I know that there are instances where commanders have power over civilian spouses, such as while on an installation, or if they are causing trouble in some way that affects the army and what not, but how much authority do they have and where can that specific information be found?
If a commander gives an order to a subordinate not to buy a Chrysler 300 for example, does that order apply also to their spouse even if they are not on post?
And while we're on the subject, do commanders have the authority to say what subordinates can and cannot purchase with their own pay? (And I'm taliking about legal everyday items, like say a TV or a Microwave) I need referenes if you have them, thank you.
2006-10-23 08:48:19 · 4 answers · asked by Sleeping Dragon 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
In 18 years, the only time I've known a Commander to step into situations like that occur when the soldier is in financial trouble. The Commander usually must step in, send the soldier to financial counseling and prevent them from getting any further in debt. If the soldier is in financial trouble and is wanting to buy a tv, I'm sure the Commander would definitely "suggest" that the soldier not buy it. That's understandable. Every financial mistake that soldier makes comes across the Commanders desk and he's responsible for that soldier and fixing the situation.
I know of no time the Commander has ever told a spouse what to do or when to do it. I suppose, that would once again depend on the the financial situation of the soldier. Even the spouse shouldn't be buying a tv or car if they can't afford it. The Commander is accountable for that.
2006-10-23 08:58:43 · answer #1 · answered by HEartstrinGs 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Commanders have power over their installations and the troops under them.
If a soldier is in financial trouble, it is grounds for discipline and involuntary removal from the armed services. A soldier who doesn't follow his Commander's orders on financial matters under such a circumstance is risking discipline or being fired.
If the military spouse has her own money, earned by her, in a separate account, 1/2 of her money is considered her husband's under most community property laws.
IF a military spouse lives off base, has her own income, and her own bank account, and chooses to spend her 1/2 of her salary on a vehicle that remains off base and isn't ever driven by or registered to her husband, she can probably do so....
.... but why would she? If there are financial problems, buying a Chrysler is not the answer.
2006-10-23 09:28:55 · answer #2 · answered by Harvie Ruth 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A commander has zero power to order a spouse to do anything, UNLESS it is in reference to something the spouse agrees to. For example, if you live on base housing, you have implicitedly and /or explicitedly agreed to obey the rules set down. Don't want to obey? Bye bye. As for the car, no he can't tell the spouse squat. But you better make sure your name isn't on that lease. Otherwise you might be guilty of breaking a lawful order.
As for the second question, that is a gray area. I say yes they can give the order on how to spend your money, but it has to related to good order and discipline. Financial problems, or items not allowed in the barracks, or something like that.
What I used to see a lot of was NCO's just giving advice in the form of an order. IMO you shouldn't do this, but it was pretty common.
2006-10-23 14:38:31 · answer #3 · answered by Chance20_m 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not in America!
2006-10-23 08:51:13 · answer #4 · answered by Spirit Walker 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋