Would posting your thoughts on what’s currently going on (not using any form of identification of your enlistment) get you in trouble?

PFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 31 May 2020 22:06:54 -0400

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2020 10:19 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 31 May 2020 22:19:57 -0400

You’re allowed an opinion. Be respectful and don’t reference your military status or do it in uniform.

Response by SSG Brian G. made May 31 at 2020 11:11 PM

SSG Brian G. — Sun, 31 May 2020 23:11:57 -0400

As long as you frame what you say with the understanding that it is "as a citizen" and not that of a service member. You are not authorized to speak as such until you are actually given authorization to do so.

Best bet is to just not comments to "I am monitoring the situation but am trying to be objective." Stay off social media with any comments as they can easily be misconstrued and twisted especially if you do so in uniform.

Response by CPT Nick Moutos made May 31 at 2020 11:31 PM

CPT Nick Moutos — Sun, 31 May 2020 23:31:53 -0400

Not anymore. I’m retired.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made May 31 at 2020 11:57 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Sun, 31 May 2020 23:57:30 -0400

In Trouble? I Really Don't Have a Problem with Being In Trouble. Past Commander of the Kansas VFW. Retired Navy Spook. Trump is s Scumbag. As are His Supporters.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2020 12:20 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 Jun 2020 00:20:52 -0400

Comrade,
Although you have the right to your opinion, I wouldn't suggest you to post anything on the current situation in here. It will divide us. It's a pandora box you don't want to open in here.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2020 12:33 AM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 Jun 2020 00:33:43 -0400

Know that there are actual laws that restrict your political freedoms as a soldier. You will encounter these two time and again during your time in the Army - The Hatch Act and Article 88.

You are still a U.S. citizen and ought to act as such (voting, dicussing, etc.) but you must do so within a new ethical and political realm. This means unique legal ramifications for you as a member of a military organization that serves a democratic goverment.

We discussed some of the legal ramifications of political speech as service members here:

https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/can-military-service-members-criticize-former-presidents-at-any-level

Please verify your service here on RP.

Can military service members criticize former Presidents at any level? | RallyPoint

Thinking specifically of The Hatch Act, can military service members criticize former presidents at any level? This was brought up in an ROTC discussion about the Army Profession and Civilian-Military Relations. Edit: I was corrected on my use of the Hatch Act in this situation, it does necessarily apply (See below, "John Monette"). There are a few key parts to this question: "service members", "former", "any level". So more specifically, I...

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2020 8:56 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 Jun 2020 08:56:21 -0400

You are allowed to have an opinion on anything you’d like on your personal account. However, i’d caution that you are a soldier 24/7 and later on it could come back to haunt you when you for example: apply for additional security clearances.