Politickin Do's and Don'ts Published Sept. 22, 2008 By Lt. Col. Vance Spath 90th Missile Wing Judge Advocate F.E. WARREN AFB, Wyo. -- In what is shaping up to be a heated election year, it is important to keep in mind what is permissible political activity for military members. The law requires that all branches are neutral when it comes to politics. It is the policy of the military to be non-partisan and free of political entanglement. The United States Supreme Court says, "such policy is wholly consistent with the American constitutional tradition of a politically neutral military establishment under civilian control. It is a policy that has been reflected in numerous laws and military regulations throughout our history." The rules governing military members are contained in DoD Directive 1344.10, Political Activities by Members of the Armed Forces on Active Duty, and AFI 51-902, Political Activities by Members of the US Air Force. Civilian employees are governed by the Hatch Act, which has similar, if only slightly less stringent, prohibitions. The rules encourage all military personnel to register to vote, to study the candidates and the issues and to vote. However, service members must be careful to maintain DoD's non-partisan standing or to suggest an appearance of DoD endorsement of any candidate or political issue. Speaking in a negative manner about the president of the United States is a violation of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. The UCMJ specifically prohibits contemptuous words against the president, the vice president, Congress, the secretary of defense, the secretaries of the military departments, the secretary of homeland security and the governor or legislature of any state in which you are present. While private conversations are typically not an offense, one must look at all the circumstances of when such a statement is made, too include who else is present, the rank of the speaker and listener and where the statement is made. It does not matter at all if the statements are true or false. Use common sense. Always think about how people might perceive a statement or action. Remember the official policy is for the Air Force always to appear neutral. Also, recognize that in a year of heightened politics, others will be watching and observing the Air Force much more closely. Military members can: - Register, vote, and express personal opinion on candidates. - Make political contributions. - Display a political bumper sticker on their car. - Write a letter to the editor of a newspaper expressing the member's personal views on public issues or political candidates. - Attend a partisan political gathering. - Sign a petition for legislation or to place a candidate's name on an official election ballot. - Encourage others to vote Military members cannot: - Express an opinion on political candidates and issues as a representative of the Armed Forces. - Display a large political sign, banner, or poster on the top or side of their vehicle or outside their military housing. - Write a letter if such action is part of an organized letter-writing campaign. - Speak before the gathering or march or ride in a political parade. - Sign as a representative of the military. - Encourage a military member to vote for a particular candidate.