Fort George G. Meade, Md. –
As election season heats up, Airmen and federal employees
must follow strict guidelines to ensure no wrongdoing.
Department of Defense Directive 1344.10 and Air Force
Instruction 51-902 outline what active-duty service members are permitted and
restricted from doing while acting in personal and official capacity.
Service members who violate these directives could face
punishment under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, according to Capt.
Lindsey Callahan, 70th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Wing
deputy staff judge advocate. The Hatch Act (5 USC 7321-7325) applies to DOD
civilian employees.
"It's important to understand the rule regarding
political activities because it is the duty of every military member to comply
with these rules. Our system of government is structured to prevent politicized
military," added Callahan. "It is perhaps the most central tenet of
our military that it should be neutral with regard to politics."
While it's important to know the rules, Airmen must also
understand the rules.
"We take an oath to the Constitution – not to any one
political party or any one person," Callahan said. "Individual members
of the military may have their personal preferences as to political parties or
candidates, but the DOD or Air Force does not endorse a particular party or
candidate."
Members must be familiar with these regulations because
these rules also apply to social media.
"Often, people forget that social media is a public
forum," Callahan said. "Even though service members may believe only
their friends will see something, there is no guarantee to ensure that. People
will forward and share posts. Once it is on the internet, it is available for
the world to see."
When it comes to political participation, it is important to
remember that military members can:
• Register and vote.
• Express their personal political opinions, making sure it
is clearly personal and no one could mistake it for being official.
• Encourage other to participate in the political process.
• Sign a petition for a specific legislative action only in
a personal capacity, not using their military rank.
• Write a letter to the editor, but a disclaimer is required
and the letter cannot solicit votes for a candidate.
• Donate money to a political organization, party or
committee.
• Display a bumper sticker on their car, but just ONE and it
has be a reasonable size.
• Place a poster supporting a candidate or issue on their
lawn as long as they live off-base.
• Become a "friend" or "like" the
Facebook page or "follow" the Twitter account of a political party or
partisan candidate, campaign or cause.
When it comes to political participation, it is important to
remember that military members cannot:
• Participate in partisan fundraising activities.
• Speak at a partisan political gathering.
• Wear their uniform at a campaign or election event.
• Publish articles or endorsements that solicit votes.
• Participate in radio, television or other programs as an
advocate for a partisan party, candidate or cause.
• "Like" or "re-tweet" a post soliciting
for political contributions.
• Display a campaign logo or candidate photograph as a
profile picture.
• Suggest that others "like," "friend"
or "follow" the partisan account.
• Forward invitations to partisan events, solicit or
fundraise.
"Every Airman plays a role in ensuring the U.S.
military continues to be a non-political part of the government," said
Callahan.
For more information or questions, call the Joint Base San
Antonio-Randolph Legal Office at 652-6781.