UNCLASSIFIED 12 March 2008 Political Activities Rules of the Road

UNCLASSIFIED 12 March 2008 Army personnel spoke at McCain rally

UNCLASSIFIED 12 March 2008 The Issues Political Activities by Military Personnel Political Activities by Civilian Employees

UNCLASSIFIED 12 March 2008 References DoDD , Political Activities by Members of the Armed Forces on Active Duty, 2 Aug 04 DepSecDef memo, subject: Civilian Employees’ Participation in Political Activities, 31 May 2006 SecDef message Z Jun 06, DoD Public Affairs Policy Guidance Concerning Political Campaigns and Elections Political Activity of Federal Employees 5 CFR 734

UNCLASSIFIED 12 March 2008 DoD Policy “It is DoD policy to encourage members of the Armed Forces … to carry out the obligations of citizenship … however, members are prohibited from engaging in certain political activities.” DoD

UNCLASSIFIED 12 March 2008 Military Members May: Register to vote & vote Express purely personal opinions –Personal capacity ONLY (not as representative of Armed Forces) Encourage others to participate in political process Join a political club & attend meetings –NOT in uniform Submit personal letter to editor –Personal views ONLY (not as representative of Armed Forces) –Cannot be part of solicitation of votes or letter-writing campaign Give money to political organizations Display normal-sized bumper stickers

UNCLASSIFIED 12 March 2008 Military Members May Not: Use official authority or influence to affect campaign Be a candidate for or hold or exercise functions of civil office Participate in partisan political management, campaigns or conventions –Except as a spectator, not in uniform Allow or cause to be published partisan political articles that solicit votes for or against a party, candidate or cause Speak before a partisan political gathering Display large signs or posters on POVs

UNCLASSIFIED 12 March 2008 Civilian Employees May: Participate in political organizations –As officers –Attend / participate in conventions or rallies –Serve as delegates Take active part in political campaigns –Canvass voters –Endorse candidates (private capacity) –Address a political convention –Manage political campaign –Distribute literature