Political Activities: Airmen should know their limits Published Oct. 28, 2014 By Senior Airman Hailey Staker 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- The 2014 midterm election is fast approaching and with the campaign season in full swing, political events present an opportunity for servicemembers to get into unnecessary trouble. Imagine this scenario: Airman Snuffy hears about a lobbying effort in which a veterans group wants people to e-mail their congressional representatives and tell them to vote yes on a bill that would double the pay for all military personnel and lower the retirement requirement to just 10 years! Being super excited about the possibility of a huge paycheck and early retirement, he forwards an e-mail using his government email to his buddies in the squadron telling them about the bill and encouraging them to email congress. After all, it will hugely benefit the military, so it's okay to use military computers, right? Would it be okay if a chief or first sergeant sent it out instead? Answers: no, and NO! While voting is a constitutional right, there are laws and regulations set in place outlining what military and civilian employees of the Federal Government can and cannot do regarding politics. The Hatch Act limits partisan political activities of federal government employees and applies to all military and civilian personnel. Military personnel are also required to follow Air Force Instruction 51-902, Political Activities by Members of the U.S. Air Force, which outlines both permissible and prohibited political activities for military members. If an Airman wants to get involved in politics while in the military, they must read this AFI. It is very easy to understand and is free of technical and legal terms. Airmen are allowed to promote and encourage voting, however, while on duty, at work, in uniform or using government resources, they are not allowed to promote a specific candidate nor express personal opinions on political issues. You may also join a political club and attend meetings or rallies, as well as attend partisan or nonpartisan political gatherings as a spectator, but may not be in uniform. Whether in or out of uniform, they must never let people think they are representative of the military. Included under AFI 51-902 are regulations prohibiting specific activities such as being a candidate or holding civil office or participating in a partisan political campaign. If an Airman ever wants to run for any office while on active duty, he or she should contact the Legal Office for guidance. Airmen may not, as an official Air Force representative, attend partisan political events even if not actively participating. They may not display large political signs, posters or banners on personal vehicles that they drive on-base. Bumper stickers are authorized as long as they are not excessive and do not draw attention to the vehicle. Servicemembers must also refrain from using government funds or resources such as duty time, offices, computers, printers and e-mail to participate in partisan political activities (supporting candidates AND supporting causes). It is also wise to avoid discussing politics in an official capacity, such as at work, as it could negatively impact order, discipline and morale in the workplace. Violations are chargeable under Article 92 and Article 134, Uniform Code of Military Justice, and can range from verbal counseling to a court-martial. For more information, contact the Legal Office at (605) 385-2329.