Which situation is NOT considered fraternization?

Fraternization refers to inappropriate relationships between service members of different ranks that undermine the chain of command and good order and discipline within the military. In general, relationships between personnel of different ranks can lead to perceptions of favoritism, erosion of morale, and challenges to effective leadership.

The situation involving an E-6 in a relationship with an E-3 from a different command is considered not to be fraternization due to the fact that the two service members are not in the same chain of command. When members are from different commands, the direct supervisory relationship is absent, which reduces the potential for conflicts or perceptions of impropriety. In this case, while the E-6 still holds a higher rank, the absence of a shared organizational structure diminishes the risk typically associated with fraternization.

In contrast, the other situations present potential issues with rank disparity and command relationships that could lead to perceptions of favoritism or disrupted command integrity. Therefore, the reason the choice regarding the E-6 with the E-3 from a different command is the correct answer is because it avoids the complications tied to direct supervisor-subordinate relationships inherent in other combinations presented.