DOD has a longstanding policy of encouraging members to carry out the obligations of citizenship. DOD encourages its military and civilian members to register to vote and vote as they choose. Both groups can sign nominating petitions for candidates and express their personal opinions about candidates and issues.
However, officials emphasized, they can do so only if they don't act as, or aren't perceived as, representatives of the armed forces in carrying out these activities.
Beyond that, the list of do's and dont's differs depending on whether the employee is a member of the armed forces, a career civil service employee, a political appointee or a member of the career Senior Executive Service, officials said.
Military members, for example, may attend political meetings or rallies only as spectators and not in uniform. They're not permitted to make public political speeches, serve in any official capacity in partisan groups or participate in partisan political campaigns or conventions.
They also are barred from engaging in any political activities while in uniform.
DoD Directive 1344.10, Subj: Political Activities by Members of the Armed Forces.
Air Force Instruction 51-902., Subj: Political Activities by Members of the US Air Force.
Army AR 600-200., Subj: Army Command Policy, Para. 5-3, Political Activity, and Appendix B.
Navy. SECNAVINST 5720.44, Subj: Public Affairs Policy and Navy Regulations. Here's more from the Naval Inspector General who would investigate complaints for the Department of the Navy.
Marine Corps Order 5370.7B., Subj: Political Activities.
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