Military members must know, understand rules regarding political activities Published April 27, 2016 70th ISR Wing Public Affairs FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, MD -- As election season heats up, Airmen and federal employees must follow strict guidelines to ensure no wrongdoing. Department of Defense Directive 1344.10 and Air Force Instruction 51-902, outline what active duty service members are permitted and restricted from doing while acting in personal and official capacity. Service members who violate these directives could face punishment under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, according to Capt. Lindsey Callahan, 70th Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Wing deputy staff judge advocate. The Hatch Act (5 USC 7321-7325) applies to Department of Defense civilian employees. "It's important to understand [the rule regarding political activities] because it is the duty of every military member to comply with these rules. Our system of government is structured to prevent politicized military," added Callahan. "It is perhaps the most central tenet of our military that it should be neutral with regard to politics. While it's important to know the rules, Airmen must also understand the rules. "We take an oath to the Constitution - not to any one political party or any one person," Callahan said. "Individual members of the military may have their personal preferences as to political parties or candidates, but the Department of Defense or Air Force does not endorse a particular party or candidate." Members must be familiar with these regulations, because these rules also apply to social media. "Often, people forget that social media is a public forum," Callahan said. "Even though service members may believe only their friends will see something, there is no guarantee to ensure that. People will forward and share posts. Once it is on the internet, it is available for the world to see." When it comes to political participation, it is important to remember that military members CAN: · Register and vote · Express their personal political opinions (just make sure it is clearly personal and no one could mistake it for being official) · Encourage other to participate in the political process · Sign a petition for a specific legislative action (again, in a personal capacity and not as SSgt Snuffy) · Write a letter to the editor, but a disclaimer is required and the letter cannot solicit votes for a candidate · Donate money to a political organization, party or committee · Display a bumper sticker on their car, but just ONE and it has be a reasonable size · Place a poster supporting a candidate or issue on their lawn, as long as they live off-base · Become a "friend" or "like" the Facebook page or "follow" the Twitter account of a political party or partisan candidate, campaign or cause When it comes to political participation, it is important to remember that military members CANNOT: · Participate in partisan fundraising activities · Speak at a partisan political gathering · Wear the Uniform at a campaign or election event · Publish articles or endorsements that solicit votes · Participate in radio, television or other programs as an advocate for a partisan party, candidate or cause · "Like" or "re-tweet" a post soliciting for political contributions · Display a campaign logo or candidate photograph as a profile picture · Suggest that others "like," "friend," or "follow" the partisan account · Forward invitations to partisan events, solicit or fundraise "Every Airman plays a role in ensuring the U.S. military continues to be a non-political part of the government," said Callahan.