Posted on Mar 27, 2014
If my spouse or one of my dependents speaks negatively about the Command in Chief, will I be reprimanded or counseled?
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My Step Daughter and Spouse are both non-supporters of the President of the United States and they are both very opinionated about it, especially on social websites (myspace, facebook, twitter, etc.) and I have asked them several times out of respect for our current Commander in Chief, that they not post negative comments about him while I'm still active in the Armed Forces. Seeing how that they are my dependents and they're my responsibility, will I as a member of the Armed Forces be reprimanded or counseled if they keep up the shenanigans, so to speak.
Posted in these groups: 
Spouses
Dependents
Spouses Dependents
Posted 12 y ago
Responses: 8
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They can say whatever they want, but fair warning: a friend of mine has a stepdaughter who was on his social media account (Facebook or Twitter) making disparaging remarks about President Obama that could have been construed as threatening. Investigators came to our workplace to question him about it, and it could have affected his security clearance. Please make sure your families are using the internet responsibly.
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SFC (Join to see)
That's a good point SFC Watkins. If SGT Dutill's family members post anything on HIS account/wall that is questionable he should delete them (the comments) immediately.
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It is your families 1st amendment right to say whatever they please about whomever they please.
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Unless they do something that is illegal then you are g-to-g; they have the right to espouse their dislike or full-on support for whatever candidate, party or occupant of 1600 Pennsylvania Ave they so choose.
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I suspect you'll be fine. There's no civilian law against having an opinion.
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Your family is allowed to participate in political rallies, campaigns, etc. as they see fit. They can also say what they want about whomever they want. I suppose if they start holding protest signs, or otherwise bring their political beliefs to light at FRG meetings or other unit functions than your command may learn of it and pull you aside. You may be counseled as a formality to inform you of your duties and responsibilities, as well as acceptable behavior of your dependents, but in my opinion so long as they are voicing their opinions on social media it shouldn't have any effects on your career.
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SFC (Join to see)
Federal Law (Titles 10, 2, and 18, United States Code), Department of
Defense (DOD) Directives, and specific military regulations strictly
specify a military active duty person's participation in partisan
political activities.
Things that a soldier on active status cannot do ( may be relevant in this case):
Please also reference Art 88 and Art 92 of the UCMJ, as well as DoD Directive 1344.10.
Defense (DOD) Directives, and specific military regulations strictly
specify a military active duty person's participation in partisan
political activities.
Things that a soldier on active status cannot do ( may be relevant in this case):
Cannot - Display a large political sign, banner, or poster (as distinguished from a bumper sticker) on a private vehicle.
Cannot - Display a partisan political sign, poster, banner, or
similar device visible to the public at one’s residence on a military
installation, even if that residence is part of a privatized housing
development.
Please also reference Art 88 and Art 92 of the UCMJ, as well as DoD Directive 1344.10.
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No you are not subject to UCMJ for things your Wife and step
daughter say. That being said keep in mind that when you are applying for a
security clearance part of the process is to screen family and associates and
depending on what they say it could have a negative impact on your ability to
obtain a clearance. Social Media has proven to be an issue for many Soldiers
trying to get a clearance.
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I campaigned both times for President Obama but that is a very valid question and concern. I would hope and say that they should be allowed to, it is their 1st Amendment Right. You signed the dotted line, they didn't. Now if you and they are living on base and enjoying the full and complete benefits, I would consider it Hypocritical but still within their 1st Amendment Rights.
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SSgt (Join to see)
SFC Chris, More PC Bullspit. You know it and I do too. I am so sick of the 1984 Orwellian spirit of this administration.
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Seems the issue is greater than worrying about a military counseling...seems your family does not respect you.
If you've asked your family to not or at least calm down their opinions against the President (according to polls, over 1/2 the country is against his policies...so I don't see the issue) and they've not obliged, may want to have a sincere heart-to-heart conversation with them.
If you've asked your family to not or at least calm down their opinions against the President (according to polls, over 1/2 the country is against his policies...so I don't see the issue) and they've not obliged, may want to have a sincere heart-to-heart conversation with them.
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