Hopefully this article will settle a lot of 'yes they can/no they can't' arguments that I've been hearing about.

This was written by one of the captains at the Judge Advocate's Office (legal office) here at Scott AFB....let me know if you have any questions.

'Democrats and republicans want your vote and your help in getting other votes.  Military members can be politically active, but they must do so within specific limits.

Nonpartisan political activities are generally permissible, provided that military members adhere to three rules:

1) Do not participate in uniform

2) Refrain from using government resources or facilities.

3) Do not implicate the AF as endorsing or supporting the activity.

Partisan political activities, on the other hand, are heavily restricted so as to maintain good order and discipline, and to demonstrate to the public that we have a politically neutral military.

FORBIDDEN PARTISAN ACTIVITIES INCLUDE:

Participate in partisan campaigns, not even providing clerical support.

Author, authorize or publish articles soliciting votes for a partisam candidate.

Serve in any official capacity in a aprtisan club or be a sponsor of such.

Appear on radio, TV or group discussion advocating a political party or candidate.

Solicit or fund-raise in federal offices or facilities, including military installations, for a political party or candidate.

Recruit others to become partisan candiates, even for state offices.

Recieve or solicit campaign contributions from government employees, civilian or military, for promoting a political onjective or cause.

Promote political fund-raising events, including selling tickets.

SOME ACTIVITES YOU MAY ENGAGE IN, UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS:

Display political bumper stickers but not on top or side of car, and not large enough to constitute a political sign or banner.

Make monetary contributions to an organization or PAC that favors a particular party or candidate; but you cannot directly contribute money to the candidate.

Write a letter to the editor of a newpaper expressing presonal views on public issues, provided those views do not promote a partisan political cause and you do not publicize the fact you are military.

Distribute political literature on base, but not without prior approval from the installation commander.

Attend political mmetsings, clubs, or rallies, including political conventions, provided that you are not in uniform.

Participate in demonstrations if you are: not on duty, not in a foreign country, not in uniform, not breaching law and order and violence is not likely to result from the demonstration.

Keep in mind that personal opinions could also get you into trouble in some situations.  For officers, it's a violation of Article 88, UCMJ, to speak, write, authorize, distribute or publish phrases that display contempt for the president or other high-ranking officials, even if the phrase is prefaced by "this is only my personal opinion"  The contemptuous language prohibitation does NOT apply to enlisted individuals.  HOWEVER, there is a provision in the UCMJ prohibiting disloyal statements, for officers and enlisted alike who take their personal statements too far (Art 134).  Examples include praising the enemy, attacking the war aims of the United States or disavowing your allegiance to our government.

The point is to choose your words carefully if you want to discuss politics, be certain your audience understand that you are NOT acting as a representatice of the Armed Forces'

In case any of you are interested, here's a link to the UCMJ....[linkhttp://usmilitary.about.com/library/milinfo/mcm/blmcm.htm">Link