Off-base, off-duty, out-of-uniform: Reservists can participate in election activities

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Phyllis Keith
  • 944th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  In 2010, a 944th Force Support Squadron member ran for office and won a seat on the City Council of El Mirage, a town adjacent to Luke Air Force Base, Ariz.

Retired Master Sgt. James A. McPhetres, former Superintendent of Human Resource Systems and Readiness for the 944th FSS, says he consulted the 944th Fighter Wing Legal Office and wing commander before he started his campaign.

"Reservists want to make sure they talk to the folks who will keep them out of trouble, and that's going to be commanders and the Legal Office--the two most important," McPhetres says.

As a Reservist, U.S. Air Force members may participate in politics as long as they don't wear the uniform or present themselves as a spokesperson for the Air Force.

"Any activity that looks as if the Defense Department is approving, endorsing, or officially sponsoring a candidate is against the law," says McPhetres.

The law McPhetres refers to is Department of Defense Directive 1344.10, Political Activities by Members of the Armed Forces.

If a member violates this directive, they can be punished under Article 92 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, Failure to Obey Order or Regulation.
If Reservists are on Active Duty orders, Air Force Instruction 51-902, Political Activities by Members of the U.S. Air Force, restricts how they can serve in elected positions. For example, the rules differ for Active Duty less than 30 days, 30 days or more, or 270 days.

McPhetres, who was an Air Reserve Technician, says the Legal Office was a big help. "They sat me down and told me, 'Here's what you can do. Here's what you can't do.'"

With the 2012 election year heating up, here are 12 example activities a Traditional Reservist can participate in:

1.   Register to vote and vote as they please.
2.   Sign nominating petitions for candidates or petitions for legislative action.
3.   Express personal opinions about candidates and issues.
4.   "Like" a political page or follow a political Twitter account.
5.   Attend political meetings or rallies in civilian attire.
6.   March in a partisan political parade in civilian attire.
7.   Serve as an election official.
8.   Give money to a political organization.
9.   Put a political bumper sticker on their personal car.
10. Wear a political button/T-shirt with civilian attire.
11. Write a letter to the editor of a newspaper expressing personal views as a private citizen.
12. Hold and exercise the functions of civil office in the United States government, a state, District of Columbia, a territory, possession, or commonwealth of the United States.

If a Reservist goes on Active Duty, it is his or her responsibility to know which of these they can or cannot do.

Keep in mind, an on-line user profile showing one as military member, poses a high risk that personal views will be associated with the military. In addition, if a letter to the editor identifies an individual as a Reservist, the writer should state that the views expressed are personal and not those of the Defense Department.

During Unit Training Assemblies leaders can and should encourage their Airmen to vote, but should avoid persuading Airmen toward or against any particular candidate.

"Perception is reality," says McPhetres. "The bottom line is to wear civilian clothes, be in civilian status, and represent yourself as a private citizen while exercising your rights as an American."

"The only time we should see military members in uniform at a political event is the U.S. Joint Armed Forces Color Guard presenting the colors at the opening ceremonies of the national conventions of the Republican, Democratic, and other political parties recognized by the Federal Elections Committee," says Capt. Elizabeth S. Magnusson, Public Affairs Officer for the 944th Fighter Wing.

The 944th FW Legal Office is the point of contact for assigned personnel with questions about political activities. They can be reached at 623-856-5333.