Following the rules with political activities Published Oct. 19, 2010 GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Whether it's reading the newspaper or talking around the dinner table, it's almost impossible this time of year to avoid discussion about the upcoming elections. Being involved in the political process by finding out about the issues and voting is one of our greatest responsibilities as citizens, but as employees of the Department of Defense, active duty servicemembers and DOD civilians must follow the rules when participating in the political process. Political activities by members of the U.S. Air Force Air Force Instruction 51-902 lays out the rules regarding participation in political activities by Air Force members. Basically, Airmen cannot act in any official military capacity associated with partisan politics. Moreover, they cannot openly or privately make speeches, write articles or engage in electioneering or campaign activity associated with partisan politics. The Hatch Act for Federal Employees This act covers what permitted and prohibited activities are for civilian employees who may engage in partisan activity. Political rallies Neither the AFI nor the Hatch Act prohibits military members from participating in rallies or other types of activities, however, there are guidelines to follow. The Air Force allows active duty members to attend partisan political rallies in civilian clothes as a spectator as long as they do not actively participate or make speeches during the rally. The servicemember cannot be in uniform. In an unofficial capacity, servicemembers can even write letters to the editor of a newspaper expressing personal, nonpartisan views on current political issues, but need to be careful not to use contemptuous words against the President or other high officials. Doing so could be a violation of the U.C.M.J. Also, servicemembers can also make monetary contributions to a political organization favoring a particular candidate, but may not contribute money to, or solicit money for, a particular candidate. Remember, military members are never allowed to solicit money from other military members. Nonpartisan political activity This is activity that supports or relates to candidates who did not represent national or state political parties, or associated organizations. Issues that do not specifically identify with national or state political parties, or associated organizations are also considered nonpartisan political activities. For example, issues relating to constitutional amendments, referenda and approval of municipal ordinances. Partisan political activity On the other hand, activities relating to candidates who represent issues specifically identified with a political party or an individual running for office are considered partisan. No candidate, declared or undeclared, may be endorsed by active duty servicemembers, even if the candidate is unaffiliated with a national or state political party. Partisan political activities are not allowed on base. According to the regulation, no one can engage in any political activities "inside the fence-line" of any military installation or in any federal building, whether active duty or civilian. The rules are less restrictive for DOD civilians. While the main principle of not acting in an official capacity still applies, DOD allows its civilians more freedom to engage in partisan politics in their private lives. For example, if they are not members of the Senior Executive Service and are acting solely in a private capacity, DOD civilians can manage a political campaign, endorse or oppose a candidate in a political advertisement and speak at a political rally on behalf of a candidate, however, all of these actions are forbidden for people who are on active duty for 30 days or more. Basically, these rules come down to making sure that whatever you do, make sure it's obvious to the public that you are doing it as an individual and not as a servicemember or DOD civilian employee. (Courtesy of 17th Training Wing Judge Advocate Office.)
