With election activity steadily picking up, the Department of Defense (DoD) is issuing regular election-year guidance to remind military and Defense Department civilians that they are subject to several sets of rules regulating their involvement in political activities. DOD Directive 1344.10 applies to most members of the armed forces. Also, the Hatch Act applies to federal civilian employees, and employees also are subject to widely published DoD guidance that discusses participation in political campaigns and elections. These rules are designed to prevent military members' or federal civilian employees' participation in political activities that imply -- or even appear to imply -- official sponsorship, approval or endorsement.
For coverage of political issues that impact servicemembers and veterans, visit the Military.com Legislative Center.
