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Political Political ActivitiesActivities

Rules of the Road

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Army personnel spoke at McCain Army personnel spoke at McCain rally rally

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The The IssuesIssues

•Political Activities by Military Personnel

•Political Activities by Civilian Employees

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ReferencReferenceses

• DoDD 1344.10, Political Activities by Members of the Armed Forces on Active Duty, 2 Aug 04

• DepSecDef memo, subject: Civilian Employees’ Participation in Political Activities, 31 May 2006

• SecDef message 072107Z Jun 06, DoD Public Affairs Policy Guidance Concerning Political Campaigns and Elections

• Political Activity of Federal Employees 5 CFR 734http://www.dod.mil/dodgc/defense_ethics/ethics_regulation/734/

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DoD DoD PolicyPolicy

•“It is DoD policy to encourage members of the Armed Forces … to carry out the obligations of citizenship … however, members are prohibited from engaging in certain political activities.”

DoD 1344.10

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Military Members Military Members May:May:

• Register to vote & vote

• Express purely personal opinions – Personal capacity ONLY (not as representative of Armed Forces)

• Encourage others to participate in political process

• Join a political club & attend meetings– NOT in uniform

• Submit personal letter to editor – Personal views ONLY (not as representative of Armed Forces)– Cannot be part of solicitation of votes or letter-writing campaign

• Give money to political organizations

• Display normal-sized bumper stickers

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Military Members May Military Members May Not:Not:

• Use official authority or influence to affect campaign

• Be a candidate for or hold or exercise functions of civil office

• Participate in partisan political management, campaigns or conventions– Except as a spectator, not in uniform

• Allow or cause to be published partisan political articles that solicit votes for or against a party, candidate or cause

• Speak before a partisan political gathering

• Display large signs or posters on POVs

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Civilian Employees Civilian Employees May:May:

•Participate in political organizations– As officers– Attend / participate in conventions or rallies– Serve as delegates

•Take active part in political campaigns– Canvass voters– Endorse candidates (private capacity)– Address a political convention– Manage political campaign– Distribute literature