News

The race is on

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Elizabeth Moody
  • 446th Airlift Wing, Public Affairs
MCCHORD FIELD, Wash. --  Sparks fly, political passion soars, tempers flare and heated debates abound. It's an election year. With November on the horizon, military members have the opportunity to participate in our nation's political process by voting for their highest commander.

Of course, Reservists can become more involved with the political process other than through voting. However, federal law and Defense Department directives limit Airmen and civilian employees' involvement in certain political activities.

"These rules - rooted in U.S. law - are intended to strike the proper balance between a government employee's involvement in the political process while avoiding an improper appearance of official DoD endorsement of a particular party, candidate cause, or issue," said Gen. Norton Schwartz, Air Force chief of staff.

While local communities and our nation as a whole are strengthened by military members engaging in the political process, they need to be mindful of certain prohibitions, said Lt. Col. Bradley Volk, 446th Airlift Wing, deputy Staff Judge Advocate.

"Reservists can participate in the political process and support their candidates but must not do so while in uniform or give the impression that they are speaking in their official military capacity," said Lt. Col. Brad Holmgren, 446th AW, Staff Judge Advocate. "Likewise they cannot use government (military) resources for political purposes, such as sending emails on military computer system or making photocopies of political materials."

Military members should review the "dos and don'ts" before participating in political activities and avoid activities that give the impression the Air Force was associated with a partisan cause or candidate. For more information, contact the McChord Field legal office at (253) 982-6588 or DSN 382-6588.

Political-related "dos and don'ts" pertaining to members of all service branches:
DODD 1344.10, Political Activities by Members of the Armed Forces on Active Duty
(19 February 2008)
DOD 5500.7-R, Joint Ethics Regulation (30 August 1993), Incorporating Through
Change 6 (23 March 2006)
AFI 51-902, Political Activities by Members of the U.S. Air Force (1 January 1996)
AFI 51-903, Dissident and Protest Activities (1 February 1998)
The Military Commander and the Law