Regulations limit political activity by DOD personnel Published Jan. 6, 2012 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- - The New Year is in full swing and so are the presidential primaries. As members of the Armed Forces, there are some things that service members cannot take part in when it comes to politics. The 20th Fighter Wing's public affairs and legal offices have partnered to provide information to keep you out of hot water this political season. The following information is compiled from AFI 51-902, Political Activities by Members of the US Air Force and DOD Directive 1334.10, Political Activities by Members of the Armed Forces. A member of the Armed Forces on active duty may: - Register to vote, vote and express a personal opinion on political candidates and issues, but not as a representative of the Air Force or DoD. - Promote and encourage others to exercise their voting franchise, if such promotion does not constitute use of their official authority or influence to interfere with the outcome of any election. - Join a partisan or nonpartisan political club and attend its meetings when not in uniform but not in any official capacity nor listed as a sponsor (see restrictions in paragraph 4). The restriction on wearing the uniform to meetings also applies to retired and Reserve Component members. - Write a letter to the editor of a newspaper expressing the member's personal views concerning public issues or political candidates. The letter should clearly state that the views expressed are those of the individual only and not those of the Air Force or DoD. Members must apply this principle to personal views written for publication in all forms of print and electronic media (i.e., magazines, social media and blogging). -Display a political bumper sticker on the member's private vehicle -Wear a political button or t-shirt when not in uniform, performing military duties or under circumstances that could reasonably give rise to an appearance of official endorsement. A member of the Armed Forces on active duty may not: - Use official authority or influence to interfere with an election, to affect its course or outcome, to solicit votes for a particular candidate or issue or to require or solicit political contributions from others. - Participate in any radio, television or other program or group discussion as an advocate of a partisan political party, candidate or cause. - March or ride in a partisan political parade. - Display a large political sign, banner or poster (as distinguished from a bumper sticker) on a private vehicle. -Display a large political sign, poster, banner, or similar device visible to the public at one's residence on a military installation, even if that residence is part of a privatized housing development. - Participate, while in uniform, in any activity such as unofficial public speeches, interviews, picket lines, marches, rallies or any public demonstration which may imply Air Force sanction of the cause for which the demonstration or activity is conducted. Authorization to wear the uniform under certain circumstances may be granted in accordance with DoD Instruction 1334.01, Wearing of the Uniform, as implemented by AFPD 36-29, Military Standards, and AFI 36-2903, Dress and Personal Appearance of Air Force Personnel. - 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, cause or candidate. - Commissioned officers shall not use contemptuous words against the President, the Vice President, Congress, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of a military department, the Secretary of Homeland Security, or the Governor or legislature of any State, Commonwealth or possession in which the member is on duty or present as prohibited and punishable under Article 88, UCMJ. Members who violate any of these provisions are subject to prosecution under Article 92, UCMJ, in addition to any other applicable violation of the UCMJ or Federal law. If you have specific questions or concerns regarding a political event or for more information, please contact the base legal office at 803-895-1560. To view AFI 51-902, click here.