Question for Rich Douglas

Discussion in 'Accreditation Discussions (RA, DETC, state approva' started by Bruce, Oct 17, 2002.

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  1. Bruce

    Bruce Moderator

    Rich, are there any policies or regulations for Air Force officers concerning outside employment while on active duty?

    The reason I ask is that both Breyer State University and Canyon College list Colonel John Anderson as a faculty member.

    Since both these schools are illegal in at least one state (Oregon), how would the Air Force view this sort of moonlighting?


    Bruce
     
  2. Rich Douglas

    Rich Douglas Well-Known Member

    With the caveat that I am retired from active duty, but that I had considerable experience with this issue while a commanding officer, I'll risk an answer.

    The Air Force allows its members to maintain off-duty employment, provided the second job doesn't interfere with the member's duties. If a member is found to be engaged in illegal acitivity, whether or not it is employment-related, then the member risks prosecution and/or punishment. (They are not the same.)

    That said, there would be no reason why an active duty Air Force member could not be employed by either of these schools. Both are legal entities, engaged in lawful activities. That some other state or states has/have determined that the degrees issued by such schools are not legal for use within their jurisdictions has no bearing on the legality of the schools. Just because Oregon's ODA has determined that using a Bryer State degree is illegal to use in Oregon doesn't mean that the people at Bryer State are violating the law by running the school. Now, if the member was charged with violating that law (say, by soliciting Oregon residents to enroll), then there would be a problem.

    I have a much bigger concern with the member using his status as an Air Force officer in these schools' promotional literature. This can be seen as a tacit endorsement where none actually exists. Also, it's not okay to use one's position in the Air Force for financial gain. For example, you wouldn't see a military officer advertising a product or service on television or in print ads using his or her grade, service, and/or uniform. But this is a gray area, and this colonel may very well be in the clear. But as for working for Bryer State and Canyon, it should be okay. Crummy judgment, but okay.

    Hope this helps.
     
  3. Charles

    Charles New Member

    Bruce,

    The the DOD has very specific rules regarding outside employment, especially for officers, but outside employment of officers is not prohibited. Several of my AMU professors were active duty military officers. Additional info may be found at:

    http://www.defenselink.mil/dodgc/defense_ethics/
     
  4. Rich Douglas

    Rich Douglas Well-Known Member

    "Breyer," Rich, not "Bryer." Jeez, I eat the ice cream; you'd think I'd get it!
     
  5. David Boyd

    David Boyd New Member

    I don't believe even the Oregon officials consider the schools to be illegal. They only claim to have the right to limit the use of their degrees within the state.
     
  6. Bruce

    Bruce Moderator

    Re: Re: Question for Rich Douglas

    That was more what I was thinking.

    Hypothetically, if Breyer State were shut down by the authorities and the founders/owners indicted and convicted, would the Air Force take any action against Col. Anderson?


    Bruce
     
  7. Bruce

    Bruce Moderator

    Re: Re: Question for Rich Douglas

    Poor choice of words on my part, I meant to state the use of a degree from those schools was illegal. Sorry about that.


    Bruce
     
  8. Rich Douglas

    Rich Douglas Well-Known Member

    Re: Re: Re: Question for Rich Douglas

    Probably not, unless the military member was convicted of criminal behavior.

    If an Air Force officer moonlighted as an accountant with Arthur Andersen, he/she wouldn't be in trouble just because the company was shut down and its leaders indicted/convicted. But if he/she were convicted of fraud, it would also spell the end of his/her military career, IMHO.
     

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