Social media and politics Published Aug. 21, 2012 By 2nd Lt. Austin Davis 17th Training Wing Judge Advocate GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- As service members, we are often reminded of what we can and cannot do in the local, state, and national political process as we exercise our rights as U.S. citizens. However, more and more service members are turning to social media networks and personal blogs to voice their political views. What most service members do not know is that many of these statuses, tweets, and posts are in violation of AFI 51-902, Political Activities by Members of the US Air Force, and could lead to disciplinary repercussions. So, before you post your political support and views, here are some easy rules and guidelines on how to keep your "Facebooking" and "Tweeting" in accordance with our profession of arms: 1. In an unofficial capacity, service members may express personal, nonpartisan views on current political issues and candidates much the same way as they are permitted to write to the editor of a newspaper. Nonpartisan views are those views that do not represent or are not specifically identified with national or state political parties or associated organizations. However, if on a social media site, a service member identifies him or herself as being on active duty, or is otherwise reasonably identifiable as an active duty service member, then that member must clearly and prominently state that the views expressed are his or her own and not those of the Defense Department (or Department of Homeland Security for U.S. Coast Guard). 2. Active duty members cannot participate or engage in any partisan political activities or posts. Furthermore, they may not post or make direct links to a political party, partisan political candidate, campaign, group, or cause because such activity is considered distributing literature on behalf of those entities or individuals. 3. Active duty members may not post or comment on the social media sites or blogs of a political party, or partisan political candidate, campaign, group or cause because that activity in considered to be engaging in partisan political activity through a medium sponsored or controlled by said entities. 4. Active duty members can "friend," or "like," or "follow" the social media accounts of a political party or partisan candidate, campaign, group, or cause. However, they cannot suggest others to "like," "friend," or "follow" the political party, partisan political candidate, campaign, group, or cause, or forward an invitation or solicitation from said entities or others. 5. In addition to AFI 51-902, active duty members may be subject to additional restrictions based on the Joint Ethics Regulation, the Uniform Code of Military Justice, and service specific rules to include rules governing the use of government resources, such as email and internet usage. 6. Members of the Armed Forces not on active duty are not subject to the restrictions above so long as the member does not act in a manner that could reasonably create the perception or appearance of official sponsorship, approval, or endorsement by the DoD. If you are thinking of participating in any political rallies or events, there are regulations concerning what you can and cannot do during these events. For a complete list of permissible and prohibited activities, consult DoD Directive 1344.10, Political Activities by Members of the Armed Forces (reference (c)). You may also give your base legal office a call to make sure your participation is authorized.
