Posted on May 25, 2014
MSG Mitch Dowler
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Do active duty service members feel that their 1st amendment rights are limited or that personal comments could negatively impact their career? Does anyone limit their posts so that their unit will not become aware of political opinions, firearm ownership, or to conceal their personal life?
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Responses: 2
1SG Robert Branch
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Mitch, times sure must have change, for these questions even to be asked is so far out to me, I retired in 1970, went in back in the 40s. I may not could serve this day and time. Thanks for your service.
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CPT Richard Riley
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I would hope that posts are a general reflection of the legitimate person rather than having an "on-line" life and a real life. That said, provided you're not making comments or blogs that directly conflict with the military regulations and laws you are serving under, you should be within your personal rights to post them.
Sometimes just because you CAN do something, doesn't mean you should. By this I mean use your common sense and if it doesn't seem right, you'd probably be better off not doing it. Does that restrict your 1st amendment right - I don't believe it does.
There have been numerous threads on RallyPoint and other venues that discuss political opinions, firearm issues, and religion just to name a few. You will always have the right to your personal opinion - yet there will be times that some subject matter is best kept close to the vest .....
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CPL Charles Gale
CPL Charles Gale
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Sadly the Armed Forces doesn't exactly have freedom of speech. They have to conform the the bylaws of the UCMJ. With that being said I am not sure that people these day have the mental capacity to comprehend the the things thy post can be viewed by virtually anyone. You also have to take in account that the people viewing your comments might interpret it the wrong way.
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MSG(P) Michael Warrick
MSG(P) Michael Warrick
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I know if some leaders that have done so. 
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