Guidelines for Political Participation by Military Members

As proud patriots, many military members will want to show support to choose their new leaders and, in November of 2008, their new commander in chief. All military members are encouraged to participate in America's greatest political freedom: the freedom to vote.

That being said, there are certain guidelines and restrictions that military members must follow when it comes to expressing themselves politically. Here are a few of the guidelines taken from Department of Defense regulations.

Military Members cannot appear at political rallies in uniform. Military members are allowed to vote and support for whichever political party they choose, but they must not do so in uniform. Appearing in uniform would suggest a branch of service or the military endorses that particular candidate.

Military members may not use government facilities as a political hub. For example, if you are a uniformed member of the military who supports the Republican Party you cannot use your office or any other government facility to gather votes and support. For some bases and posts, that includes posting political party signs, bumper stickers and other obvious paraphernalia in your work center. Uniformed members are allowed to have bumper stickers on their private vehicles.

Members can promote and encourage others and subordinates to vote and take political interest provided there is no coercion or influence to vote for specific candidates or parties. Military members are allowed to make monetary contributions to candidates and parties. Members may even serve as election officials, provided it is not in uniform.

Active Duty military members cannot hold political office positions in Federal or State government, even if appointed by the President. Retirees can do so without restriction; reservists can do so with certain limitations. Active Duty members can hold positions in local civil governments provided that they do not interfere with military duty. If elected to a civil position, the member still may not wear a uniform while serving that position. For example, a military member may not wear a uniform during a press conference as the mayor of your local town.

Another prohibited activity is to take place in political discussion against a specific candidate or party via the media while in uniform. In other words, a military member cannot get on a radio talk show as a military representative and bash Hillary Clinton.

These are only a few of the political restrictions and permissions that apply to uniformed active duty military members. As you can see, a lot of rights are given up by military members to ensure that the United States' freedom and legislative system is preserved. Be sure to acknowledge your local soldier and thank him or her for their sacrifices.