Participating in political activities has limits

  • Published
  • By Capt. Joseph Loman
  • 56th Fighter Wing
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  As the political season approaches, there are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to what members of the Air Force can and cannot do.

The following is a list to help familiarize Air Force members with what is and is not permitted when it comes to participating in political activities.

Air Force members may:
- Register to vote. Vote and express political opinions on candidates and issues, but not as a representative of the Air Force.

- Contribute money to Political Action Committee.

- Attend political meetings or rallies as a spectator, but not in uniform.

- Join a political club and attend meetings, but not in uniform.

- Display a political sticker on private vehicles or wear a political button when not in uniform and not on duty.

Air Force members may not:
- Use contemptuous words against the president or other high-ranking officials.

- Be a candidate for or hold civil office. A waiver may be obtained if the member is expected to separate from the Air Force in the near future. There are exceptions for school board offices. Consult with the legal office or the base voting assistance officer for information.

- Participate in partisan political campaigns or conventions, or make a public speech in the course of such activity.

- Participate in any radio or television program or group discussion as an advocate of a partisan political party or candidate.

- March or ride in partisan political parades.

- Make campaign contributions to a particular candidate. Note that this is different from making a donation to a PAC mentioned in the previous section.

- Solicit a campaign contribution from another military member.

- Solicit funds for a political cause or candidate on a military installation.

- Attend a political event as an official representative of the Air Force, even if you are not going to participate.

- Display a large political sign, banner or poster on the top or side of a member's private vehicle. It is important to distinguish this from the political sticker discussed in the previous section.

- Sell tickets for, or otherwise actively promote, political dinners and other such fundraising events.

This is only a partial list of the political members can or cannot do. For more information, refer to Air Force Instruction 51-902, Political Activities by members of the Armed Forces.