Political guidelines addressed for combatants

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Eric Schloeffel
  • 347th Rescue Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. (ACCNS) --  While upcoming elections give Airmen and Department of Defense civilians an opportunity to voice their opinions, there are guidelines they need to know before participating in political activities.

These rules are designed to maintain the military's image as a neutral entity of the government, said Lynn Emond, Moody voting assistance officer.

"As a branch of the DOD, the Air Force supports the commander-in-chief," she said. "The military has to be apolitical, in the sense that we support the process instead of determining the process."

There are two publications that provide guidance on the do's and don'ts of political participation: Air Force Instruction 51-902, Political Activities by Members of the U.S. Air Force, and the Hatch Act for DoD civilians.

Some of AFI 51-902's main guidelines for Airmen prohibit the participation in the following activities:

- Use of official authority or influence to interfere with an election, solicit votes for a particular candidate or issue, or to require or solicit political contributions from others

- Participate in partisan political management, campaigns or conventions, or make political speeches in the course of such activity

- Speak before a partisan political gathering of any kind for promoting a partisan political party or candidate

- Participate in any radio, television, or other program or group discussion as an advocate of a partisan political party or candidate

- Conduct a political opinion survey under the auspices of a partisan political group, or distribute partisan political literature

- Attend, as an official representative of the Armed Forces, partisan political events, even without actively participating

Airmen are encouraged to remain politically aware and express their personal opinions on candidates and issues, but not as a representative of the Air Force.

Airmen are also allowed to attend political meetings and clubs when not in uniform.
Though possibly confusing, the regulation is intended to forbid political participation but allow "spectating," said Capt. Sean Elameto, 347th Rescue Wing judge advocate office.

"You need to ask yourself why you are there," the captain said. "Are you spectating or are you there to actively encourage others to vote for a particular party or issue?"

The Hatch Act is less restrictive than AFI 51-902, and allows active participation in political gatherings. DoD civilians are also allowed to manage campaigns, serve as a spokesperson for a party or candidate and speak in front of political assemblies.

Civilians are also permitted to run for office during nonpartisan elections.
Neither Airmen or DoD civilians are allowed to engage in political activity during duty hours or in a government vehicle.

The elections in November will decide 435 House of Representatives, 33 Senate seats and 36 state governors, in addition to many state and local elections.

Despite the regulations on political engagement, the Air Force highly encourages Airmen and DoD civilians to uphold their civic duty and vote in upcoming elections, said Ms. Emond.

"The Air Force works hard to ensure individuals have the ability to vote and are given all the support they need to do that," she said. The Federal Voting Assistance center can be reached at 1-800-438-VOTE, and via the Internet at http://www.fvap.gov.