Political expression rules for active duty Published Jan. 31, 2012 By 1st Lt. Kalen J. Fredette U.S. Air Force Warfare Center Legal Office NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- While the election season has been upon us for some time, it is ramping up as election day draws near. Political news headlines and advertisements of every stripe are designed to electrify the political atmosphere and stoke candidate fervor. Emotions around politics for the whole country are running high, but for service members there is more to consider. Undoubtedly, service members have an enhanced sense of concern for the welfare of our country. For many of us, this concern translates into a special interest in the process that establishes our country's leadership and a desire to be politically involved. While such interests and desires are understandable, Air Force members must be cautious as to how they express themselves politically so as not to violate certain restrictions placed on political conduct. Air Force policy balances an active duty member's rights and responsibilities of citizenship against good order and the maintenance of a politically-neutral military establishment. In furtherance of this policy, the Air Force has published a fairly extensive list of approved and disapproved political activities in AFI 51-902, Political Activities by Members of the U.S. Air Force. As a good rule of thumb, Air Force members are permitted to engage in low-profile political activity as citizens (i.e. in a manner which does not give the appearance that they are acting in an official capacity). For example, an Air Force member, as a citizen, may vote, attend, as a spectator, political meetings and rallies, join political organizations or contribute monetarily to a political organization. Generally, however, whenever a member is doing anything that may be perceived as political activism, especially in a public venue, being in uniform is prohibited. In addition, a member should almost always avoid conspicuous forms of political activism, even if not in uniform. For example, a non-uniformed member cannot actively participate in partisan political rallies, conventions, debates or parades. Participation, in contrast with mere attendance, can mean anything from speaking at events to soliciting votes. Political speech is also regulated by Air Force policy. Generally, a member can make political statements, so long as it is clear that they are clearly personal views, not the views of the Air Force. This means no political buttons on uniforms or signage outside homes in base housing. A political bumper sticker on your POV is permitted (though it cannot deride the current administration). However, cars festooned with large political signs are not permitted. Any publications by a member cannot be part of an official letter writing campaign or a solicitation of votes for a partisan cause. It is also advisable that when a member is publishing political views, (i.e. writing a letter to a newspaper editor) the member should make explicit that the views expressed are not in a military capacity. Once again, a more detailed list of approved and unapproved political conduct can be found in AFI 51-902. Service members who fail to abide by Air Force policy and regulations may find themselves in legal hot water. Consider Army Reservist, Cpl. Jesse Thorsen, 28, who attended a rally in uniform for Presidential hopeful Ron Paul in Iowa. Such conduct, on its own, would likely be in violation AFI 51-902; however, Thorsen went further, taking the stage and delivering a (reportedly impromptu) speech extolling the policies of Paul to the rally-goers and later offering interviews to CNN. According to the Associated Press, military authorities are evaluating whether or not to take disciplinary action against Thorsen. At the end of the day, a member should exercise his political rights and responsibilities as a United States citizen. However, the member should also be mindful of the "dos and don'ts" of Air Force policy, which generally direct a member to avoid any political speech or conduct that places the member in the spotlight or that gives the impression that the member is acting in an official capacity. If you are considering some political involvement and are unsure whether it is permitted, your first stop should be the legal office. There an attorney will discuss with you the many approved ways you can be politically involved this election season.
