Gifts
Department of Defense (DoD) employees may not accept or solicit gifts from a prohibited source or because of their official positions.
A gift includes any item having a monetary value. It does not include:
Refreshments or items with little intrinsic value (greeting cards, plaques, certificates, and trophies)
Prizes in events open to the public
Commercial discounts available to the public or military (not limited to individual members)
A “prohibited source” is any person who:
Seeks official action by the employee’s agency
Conducts or seeks business with the employee’s agency
Is regulated by the employee’s agency
Has interests that may be substantially affected by performance or nonperformance of the employee’s official duties
The most commonly encountered prohibited source is a DoD contractor.
Absent a personal relationship justifying the gift, federal employees generally may not give gifts to their superiors or solicit a gift/donation from another employee to either employee’s superior, with two exceptions:
Gifts, other than cash, with a value of $10 or less, on a birthday or holiday
On special, infrequent occasions like marriage, change of command, Permanent Change of Station or retirement, an employee may accept a gift from a group of subordinates not exceed a total value of $300
A federal employee may accept a gift from an outside source valued at $20 or less, per source, per occasion, not to exceed $50 in a calendar year. This is called the “$20/$50 rule.”
In addition, employees may accept gifts based solely on a family relationship, personal friendship, or outside business/employment relationship.
Finally, federal employees may accept free attendance at widely attended gatherings (e.g. a dinner or conference). “Widely attended” indicates an event that is open to members from a given industry, profession, or diverse group. Free attendance includes a waiver of all or a part of the fee. It does not include travel expenses or lodging.
If an employee has received a gift that cannot be accepted, the employee may return the gift, destroy it, or pay its fair market value. If the gift is perishable and it is not practical to return, the gift may, with approval, be given to a charity or shared in the office.
learn more about ethics
The Department of Defense requires certain military members and civilian employees to file annual financial disclosure forms to insure employees do not engage in official financial transactions or decision-making that, due to their private interests, present a conflict of interest.
In the United States, the constitutional tradition of a politically neutral military establishment under civilian control includes nonpartisanship by the military and the elimination of undue military influence on the political process.
Private organizations (POs) are self-sustaining special interest groups that operate on military installations with the written consent of the commander.
A Family Readiness Group (FRG) is an organization created to foster a climate of mutual support within the unit. FRG goals include supporting the military mission through support, outreach and information to family members.
FRG mission-essential activities are supported using a unit's appropriated funds.
Under federal law, the Joint Ethics Regulation and service regulations, members of the Department of Defense (DoD) shall not engage in any personal business or professional activity that presents a conflict between their private interests and the DoD public interest.
When traveling on civilian aircraft, military members are authorized to wear uniforms while traveling in coach class.
As a general rule, spouses and other family members of an authorized traveler may not accompany the military member or civilian employee on official business at government expense.
Spouses may travel at government expense in limited situations
Fundraising is the solicitation of funds from or sale of items to military and civilian personnel.
Before any group (to include squadron booster clubs, private organizations, unit advisory councils, etc.) engages in a fundraising activity, either on or off base, prior approval must be obtained from the installation commander or his designee.
DoD employees may not accept or solicit gifts from a prohibited source or given because of their official positions. A gift includes any item having a monetary value.
Government resources and property may only be used for authorized purposes.
With few exceptions, supporting non-federal entities (NFEs) -- even if the government is compensated or reimbursed -- is an improper use of funds and resources.
The base commander has the primary responsibility of controlling commercial activities on the installation.
