Political Activity Restrictions for Military Members
In the US, 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.
This principle of political neutrality is also applicable to federal employees under the Hatch Act. The Hatch Act protects the tenure of federal employees by separating political activity from employment, promotion, and dismissal actions, and removes federal employees from the arena of political activity.
Members are allowed and encouraged to participate personally in the political process, including voting or supporting a particular candidate, organization or issue.
Care must be taken to insulate personal views from actions that could be perceived as representing the service.
Military members may:
Register and vote in any election
Express personal opinions as individuals citizens on candidates and issues, but not as a representative of the military
Make voluntary campaign contributions to political parties or organizations, subject to certain limitations
Attend partisan and nonpartisan political gatherings as spectators when not in uniform
Campaign for, and hold, elective partisan and non-partisan civil office if held in a private capacity which does not interfere with the performance of military duties as long as they are not serving on extended active duty (in excess of 270 days)
Members may not:
Campaign or solicit votes or contributions in his official military capacity or on any military installation
Attend partisan political events in uniform or as a representative of the Armed Forces
Be a candidate for office except as authorized by DoDD 1344.10
Display partisan signs in base housing
Use of base facilities, clubs, and meeting areas to support partisan campaign activities is prohibited.
Traditional Guard members are not restricted in their political activities to the same extent as active duty Title 10 personnel.
There are more restrictions on political activities of federal technicians than on traditional Guard members.
Reservists and guardsman on active duty Title 10 orders for more than 30 days must comply with the active duty rules.
learn more about government 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.
