If my spouse or one of my dependents speaks negatively about the Command in Chief, will I be reprimanded or counseled?

SGT Benjamin Dutill — Thu, 27 Mar 2014 09:48:54 -0400

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.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2014 9:57 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Mar 2014 09:57:42 -0400

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.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Mar 27 at 2014 10:15 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Thu, 27 Mar 2014 10:15:39 -0400

I suspect you'll be fine. There's no civilian law against having an opinion.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2014 11:12 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Mar 2014 11:12:40 -0400

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.

Response by SSG Zachery Mitchell made Mar 27 at 2014 11:44 AM

SSG Zachery Mitchell — Thu, 27 Mar 2014 11:44:22 -0400

It is your families 1st amendment right to say whatever they please about whomever they please.

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Mar 27 at 2014 1:17 PM

SFC William Swartz Jr — Thu, 27 Mar 2014 13:17:24 -0400

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.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Mar 27 at 2014 2:50 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Thu, 27 Mar 2014 14:50:19 -0400

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.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2014 5:13 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Mar 2014 17:13:29 -0400

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.

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Apr 6 at 2014 12:03 PM

SGM Matthew Quick — Sun, 06 Apr 2014 12:03:07 -0400

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.