Army Regulations on Expressing Political Views?

Question

I am just wondering what are the Army Regulations and possibly the Army Europe Regulations on what exactly I can do to express my views and wants in this upcoming election. Am I allowed to wear clothing to support someone, bumper stickers on my car, donating money..etc. I am just wondering because I always love to show my support, now I feel like I don't have as loud of a voice as I once did. Thanks for you help!

-SPC Beck

Answer 1

There could be local issues concerning the bumper stickers, one just never knows how nervous some Commanders can be about avoiding controversy.

The UCMJ as far as I recall has nothing about it. AR 670-1 has this to say:

j. Wearing Army uniforms is prohibited in the following situations:

(1) In connection with the furtherance of any political or commercial interests, or when engaged in off-duty civilian

employment.

(2) When participating in public speeches, interviews, picket lines, marches, rallies, or public demonstrations, except

as authorized by competent authority.

(3) When attending any meeting or event that is a function of, or is sponsored by, an extremist organization.

(4) When wearing the uniform would bring discredit upon the Army.

(5) When specifically prohibited by Army regulations.

What they don't want are folks wearing uniform to any event that is not military or patriotic. There are some exceptions BUT again the intent is for the military to be neutral on politics "while in uniform" so it does not create the appearance of  Army wide support one way or the other.

Ask your squad leader to ask Top or if it's OK for you to ask him/her.

SSG US Army 73-82

The Regs are so numerous with things buried within places you cannot guess it is better to put it to the more experienced.

2 thumbs up for Johnny. I did not see what was relevant in aer 190-1. The DOD doc says is all!

Answer 2

AR 600-20, and here's the big one for enlisted: DOD Directive 1344.10.

ART 88 DOES NOT apply to enlisted soldiers.

As for bumper stickers, in Europe, the reg is AER 190-1. It's not on USAPA, just google "Army in Europe Regulation 190-1".

Answer 3

Ok Specialist here's the big deal on supporting your candidate. You may wear shirts, buttons etc supporting your choice as long as the items are not offensive towards others.  Wearing a T-shirt that says Obamas a terrorist, vote for McCain wouldn't be a good idea bro.  You may donate money to the campaign of your choice as well as attending any support rallys that candidate may have in your area.  Here's the don'ts for you.  Do Not wear your uniform or anything that will identify you as a member as the US Army to a support rally or anti-rally.  The reason for this is mainly due to the fact that the press will hone in on this and make the presumption you are representing the general ideology of the branch you're serving in. You can do about anything else you wish to do in support of your candidate during this election period though.  

Answer 4

It's best to keep that sort of stuff to yourself any way.  The best way to show your support is to vote.

Answer 5

Regulations on political activity are the same for the entire DoD. In a nut shell, don't do anything in uniform or while on duty. When out of uniform and off duty don't identify yourself as a military member as that could be considered 'an endorsement' and don't do anything that might be considered 'conduct unbecoming'. As members of the Armed Forces, we should strive to appear to be 'A'-Political... Check the DoD Regs.

Answer 6

Well I know of a CO that voiced his opinion of Clinton before he was president and he was either discharged or sent to a less desirable location (can't remember which though I would have to ask my dad about that one). I know it's hard but you and your family are pretty much highly discouraged (is the way I guess I would put it) from discussing politics, especially when it comes to your (potential) boss. Even if your wife or children say something undesirable it could effect your career....