Political activity: don't cross the line

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Ashley Bell
  • 341st Missile Wing Legal Office
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  American citizens live in a country that provides substantial freedoms not enjoyed in many places. They benefit from the protections of the Constitution, which announces and preserves social rights, including rights to participate in government decisions. 

The Air Force encourages all of its members to carry out their rights and responsibilities as citizens of the United States and to get involved in politics by voting and engaging in other appropriate activities.  However, due to its position as part of the nation's military, the Air Force must also set up rules governing active-duty members' involvement in political activities. These rules are necessary to preserve good order and discipline, avoid conflicts of interest and avoid the appearance of improper endorsement.  Due to these necessary constraints, active-duty military members should remember that there are extra duties imposed on them when they choose to delve into politics.  The following provides advice on some, but not all, pitfalls that active-duty Airmen should be wary of. 

First, Airmen should be careful of what they say or post about political officials. Air Force regulation prohibits commissioned officers, in or out of uniform, from using contemptuous words against any of the following people: the president, vice president, Congress, secretary of defense, secretary of a military department, secretary of homeland security, or the governor or legislature of any state, commonwealth or possession where the member is on duty or present. Not only is doing so prohibited, it is also punishable under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. 

Even though opinions expressed in private conversations will not ordinarily be charged, it is always wise to think about unintended consequences before speaking.
 
Beyond watching what they say, active-duty Airmen must be careful with what they post on social media sites like Facebook.  In 2012, a sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps lost his job for posting 15 words on his Facebook account that disparaged President Barack Obama, words he regretted later.  Even if such a message is disseminated as being "private" and is intended to reach only family and friends, once statements hit the internet, they often take on a life of their own. 

Second, know the rules regarding political signs. Standard-sized, political bumper stickers are acceptable, but displaying a large political sign, banner or poster on a car is off limits.  Making that sort of signage visible at an on-base home, even when the on-base housing has been privatized, is also prohibited.

Finally, the Air Force cannot delineate every prohibition that may possibly present itself. For that reason, Air Force policy requires Airmen to avoid any activity that could reasonably be viewed as associating the Air Force or Department of Defense with partisan political activity or that contradicts the reasons for the rules.  Therefore, take care not to do anything that would associate the Air Force with a certain political group or cause. 

In summary, everyone should vote and get involved in appropriate political activities. That is a right as a citizen of the United States.  But those who serve the country as active-duty military members need to remember that their duty requires following some additional rules when it comes to politics.