You’re a new Fighter Squadron Commander at a large base, and develop a tight-knit relationship with many of the other Commanders. You and the Logistics Readiness Squadron (LRS) commander hit it off and become very close. As you delve into your new job, you find that your squadron’s deployment preparation needs attention, and you turn to the LRS Commander for help. Though he doesn’t have to (and at great manpower cost to him), his squadron provides your squadron additional assistance on packaging and preparing your cargo for deployment. In fact, the synergy between your squadrons enables extremely rapid fighter deployments and has been lauded by Wing Leadership.
Through the grapevine, you hear that he is having unprofessional relationships with other members of his squadron, perhaps bordering on fraternization; however, you don’t have any definitive proof. He’s a “good ol’ boy” who just believes he’s having fun with some of his Airmen, but you feel he should stop as it has an appearance of impropriety. You say your peace but his behavior doesn’t stop.

What do you do? What factors do you consider when making your decision?
Consider a less extreme example. Have you ever laughed at a colleague’s terrible joke or pretended to agree with someone on an issue to keep your people off of a rotten detail or mission?

Do you view this sort of behavior as necessary in some instances to do your job or do you think it generally ends up eroding trust and relationships?