Posted on Apr 30, 2016
When are military uniforms allowed at political rallies? I took this picture off my TV today at a Trump town hall meeting.
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Uniforms
Uniforms
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 150
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SFC Thomas Butler
MAJ Michael Flynn - Correct. Again, State of the Union is an official function of government. NOT a political rally which is OFF LIMITS to wear of the uniform. I fail to see how that is confusing. They're distintcly different.
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MAJ Michael Flynn
SFC Thomas Butler - Not confusing at all. If you wear your uniform you represent the military. If you wear it to a political function, unless you are posting the colors, you in effect are showing your support for the political activity regardless of what it is. When the President says "look at my token military person sitting next to my Spouse". it can be construed that the military person supports the President and his political party. I know they all do it. That doesn't make it right in my opinion. I'm done with this. 20 years active and I never gave up my right to think and believe what I thought was true and correct. Guess that was why most of my time was with SF and not conventional units.
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SFC Thomas Butler
The state of the union is a political function which is mandated by the Constitution as a mechanism to ensure communication between the branches of government. It is NOT a political event in which the wearing of the uniform implies that an active duty officer or service member is implying that all of those who wear the uniform favor a political candidate.
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If in an official capacity that is fine. Otherwise, it is a violation of the Hatch Act and you can definitely be punished for it.
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CPT Mark Gonzalez
CW4 (Join to see) - I'll have to go when the chief on this one. In my original post I said unless on official business, as I like to always assume there is a good explanation, but this one is hard. Maybe he is a poser.
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SSgt (Join to see)
MSgt Gerald Shoemaker - Article 92, failure to obey a lawful order or regulation...,
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SSG Ray Elliott
As a retiree I can tell you there are restrictions (often ignored) as to when you can wear your uniform. We may wear the uniform we wore at time of separation, or the current equivalent uniform for military functions ie: Military funerals, ceremonies, parades, we are also prohibited from wearing the uniform at political rallies, or to promote a personal business, etc. The rules for reservists, retirees and veterans are outlined in AR 670-1 Chapter 30.
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According to AR 670-1, 3-7k:
k. Wearing Army uniforms is prohibited in the following situations:
(1) In connection with the furtherance of any political or commercial interests, or when engaged in off-duty civilian
employment.
(2) When participating in public speeches, interviews, picket lines, marches, rallies, or public demonstrations, except
as authorized by the first O–5 in the chain of command.
(3) When attending any meeting or event that is a function of, or is sponsored by, an extremist organization.
(4) When wearing the uniform would bring discredit upon the Army, as determined by the commander.
(5) When specifically prohibited by Army regulations.
k. Wearing Army uniforms is prohibited in the following situations:
(1) In connection with the furtherance of any political or commercial interests, or when engaged in off-duty civilian
employment.
(2) When participating in public speeches, interviews, picket lines, marches, rallies, or public demonstrations, except
as authorized by the first O–5 in the chain of command.
(3) When attending any meeting or event that is a function of, or is sponsored by, an extremist organization.
(4) When wearing the uniform would bring discredit upon the Army, as determined by the commander.
(5) When specifically prohibited by Army regulations.
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SrA (Join to see)
But doesn't it raise the question why he would be sitting there listening in uniform? What other reason would there be in uniform, other than to show that you, as a service member is there in support? Or is it just a debate? I guess that line of questioning would depend ombré situation.
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SFC Bruce Pettengill
Maybe he was there to receive part of the 6 million dollars for the veterans Trump received. Oh yea he hasn't done that
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SFC (Join to see)
SSG (Join to see) - why do you think he was chosen to stand behind him for optics?
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SFC Thomas Butler
CW4 (Join to see) - He's in violation of 1 as well as several portions of the Hatch Act of 1939.
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