Army Times reports: A Colorado lawmaker wants the Defense Department to remind active-duty and reserve service members about the rules limiting participation in partisan political events. Rep. Mike Coffman, R-Colo., a member of the House Armed Services Committee who served in the Army and Marine Corps, said in a Thursday letter to Defense Secretary Leon Panetta that he thinks existing regulations are fine but that troops may need a reminder. Show
It is 2012, it is a presidential election year. That means there are potential problems for military personnel (active, Guard, Reserve, or retired) who want to be involved in the political process beyond military voting. If you violate one or more of the rules, regulations, or statutes governing political participation and acts you can find yourself being in a disciplinary situation. Here are links to an example of how a military member can get in trouble over politics.
Nothing in the rules prohibits or restricts a military member registering to vote or voting, or donating to politicians or political parties; that is the personal choice of each member. What the rules do restrict or limit is how an individual may advocate on behalf of a political party, candidate, or elected official. The greatest restriction is that Active-duty service-members are strictly prohibited from military voting including campaigning for political office or actively taking part in a political campaign - even behind the scenes. This is generally known as partisan political activity: an "activity supporting or relating to candidates representing, or issues specifically identified with, national or State political parties and associated or ancillary organizations." Overseas members of the military and their families are guaranteed the right to vote by the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act. However, the difficulties of obtaining absentee ballots in remote and dangerous areas of the world and returning them in time have led to shockingly high rates of disenfranchisement. The Military and Overseas Voter Empowerment Act (MOVE Act) of 2009 required changes by 2010 intended to provide greater military voting opportunities. Where can I Find the Military Voting Rules and How do They Apply to Me DoD Directive 1344.10, Subj: Political Activities by Members of the Armed Forces. Air Force Instruction 51-902., Subj: Political Activities by Members of the US Air Force. Army AR 600-200., Subj: Army Command Policy, Para. 5-3, Political Activity, and Appendix B. Coast Guard Navy. SECNAVINST 5720.44, Subj: Public Affairs Policy and Navy Regulations. Here's more from the Naval Inspector General who would investigate complaints for the Department of the Navy. Marine Corps Order 5370.7B., Subj: Political Activities. Some General Principles
There are Various Criminal Statutes That Also Affect What, When, Where, and How 2 U.S.C. § 441a. Federal election campaigns: limitation on contributions and expenditures. 10 U.S.C. § 973: duties of officers on active duty; performance of civil functions restricted. 18 U.S.C. Chapter 29, Elections and Political Activities; 18 U.S.C. § 1913. DoD 5500.7-R, Joint Ethics Regulation, Chapters 2, 3, 5 & 6. Article 88, UCMJ.
Article 92, UCMJ. Violations of the various regulations and laws will likely be prosecuted under this article as an orders violation. When posting on social media sites which directive gives guidelines for political activities?Guidance on Political Activity and DOD Support
You must adhere to the policy in Department of Defense Directive 1344.10 when posting any political content, which includes: Cannot participate in any interview or discussion as an advocate for or against a party, candidate or cause.
What are the objectives of the Marine Corps promotion system?The basic goal of the system is to advance the best-qualified Marines to higher grades so MOS/OccFld vacancies in the enlisted structure will be continuously occupied by Marines who are fully qualified to perform the duties and to assume the responsibilities of the next higher grade.
Which of the following are security measures you should follow when using social media?Safety Tips for Social Networking. Manage your privacy settings. ... . Remember: once posted, always posted. ... . Build a positive online reputation. ... . Keep personal info personal. ... . Protect your computer. ... . Know what action to take. ... . Use strong passwords. ... . Be cautious on social networking sites.. Which of the following goals are described in the preamble to the Constitution of the United States of America?“We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union, establish justice, ensure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of ...
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