DODs do's and don'ts in politics

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jerilyn Quintanilla
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  With the election season well under way, it's important for politically passionate military members and federal employees to keep a few rules in mind before engaging in politics.

Several sets of rules help protect the integrity of the political process and apply to members of the armed forces, including those on active duty, Reserve or National Guard status, as well as military retirees.

These rules are designed to prevent military members' or federal civilian employees' participation in political activities that imply, or may be construed as federal endorsement or sponsorship.

"Some of the reasons we have these restrictions are to make sure that the military remains politically neutral and to make sure that no one feels pressured to vote for a particular candidate or party," said Capt. Micah Smith, 100th Air Refueling Wing Legal Office.

The list of do's and don'ts differs depending on the person's position in the Federal government.

- Military members may attend political meetings or rallies only as spectators and not in uniform. Service members are not permitted to make public political speeches, serve in any official capacity in partisan groups or participate in partisan political campaigns or conventions.

- Participating in political activities while in uniform is not allowed.

Civilian employees are permitted to manage campaigns, distribute literature, write political articles or serve as a spokesperson for a party or candidate. However, this must not be done during duty hours, in a Federal facility or with the use of government equipment.

The rules regarding affiliation with a particular political party or candidate is meant to regulate. Team Mildenhall members are encouraged to support and vote for their chosen candidate.

For guidance refer to Department of Defense Directive 1344.10, DOD Instruction 1334.1 and Air Force Instruction 51-902 or contact the legal office at DSN 238-2028.

(Donna Miles, American Forces Press Service, contributed to this article)