Troops Must Follow Rules for Political Activities

[unhappycamper]

Troops Must Follow Rules for Political Activities
Air Force Print News | February 22, 2008

WASHINGTON -- As U.S. servicemembers and Defense Department civilians ponder candidates during the election season, they should realize there are limits placed upon their involvement in certain political activities.

Political-related "dos and don'ts" pertaining to military members of all service branches are proscribed within Defense Department Directive 1344.10, titled: Political Activities by Members of the Armed Forces on Active Duty.

The federal Hatch Act delineates what federal civilians, including those working for the Defense Department, may or may not do in the political realm.

For example, servicemembers and government civilians may attend political events like meetings and rallies, but military members must only be spectators and not wear their uniforms.

In addition, troops aren't permitted to make public political speeches, serve in any official capacity within political groups or take part in partisan political campaigns or conventions.


Rest of article at: http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,162606,00.html

[hobbit709]

1. IOKIYAR

Then the rules don't apply-at least not for the last 8 years.