Political Activity

[fjer]

I've become curious recently about the limitations on political activity by active duty members of the military, especially officers. The two most relevant items I found were Article 88 of the UCMJ and DOD Directive 1344.10.

Article 88 forbids officers from using "contemptuous words" against certain officeholders. What exactly would be contemptuous words?

My main question comes down to this: what political activity and conversation will I be unable to participate in as a current cadet and (hopefully) future officer? What exactly constitutes a "partisan" or "non-partisan" cause; do an issues being a part of a party's platform make them "issues specifically identified with ... political parties"? Can I post or run a political blog (openly or anonymously)?

I figured these would be good things to know before I go much further in my military career.

[03_SHOOTER]

Originally Posted by fjer

I've become curious recently about the limitations on political activity by active duty members of the military, especially officers. The two most relevant items I found were Article 88 of the UCMJ and DOD Directive 1344.10.

Article 88 forbids officers from using "contemptuous words" against certain officeholders. What exactly would be contemptuous words?

My main question comes down to this: what political activity and conversation will I be unable to participate in as a current cadet and (hopefully) future officer? What exactly constitutes a "partisan" or "non-partisan" cause; do an issues being a part of a party's platform make them "issues specifically identified with ... political parties"? Can I post or run a political blog (openly or anonymously)?

I figured these would be good things to know before I go much further in my military career.

As a Cadet, and until such time as you raise your hand and are inducted into the armed forces, IMNSHO you can do anything you want to do. Once you have done so however, your options become severely limited.

As far as the current "interpretation" of the DoD Directive you referenced, I would have to direct you to one of the current serving Officers on the Forum for that information, as my interpretation may not be in line with current DoD thinking.

[PhilK]

Ah yes....this is an interesting topic for sure, and unfortunately there is no clear cut answer.

Originally Posted by fjer

My main question comes down to this: what political activity and conversation will I be unable to participate in as a current cadet and (hopefully) future officer?

Once you commission (I have faith you will make it), I would avoid being openly active in any civilian political forums whatsoever. On the military side, if you and your PEERS want to get together in one of your homes and discuss politics over a beer or two...go for it.

I avoid talking politics with my subordinates because I do not want them to feel undo pressure because their beliefs do not mirror my own. I have enough issues on a day to day basis with out a difference of political ideology getting in the way.

I also avoid talking politics with my superiors, because they are the ones that hold my future assignments in their hands. If they insist on sharing their views, I listen intently and then bring the discussion back to the work related topic of the day.

Now, all those things really refer to politicians and political parties specifically. I would never call out a politician by name or a specific political party.

On the flip side....

What exactly constitutes a "partisan" or "non-partisan" cause; do an issues being a part of a party's platform make them "issues specifically identified with ... political parties"?

"Political issues" are as fair game as you can get, as far as I am concerned. I have a view on our current operations, and I will openly share those opinions. I have views on several "hot button" issues today, and I have no issue sharing them. Just yesterday a group in my office was discussing the mortage bail out. I would consider that a "political issue" but I never spoke a word about a specific politician or a political party.

Because of the shades of gray many of our politicians are in today it is easy to say what you think about a certain issue without naming names or parties.

Can I post or run a political blog (openly or anonymously)?

You can post anonymously all day long (that is what we do here), but the minute you put your name to it, you are opening the door for bad things to happen.

Remember, Presidents come and go (as do parties in control), so depending on how long you plan on being in keep that in mind. People in the Army can have long memories, and your comments can come back to haunt you later.

[Skylark]

The Department of Defense wants you to be a patriotic citizen, do your part, and vote. But they don't want the military to be caught up in the mess, because the military is supposed to be a professional, apolitical force. I know the rules for Officers is much tighter than for Enlisted.

To my knowledge, talking about politics around the smoke deck is fine --keep it professional and don't let it interfere with work. When you leave the ship (or station/post), you represent the United States Military.

Attending political rallies/events is fine. But not in uniform. If you're in town in your Class A's or Crackerjacks and you see a political shindig going on (even if it's for a cause or candidate you agree with), start walking the other way. Writing partisan emails, Letters to the Editor, and the like, and putting your name and rank at the bottom is not kosher. You can write your Congressman, but only as a concerned citizen and not LT Smith (as a military member, do that through your chain of command). You can't get on TV to campaign for someone or an issue.

Active duty you are not allowed to run for any political office. As a Reservist or National Guardsman the rules are a little looser (I believe the Delaware Attorney General is a Guardsmen JAG currently mobilized, as are a handful of other officeholders across the country).

Upon Preview: about.com has a pretty good link on this. You can read it here.

Originally Posted by Excerpt

What Active Duty Members Can and Cannot Do

Can - Register, vote, and express a personal opinion on political candidates and issues, but not as a representative of the Armed Forces.

Can - Promote and encourage other military members to exercise their voting franchise, if such promotion does not constitute an attempt to influence or interfere with the outcome of an election.

Cannot - Participate in any organized effort to provide voters with transportation to the polls if the effort is organized by, or associated with, a partisan political party or candidate.

Cannot - Speak before a partisan political gathering, including any gathering that promotes a partisan political party, candidate, or cause.

Cannot - Participate in any radio, television, or other program or group discussion as an advocate for or against of a partisan political party, candidate, or cause.

Can - Join a political club and attend its meetings when not in uniform.

Cannot - Serve in any official capacity or be listed as a sponsor of a partisan political club.

Cannot - March or ride in a partisan political parade.

Cannot - Sell tickets for, or otherwise actively promote, political dinners and similar fundraising events.
....

[fjer]

Thanks for the information. BTW, Cadets and Midshipmen at the Service Academies are subject to the UCMJ (unlike ROTC Cadets).

[Javelin66]

Actually, contracted ROTC cadets are subject to the UCMJ under certain conditions, generally when they are on active duty for training.

Officers are specifically restricted from contemptuous speech because you serve at the pleasure of the president- you work for him, he either signed your commission or elected to keep you.

In other words, you can say you disagree with his policy, voted for (or will vote for) the other guy, or anything you want, but you can't call him an idiot.

Regardless, you have to be very careful about how you voice your opinion. You should not do it in any way that makes it appear that you are speaking for the military, nor should you appear to be influencing the troops under your command.