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Political season on horizon: DOD dos, don'ts for employees

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Kenny Holston
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  As political activity increases due to the approaching campaign season, some Team Shaw Defense Department employees may feel compelled to express their political stance.

However, DOD employees are reminded there are restrictions on practicing political activism while in uniform or on official government business.

DOD Directive 1344.10 and Air Force Instruction 51-902 are resources that provide in-depth guidance on political activities for DOD employees.

In addition to the DOD directive and AFI, all members are held to the Hatch Act.
The Hatch Act, passed in 1939, prohibits political activity by federal civilian employees while on duty, while wearing an official uniform or insignia, while using a government vehicle or while in any Federal workplace.

"Aside from activities specifically prohibited by AFI 51-902, members should avoid activities that could reasonably give vise to the inference or appearance of official sponsorship, approval, or endorsement," said Dan Breen, 20th Fighter Wing Judge Advocate assistance staff judge advocate.

Furthermore, retired DOD service members and inactive reservists are reminded wearing their official military uniforms or representing any branch of the U.S. military while attending or speaking at political events is prohibited.

According to a DOD article published Jan. 5, 2012, a combat engineer assigned to the 416th Theater Engineer Company potentially violated these rules when he stepped onto a stage at Ron Paul's headquarters in Ankeny, Iowa, to offer a personal endorsement during the Iowa Caucus. Although he was wearing his uniform, the Soldier was not in an active status at the time but appeared to be representing the U.S. Army.

As social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram continue to grow, active duty Airmen and Soldiers are advised that participating in politics on social media falls under the same guidance.

If an Airman has any doubt as to what is or is not permitted, he or she should contact their unit judge advocate or their Federal Voting Officer to ensure participation is legal.

For the Shaw AFB JA office, call or email (803)895-1560, 20fwja.judge@us.af.mil  
For more information, visit Federal Voting Assistance Program website or refer to these references: 

· DODI 5405.3, Development of Proposed Public Affairs Guidance
· 2012 DOD Public Affairs Guidance for Political Campaigns and Elections
· DODD 1344.10, Political Activities by Members of the Armed Forces
· 5 U.S.C, Sec. 7321-7326, The Hatch Act of 1939, as amended in 1993
· 5 C.F.R. Parts 733-734, Political Activities of Federal Employees
· DODI 5120.4, DOD Newspapers, Magazines and Civilian Enterprise Publications
· DODI 1100.13, Surveys of DOD Personnel
· DODI 5120.20, American Forces Radio and Television Service
· DODR 5120.20-R, Management and Operation of AFRTS
· DODD 5410.18, Public Affairs Community Relations Policy
· DODI 5410.19, Public Affairs Community Relations Policy Implementation
· DODI 1000.04, Federal Voting Assistance Program and Directive-Type Memorandum 10-021, Guidance In Implementing Installation Voter Assistance Offices
· 2014-2015 Voting Assistance Guide
· DODD 1344.13, Implementation of The National Voter Registration Act
· U.S Office of Special Counsel, Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Social Media and the Hatch Act, dated April 4, 2012 (supersedes social media advisory, dated August 10, 2010)
· Internal Revenue Code
· 18 U.S.C. 609, Use of military authority to influence vote of member of Armed Forces
· DODD 1344.13, Implementation of The National Voter Registration Act