The 1st Amendment and the US military

We have the same protections under the Constitution. We accept an additional responsibility of representing the country when in uniform, which may not completely align with our personal opinions. The positive reputation that we strive to achieve and maintain with the American people means we have to do our best to appear impartial and be the protectors of all, not just those who we share philosophical viewpoints with. This includes not saying anything that might damage the trust in the profession of arms we seek to build. Frustrating? Yes. This is but one aspect of military service that sets us apart from citizens who have never served and shouldered that responsibility.

We are afforded the same protections under the Constitution as all citizens... unless we are in uniform or acting in an official capacity. Then the subordinate relationship between elected leaders and uniformed servicemembers comes into play.
I have an opinion.
I can vote.
I can disagree with a policy, so long as I don't make that disagreement a personal one with an elected or appointed official.
I can assemble - just not in uniform.
I can observe any religion I choose.

My speech is not abridged, I just have to be smart about when and where I exercise that right.

I think the protections forwarded to members are correct. When on active orders, they are agents of the government &, therefore, under restrictions about speaking too harshly about said government. While they may speak out privately, they should not put forth a message that they lean one way or another on any particular issue (unless it is necessary for the good of the service). It is in the best interest that active members remain as publicly neutral as possible.