DoD stand on campaigns and elections

  • Published
  • By 944th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
  • 944th Fighter Wing
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  As the presidential election heats up over the next few months the Air Force and Department of Defense fully supports the right of members to participate in our Nation’s political process. However, there are some rules that regulate the political activities of DoD personnel.

These longstanding and well-defined policy regarding political campaigns and elections are to help avoid the perception of DoD sponsorship, approval or endorsement of any political candidate, campaign or cause.

In addition to mitigating the perception of endorsement or support, no candidate for civil office is permitted to engage in campaign or election-related activities while on a DoD installation or in a DoD facility. Any activity that may be reasonably viewed as directly or indirectly associating the DoD, or any component or personnel of the department, with or in support of political campaign or election events is strictly prohibited. It is vitally important to know that there are different rules for the different statuses within the Armed Forces. There are some limitations across the spectrum including not wearing the uniform for any political events and members cannot display political signs on any instillations including at on-base housing.

Active Duty members may not participate in partisan political activities. This includes campaigning for a candidate, soliciting contributions, marching in a partisan parade and wearing the uniform to a partisan event.

When on social media Active Duty members must ensure that their political posts are clearly marked that they express the ideas of the individual and not DoD. They can not post or make direct links to a political party, partisan political candidate, campaign, group, or cause because such activity is the equivalent of distributing literature on behalf of those entities or individuals, which is prohibited and that would constitute political activity. This would include, for example, suggesting that others like, friend, or follow the political party, partisan political candidate, campaign, group, or cause, or forwarding an invitation or solicitation from said entities to others.

Traditional Reservists have a little more leeway when participating in political activities. When off duty they can participate in campaigning events but they may not wear their uniform when performing these activities. Here are a list of things that TRs 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 Social Media 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.

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.

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 so make sure you know what you can and cannot do.

Finally, Civilian DoD employees, while in their personal capacities, may volunteer with a political campaign or political organization unless they are appointed by the president, are career SES, contract appeals board members, National Security Agency employees, Defense Intelligence Agency employees, or National Geo-Spatial-Intelligence Agency employees. Examples of permitted volunteer activities include: organizing political rallies and meetings, making phone calls on behalf of a candidate, serving as a delegate to a party convention, and working for a political party to get out the vote on Election Day. These employees are, however, prohibited from soliciting or receiving political contributions.

No matter what status you fall under make sure you know what is allowed and how you can participate in this year’s elections. Prior to engaging in any activity related to the political process, make sure you are familiar with the rules prescribed by DOD Directive 1344.10, Political Activities by Members of the Armed Forces on Active Duty, and as amplified in the 2016 DoD Public Affairs Policy Guidance concerning Political Campaigns and Elections, in order to ensure a full understanding of the extent and limitations of appropriate involvement in the political process.

If you have questions, contact the 944th FW Legal Office at 623-856-5333.