds of
acceptable personal relationships among its members. Proper social interaction among officer and
enlisted members has always been encouraged as it enhances unit morale and esprit de corps. At
the same time, unduly familiar personal relationships between officer and enlisted members are
