Clarifying DoD's Political Activities Regulations

As the presidential election nears, don't forget that there are regulations that govern service members concerning their participation in the political process. Military personnel must refrain from any political activity that could associate the service member with a partisan political candidate, group or activity. This means that military personnel may not campaign for a political candidate in a partisan election, speak at a partisan political gathering, hand out campaign literature, or solicit campaign contributions. They may not place a political sign on the lawn of their government quarters. On social media, they may follow, friend or like a party or a candidate, but may not post, forward, share, or re-Tweet links and comments from them. Members who violate these rules may face discipline for violating DoD Directive 1433.10 and pertinent provisions of the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

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