Does DoD now or ever support its members publicly discussing politics?

2020-10-18T10:09:14-04:00

I’m seeing a lot of political commentary by presumably active duty members on Rallypoint.
Rallypoint is far from a closed DoD community.

I remember being discouraged from doing that and continue to refrain from public other than with close friends, if only to maintain friendships. These conversations rarely remain civil in today’s discourse.

What say you? Should active members be having those discussions on this forum? Am I old-fashioned?

Response by SGT Javier Silva made Oct 18 at 2020 10:32 AM

2020-10-18T10:32:44-04:00

From the DoD website:
Under DOD Directive 1344.10, members of the armed forces who are on active duty are permitted to express their personal opinions on political candidates, make a monetary contribution to a campaign, sign a petition to place a candidate's name on the ballot, and attend a political event as a spectator. Members on active duty may not participate in partisan activities such as soliciting or engaging in partisan fundraiser activities, serving as the sponsor of a partisan club, or speaking before a partisan gathering. In addition, all military members, including National Guard and Reserve forces, are prohibited from wearing military uniforms at political campaign events.

https://www.defense.gov/ask-us/faq/Article/1774809/what-is-the-policy-for-participating-in-political-campaigns/

What is the policy for participating in political campaigns? U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE FAQ

The Department of Defense (DOD) encourages all military and civilian personnel and their eligible family members to register and vote. Certain provisions on campaign participation, however, apply to federal employees and members of the armed forces.As a,

Response by SGT Russell Wickham made Oct 18 at 2020 10:34 AM

2020-10-18T10:34:34-04:00

I once served under a captain who made know his elation that President Obama was reelected. It was not healthy, and it damaged the respect of the unit toward him. Our political persuasion is our personal business, and, in my opinion, it should stay that way. Service members should be encouraged to educate themselves, and they should vote, but discussing it brings division when there should be unity. Bury the political question.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Oct 18 at 2020 7:56 PM

2020-10-18T19:56:32-04:00

Active duty/Reserve/NG have regs/policy letters that enjoin them from political acts or support particularly while in uniform/ clothing identifying them as military. There is too damn politics in the service now anyway between people. Keep it home and be outside the muckraking.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 19 at 2020 10:59 AM

2020-10-19T10:59:13-04:00

As long as you are not posting in an official capacity or implying that your comments are in an official capacity , it's all gravy.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Oct 19 at 2020 4:35 PM

2020-10-19T16:35:44-04:00

It's a yes and no answer. Service members have a somewhat restricted freedom of political speech--includes civilian employees. Every election season, we were reminded of the restrictions under which we served. Probably haven't changed to today.

You can't do anything political while in uniform. You can't do anything in or out of uniform that would imply your service supports any specific candidate. You can support political candidates out of uniform as long as your actions do not reflect negatively on the Service.

As a supervisor, I discouraged my employees from discussing politics during duty hours. Such discussions take up time that is better spent performing mission functions. Also, these discussions can generate discord in the organization.

Response by LT Brad McInnis made Oct 19 at 2020 5:03 PM

2020-10-19T17:03:58-04:00

When I was active I never talked politics.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 19 at 2020 5:17 PM

2020-10-19T17:17:26-04:00

I've spoken out, but ID card says Indefinite and it's not good civics IMO. Free speech is great, but some level of decorum never hurts. The "more flies with honey than vinegar" bit, plus we are held to a higher standard of at least a semblance of loyalty once we start taking Oaths. As long as it's fact-based, and some find humor in it, the political chatter is part of the picture. Not like Election is 2 weeks away or anything. I'm apolitical and equal opportunity as I distrust all pols equally. My 2 pesos.