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Members of WHAT ARE WE FIGHTING FOR?™ who remain in military service are cautioned and reminded that certain policies, instructions and/or regulations exist that govern and or direct their activities, behavior as those activities and behaviors relate to DISSIDENT AND PROTEST ACTIVITIES, POLITICAL ACTIVITIES, DOD PUBLIC AFFAIRS POLICY GUIDANCE CONCERNING POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS AND ELECTIONS, etc.


Our mission statement states:

    It is the mission of What Are We Fighting For?™ to establish leadership and guidance to coordinate individual and group activities across the nation in support of our troops and the “re-Americanization” of America, to remind citizens that “Freedom ain’t free" and to tell “the rest of the story” that is being ignored by the liberal media at the detriment of our country and those men and women who have volunteered to protect that country.

    The founders of this organization believe that circumstances on both the global and national levels have conspired to create a set of conditions in which the liberties and freedoms won by our fore fathers and guaranteed by our Constitution are being and will continue to be eroded by special interest groups, rampant and uncontrolled illegal immigration, political agendas and biased news agencies more concerned with creating news than reporting it. Furthermore, it is our intent to ignite not inflame that great “silent majority” of Americans that want to see this country return to its roots, protect its citizens and their rights to free speech, freedom of religion and those “unalienable rights to life liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

    Military members are cautioned to present themselves in accordance with existing DoD instructions, policies and regulations. To assist you we have excerpted parts or all of certain relevant documents for you. These are primarily focused on Air Force members. Other branches of service may have additional requirements in these areas of interest.



DOD PUBLIC AFFAIRS POLICY GUIDANCE CONCERNING POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS AND ELECTIONS ADDRESSEES PASS TO ALL SUBORDINATE COMMANDS Current as of June, 2006

1. COMMANDERS SHALL COMPLY WITH THIS POLICY GUIDANCE CONCERNING POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS AND ELECTIONS. THIS GUIDANCE GOVERNS ACTIVITIES RELATING TO FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS AND ELECTIONS. CONSISTENT WITH THIS GUIDANCE, COMMANDERS SHOULD ENCOURAGE AND WELCOME VISITS BY CANDIDATES SEEKING TO RECEIVE BRIEFINGS, TOURS, OR OTHER OFFICIAL DOD INFORMATION. FURTHER, NOTHING IN THIS GUIDANCE IS INTENDED TO INHIBIT THE APPROPRIATE REPRESENTATION BY ELECTED OFFICIALS OF CONSTITUENTS WHO HAPPEN TO LIVE OR WORK ON A MILITARY INSTALLATION.



2. THIS MESSAGE SUPERSEDES REF. A, AND SHALL REMAIN IN EFFECT UNTIL AMENDED. ADDRESSEES WILL ENSURE WIDEST DISSEMINATION, IMPLEMENTATION, AND COMPLIANCE.



3. NATIONAL GUARD ARMORIES AND OTHER STATE FACILITIES SHOULD REVIEW APPLICABLE STATE LAW FOR ADDITIONAL GUIDANCE AND RESTRICTIONS.



4. POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS AND ELECTIONS DEFINED. A POLITICAL CAMPAIGN OR ELECTION BEGINS WHEN A CANDIDATE, INCLUDING AN INCUMBENT OFFICE-HOLDER, MAKES A FORMAL ANNOUNCEMENT THAT HE OR SHE SEEKS TO BE ELECTED TO A FEDERAL, STATE, OR LOCAL POLITICAL OFFICE. A POLITICAL CAMPAIGN OR ELECTION ALSO BEGINS WHEN AN INDIVIDUAL FILES A CANDIDACY WITH THE FEDERAL ELECTION COMMISSION OR EQUIVALENT STATE OR LOCAL REGULATORY OFFICE. ONCE INITIATED, A POLITICAL CAMPAIGN OR ELECTION DOES NOT END UNTIL ONE WEEK AFTER THE CONCLUSION OF THE RELEVANT ELECTION.



5. GENERAL POLICY. AS A MATTER OF LONG-STANDING POLICY, DOD PERSONNEL ACTING IN THEIR OFFICIAL CAPACITY MAY NOT ENGAGE IN ACTIVITIES THAT ASSOCIATE DOD WITH ANY PARTISAN POLITICAL CAMPAIGN OR ELECTION, CANDIDATE, CAUSE OR ISSUE. POLITICAL ACTIVITY BY MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES CONTINUES TO BE GOVERNED BY REF. B. POLITICAL ACTIVITY BY FEDERAL CIVILIAN PERSONNEL CONTINUES TO BE GOVERNED BY REFS. C AND D.



6. INQUIRIES FROM POLITICAL CAMPAIGN ORGANIZATIONS. DOD PERSONNEL MUST FORWARD ALL INQUIRIES FROM POLITICAL CAMPAIGN ORGANIZATIONS TO A PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER (PAO) FOR AWARENESS AND APPROPRIATE ACTION. IN RESPONSE TO SPECIFIC INQUIRIES, PAOS WILL ONLY PROVIDE INFORMATION THAT IS AVAILABLE TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC. REF. E PERTAINS. THIS DOES NOT APPLY TO INQUIRIES FROM THE OFFICIAL OFFICES OR STAFF OF ELECTED OFFICIALS.



7. DOD NEWSPAPERS, MAGAZINES, AND PUBLICATIONS. PER REF. F, DOD NEWSPAPERS, MAGAZINES, AND CIVILIAN ENTERPRISE PUBLICATIONS WILL NOT PUBLISH INFORMATION PROVIDED BY A CANDIDATE'S CAMPAIGN ORGANIZATION, PARTISAN ADVERTISEMENTS AND DISCUSSIONS, OR CARTOONS, EDITORIALS, AND COMMENTARIES DEALING WITH POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS OR ELECTIONS, CANDIDATES, CAUSES, OR ISSUES. PER REF. G, DOD NEWSPAPERS AND CIVILIAN ENTERPRISE PUBLICATIONS MAY NOT CONDUCT OR PUBLISH POLLS, SURVEYS, OR STRAW VOTES RELATING TO POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS OR ELECTIONS, CANDIDATES, CAUSES, OR ISSUES.



8. AMERICAN FORCES RADIO AND TELEVISION SERVICE(AFRTS) PER REFS. H AND I, AFRTS WILL PROVIDE A FREE FLOW OF BALANCED, INFORMATIONAL COVERAGE OF POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS AND ELECTIONS PROVIDED BY U.S. COMMERCIAL AND PUBLIC NETWORKS FREE OF CHARGE. AFRTS WILL EXERCISE GREAT CARE TO PROVIDE NEWS REGARDING POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS AND ELECTIONS ABSENT POLITICAL COMMENT, ANALYSIS, OR INTERPRETATION. ALTHOUGH AFRTS MAY INCLUDE POLITICAL COMMENT, ANALYSIS, OR INTERPRETATION FROM SOURCES PROVIDED BY U.S. COMMERCIAL AND PUBLIC NETWORKS FREE OF CHARGE AS PART OF ITS INFORMATIONAL COVERAGE, AFRTS WILL NOT SUPPORT OR OPPOSE ANY CANDIDATES, CAUSES, OR ISSUES. ADDITIONALLY, AFRTS WILL NOT BROADCAST ADVERTISEMENTS OR ANNOUNCEMENTS PAID FOR BY A CANDIDATE, AN ORGANIZED POLITICAL PARTY, OR A PRIVATE GROUP SEEKING TO INFLUENCE THE OUTCOME OF A POLITICAL CAMPAIGN OR ELECTION.



9. USE OF INSTALLATION FACILITIES BY CANDIDATES. INSTALLATION COMMANDERS WILL NOT PERMIT THE USE OF INSTALLATION FACILITIES BY ANY CANDIDATE FOR POLITICAL CAMPAIGN OR ELECTION EVENTS, INCLUDING: PUBLIC ASSEMBLIES OR TOWN HALL MEETINGS, SPEECHES, FUND-RAISERS, PRESS CONFERENCES, POST-ELECTION CELEBRATIONS, AND CONCESSION ADDRESSES. THIS POLICY DOES NOT PROHIBIT MEMBERS OF CONGRESS AND OTHER ELECTED OFFICIALS FROM VISITING MILITARY INSTALLATIONS TO RECEIVE BRIEFINGS, TOURS, OR OTHER OFFICIAL DOD INFORMATION. INSTALLATION COMMANDERS WILL ENSURE THAT CANDIDATES WHO VISIT MILITARY INSTALLATIONS TO CONDUCT OFFICIAL BUSINESS DO NOT ENGAGE IN ANY POLITICAL CAMPAIGN OR ELECTION ACTIVITY DURING THE VISIT. THE PRECEDING PROHIBITION DOES NOT APPLY TO THE PRESIDENT, THE VICE PRESIDENT, OR THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. TO AVOID THE APPEARANCE OF PREFERENTIAL TREATMENT, INSTALLATION COMMANDERS SHOULD OFFER ALL CANDIDATES FOR NATIONAL OFFICE WHO ARE NOT CURRENT MEMBERS OF CONGRESS OR SERVING GOVERNMENTAL OFFICIALS THE SAME ACCESS TO INSTALLATIONS AS ANY OTHER UNOFFICIAL VISITOR. INSTALLATION COMMANDERS SHOULD CONSULT THE OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF DEFENSE FOR LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS FOR GUIDANCE OR INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING SPECIFIC VISITATION REQUESTS.



10. MEDIA COVERAGE OF INSTALLATION VISITS. WHEN AN INSTALLATION COMMANDER INVITES A CANDIDATE TO AN INSTALLATION TO PARTICIPATE IN OFFICIAL BUSINESS, AND THE MEDIA SEEKS TO COVER THE EVENT, THE CANDIDATE MAY APPEAR ON CAMERA AND IN PHOTOGRAPHS AS AN OFFICIAL PARTICIPANT, AND MAY MAKE A STATEMENT OR ANSWER QUESTIONS ABOUT THE OFFICIAL BUSINESS BEING CONDUCTED. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES MAY A CANDIDATE RECEIVE APPROVAL TO MAKE A CAMPAIGN OR ELECTION-RELATED STATEMENT OR TO RESPOND TO A CAMPAIGN OR ELECTION-RELATED MEDIA QUERY. WHEN AN ELECTED OFFICIAL ARRIVES OR DEPARTS A MILITARY INSTALLATION VIA MILITARY AIRCRAFT, THE INSTALLATION COMMANDER WILL NOT AUTHORIZE MEDIA COVERAGE OF THE ARRIVAL OR DEPARTURE IF THE ELECTED OFFICIAL'S ITINERARY INCLUDES POLITICAL CAMPAIGN OR ELECTION ACTIVITY IN THE LOCAL COMMUNITY. THE PRECEDING PROHIBITION DOES NOT APPLY TO THE PRESIDENT, THE VICE PRESIDENT, OR THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. WHEN THE PRESIDENT, VICE PRESIDENT, OR SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE ARRIVES OR DEPARTS A MILITARY INSTALLATION VIA MILITARY AIRCRAFT AND PART OF THAT OFFICIAL'S ITINERARY INCLUDES POLITICAL CAMPAIGN OR ELECTION ACTIVITY IN SUPPORT OF A PARTICULAR CANDIDATE, THE INSTALLATION COMMANDER WILL ALLOW THE MEDIA A PHOTO OPPORTUNITY TO COVER THE ARRIVAL OR DEPARTURE OF THE PRESIDENT, VICE PRESIDENT, OR SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE. INSTALLATION COMMANDERS ANTICIPATING A VISIT BY THE PRESIDENT, VICE PRESIDENT, OR SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE THAT MAY INVOLVE POLITICAL CAMPAIGN OR ELECTION ACTIVITIES SHOULD COORDINATE WITH OSD-LA AND STAFF ASSISTANTS PLANNING THE VISIT TO ENSURE ALL CONCERNED ARE AWARE OF THE PROVISIONS OF DOD'S PUBLIC AFFAIRS POLICY GUIDANCE.



11. FACILITATION OF MEDIA AVAILABILITY ON DOD INSTALLATIONS OR USING DOD RESOURCES WHEN ASSOCIATED WITH OFFICIAL TRAVEL IS AUTHORIZED AND ENCOURAGED.



12. SUPPORT OF POLITICAL EVENTS BY MILITARY PERSONNEL. DOD MAINTAINS A LONG-STANDING POLICY THAT DOD PERSONNEL ACTING IN THEIR OFFICIAL CAPACITY MAY NOT ENGAGE IN ACTIVITIES THAT ASSOCIATE DOD WITH ANY PARTISAN POLITICAL CAMPAIGN OR ELECTION, CANDIDATE, CAUSE, OR ISSUE. CONSISTENT WITH THIS POLICY GUIDANCE, INSTALLATION COMMANDERS WILL DECLINE REQUESTS FOR MILITARY PERSONNEL TO APPEAR IN OR SUPPORT POLITICAL CAMPAIGN OR ELECTION EVENTS. ALL MILITARY PERSONNEL, INCLUDING NATIONAL GUARD AND RESERVE FORCES, ARE PROHIBITED FROM WEARING MILITARY UNIFORMS AT POLITICAL CAMPAIGN OR ELECTION EVENTS. REFERENCES J, K, L, M AND N PERTAIN. THIS POLICY IS NOT APPLICABLE TO THE PROVISION OF JOINT ARMED FORCES COLOR GUARDS AT THE OPENING CEREMONIES OF THE NATIONAL CONVENTIONS OF THE REPUBLICAN, DEMOCRATIC, AND OTHER POLITICAL PARTIES FORMALLY RECOGNIZED BY THE FEDERAL ELECTION COMMISSION.



13. PUBLIC COMMENTARY BY MILITARY PERSONNEL. ALL MILITARY PERSONNEL, INCLUDING NATIONAL GUARD AND RESERVE FORCES, ACTING IN THEIR OFFICIAL CAPACITY MAY NOT ENGAGE IN PUBLIC COMMENTARY, INCLUDING SPEECHES AND WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS OFFERED FOR PUBLICATION, CONCERNING POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS OR ELECTIONS ABSENT PRIOR CLEARANCE. REFS. B, E, F, O, AND P PERTAIN.



14. POLITICAL CAMPAIGN OR ELECTION LITERATURE. MILITARY PERSONNEL, INCLUDING NATIONAL GUARD AND RESERVE FORCES, SHALL NOT DISTRIBUTE POLITICAL CAMPAIGN OR ELECTION LITERATURE WHILE IN UNIFORM, WHILE ACTING IN THEIR OFFICIAL CAPACITY, OR WHILE ON A MILITARY INSTALLATION. INSTALLATION COMMANDERS WILL ONLY ALLOW DISTRIBUTION OF POLITICAL CAMPAIGN OR ELECTION LITERATURE ON INSTALLATIONS AS AUTHORIZED BY MILITARY DEPARTMENT REGULATIONS.



15. FILMING, PHOTOGRAPHING, OR TAPING ON MILITARY INSTALLATIONS. INSTALLATION COMMANDERS WILL NOT ALLOW CANDIDATES OR THEIR AGENTS TO FILM, PHOTOGRAPH, OR TAPE MILITARY EQUIPMENT (E.G. SHIPS, TANKS, AND AIRCRAFT) FOR USE IN POLITICAL CAMPAIGN OR ELECTION ADVERTISEMENTS, COMMERCIALS, OR LITERATURE. ABSENT EXCEPTIONAL OPERATIONAL SECURITY CONCERNS, THIS GUIDANCE DOES NOT APPLY TO CANDIDATES OR THEIR ASSISTANTS WHO ELECT TO FILM, PHOTOGRAPH, OR TAPE MILITARY EQUIPMENT FROM A LOCATION OUTSIDE THE CONFINES OF AN INSTALLATION. THIS DOES NOT APPLY TO IMAGERY OF ELECTED OFFICIALS CAPTURED WHILE ON OFFICIAL BUSINESS OR TRAVEL.



16. FEDERAL VOTING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM. DOD ENCOURAGES ALL ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY AND CIVILIAN PERSONNEL AND THEIR ELIGIBLE FAMILY MEMBERS TO REGISTER AND VOTE. CONSISTENT WITH REFS. O AND P, DOD WILL SUPPORT THE FEDERAL VOTING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM BY PUBLISHING FACTUAL INFORMATION ABOUT REGISTRATION AND VOTING LAWS, WITH SPECIAL EMPHASIS ON ABSENTEE VOTING REQUIREMENTS. ADDITIONALLY, COMMANDERS WILL PROVIDE VOTING ASSISTANCE OFFICERS AT EVERY LEVEL OF COMMAND, AND ENSURE THEY ARE TRAINED AND EQUIPPED TO PROVIDE VOTING ASSISTANCE. ALL PERSONS ASSISTING IN THE VOTING PROCESS SHALL TAKE ALL NECESSARY STEPS TO PREVENT FRAUD AND TO PROTECT VOTERS AGAINST ANY COERCION, INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING: NO MEMBER OF THE UNIFORMED SERVICES SHALL ATTEMPT TO INFLUENCE THE VOTE OF ANY OTHER MEMBER, OR TO REQUIRE ANY MEMBER TO MARCH TO ANY POLLING PLACE OR PLACE OF VOTING AS PROSCRIBED UNDER 18 U.S.C. 608 AND 609 [NEW REFERENCE]. NOTHING IN THIS GUIDANCE SHALL BE CONSIDERED TO PROHIBIT FREE DISCUSSION ABOUT POLITICAL ISSUES OR CANDIDATES FOR PUBLIC OFFICE AS PRESCRIBED IN 18 U.S.C 596, 608 AND 609 [NEW REFERENCE AS ABOVE]. COMMANDERS RESPONSIBLE FOR OPERATION OF MILITARY POST OFFICES SHOULD ENSURE EXPEDITIOUS PROCESSING OF BALLOTING MATERIAL AND PROPER POSTMARKING AND DATE STAMPING OF ABSENTEE BALLOTS. VOTING ASSISTANCE INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE THROUGH THE DIRECTOR, FEDERAL VOTING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM, 1155 DEFENSE PENTAGON, WASHINGTON, D.C. 20301-1155. VOTING ASSISTANCE INFORMATION ALSO IS AVAILABLE BY TELEPHONE AT COMMERCIAL (800) 438-8683, (703) 588-1584, DSN 425-1584, BY FAX (703) 696-1352, DSN 426-1352, BY E-MAIL (ALL LOWER CASE) VOTE@FVAP.NCR.GOV, OR AT WEBSITE WWW.FVAP.GOV. 17. NATIONAL VOTER REGISTRATION ACT. ARMED FORCES RECRUITMENT OFFICES MUST REVIEW REF. Q TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH THE NATIONAL VOTER REGISTRATION ACT. 18. INSTALLATION FACILITIES AS POLLING PLACES: A. IF AS OF DEC. 31, 2000, AN INSTALLATION FACILITY WAS DESIGNATED AS AN OFFICIAL POLLING PLACE BY A STATE OR LOCAL ELECTION OFFICIAL OR HAS BEEN USED AS A POLLING PLACE SINCE JAN. 1, 1996, INSTALLATION COMMANDERS SHALL NOT DENY THE USE OF THAT FACILITY AS A POLLING PLACE FOR FEDERAL, STATE, OR LOCAL ELECTIONS. THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE OR THE SECRETARY OF THE MILITARY DEPARTMENT CONCERNED MAY GRANT A WAIVER OF THE REQUIREMENT TO ALLOW USE OF THE FACILITY IF THAT SECRETARY DETERMINES THAT LOCAL SECURITY CONDITIONS REQUIRE PROHIBITION OF THE DESIGNATION OR USE OF THAT FACILITY AS AN OFFICIAL POLLING PLACE FOR ANY ELECTION. BECAUSE LOCATING POLLING PLACES ON A MILITARY INSTALLATION MAY CAUSE DOD PERSONNEL INADVERTENTLY TO VIOLATE ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING STATUTES: 18 U.S.C. 592, 593, 594, 596, 602, 603, 606, 607, AND 609; INSTALLATION COMMANDERS SHOULD ENSURE THAT ALL ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY PERSONNEL REMAIN CLEAR OF SUCH POLLING PLACES EXCEPT AS NECESSARY TO EXERCISE THEIR INDIVIDUAL VOTING RIGHTS. B. WITH RESPECT TO ANY INSTALLATION FACILITY NOT COVERED BY PARA.17.A, INSTALLATION COMMANDERS SHOULD NOT ALLOW THE USE OF INSTALLATION FACILITIES AS POLLING PLACES FOR FEDERAL, STATE, OR LOCAL ELECTIONS. 19. THE POINT OF CONTACT FOR MEDIA QUESTIONS REGARDING DOD PUBLIC AFFAIRS POLICY GUIDANCE CONCERNING POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS AND ELECTIONS IS LT COL ELLEN KRENKE, OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF DEFENSE FOR PUBLIC AFFAIRS (OASD(PA)), DOD PRESS OPERATIONS OFFICE, AT COMMERCIAL (703) 697-5134 OR DSN 227-5134. ADDITIONALLY, LEGAL INTERPRETATION OF THIS GUIDANCE IS AVAILABLE FROM LOCAL LEGAL ADVISORS. THE DOD GENERAL COUNSEL IS THE FINAL AUTHORITY IN DOD FOR RESOLUTION OF DISPUTES OR OTHER SIGNIFICANT POTENTIAL PROBLEMS CONCERNING LEGAL INTERPRETATION OF THIS GUIDANCE. 20. CONCERNS AND ISSUES INVOLVING FEDERAL CANDIDATES. THE OASD(PA) POINT OF CONTACT FOR ALL CONCERNS, DISPUTES, UNRESOLVED ISSUES, OR POTENTIAL PROBLEMS INVOLVING FEDERAL CANDIDATES IS LT COL ELLEN KRENKE, DOD PRESS OPERATIONS OFFICE, AT COMMERCIAL (703) 697-5134 OR DSN 227-5134. INSTALLATION COMMANDERS AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICERS ARE DIRECTED TO NOTIFY OASD (PA) OF ALL SUCH CONCERNS, DISPUTES, UNRESOLVED ISSUES, OR POTENTIAL PROBLEMS, INCLUDING THOSE THAT ARE RESOLVED AMICABLY. 21. ULTIMATE AUTHORITY FOR RESOLUTION OF ANY ISSUES OR PROBLEMS RELATED TO ELECTED OFFICIALS ON MILITARY INSTALLATIONS LIES WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE GENERAL COUNSEL. INQUIRIES SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO THE DIRECTORS OF HOUSE AFFAIRS, SENATE AFFAIRS, COMMUNICATIONS, OR INTERGOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS AS APPROPRIATE.

POLITICAL ACTIVITIES BY AIR FORCE MEMBERS
Political activities by Air Force members may be restricted in order to reach the goal of a politically neutral military establishment through avoidance of partisan politics. The Air Force provides guidance on permissible and impermissible political activities in AFI-51-902, Political Activities by Members of the US Air Force. Violations of AFI 51-902 are punishable under Article 92, UCMJ, Failure to Obey a Lawful Regulation.

PERMITTED POLITICAL ACTIVITIES

      Air Force members may

• Register to vote, vote, and express a personal opinion on political candidates and issues, but not as a representative of the Air Force
• Make monetary contributions to a political organization or political committee favoring a particular candidate or slate of candidates, subject to limitations under federal election laws
• Attend political meetings or rallies as a spectator when not in uniform
• Join a political club and attend its meetings when not in uniform
• Serve as an election official, if such service is not as a representative of a partisan political party, does not interfere with military duties, is performed while out of uniform, and has the prior approval of the major command commander or equivalent authority (approval authority may be delegated to the installation commander)
• Sign a petition for specific legislative action or a petition to place a candidate's name on an official election ballot if the signing does not obligate the member to engage in partisan political activity and is done as a private citizen
• Write a letter to the editor of a newspaper expressing the member's personal views concerning public issues, if those views do not attempt to promote a partisan political cause
• Display a political sticker on the member's private vehicle or wear a political button when not in uniform and not on duty
• Write a personal letter, not for publication, expressing preference for a specific political candidate or cause, if the action is not part of an organized letter-writing campaign on behalf of a partisan political cause or candidate

PROHIBITED POLITICAL ACTIVITIES

      Air Force members may not

• Use official authority or influence to interfere with an election, to affect its course or outcome, to solicit votes for a particular candidate or issue, or to require or solicit political contributions from others
• Be a candidate for civil office or hold civil office, except as authorized by AFI 51-902, paragraphs 5 and 6 (see “CAMPAIGNING AND HOLDING PUBLIC OFFICE” below)
• Participate in partisan political management, campaigns, or conventions, or make public speeches in the course of such activity
• Allow, or cause to be published, partisan political articles signed or authorized by the member for soliciting votes for or against a partisan political party or candidate
• Serve in any official capacity or be listed as a sponsor of a partisan political club
• Speak before a partisan political gathering of any kind for promoting a partisan political party or candidate
• Participate in any radio, television, or other program or group discussion as an advocate of a partisan political party or candidate
• Conduct a political opinion survey under the auspices of a partisan political group or distribute partisan political literature
• Perform clerical or other duties for a partisan political committee during a campaign or on election day
• Solicit or otherwise engage in fund-raising activities in federal offices or facilities, including military installations, for a partisan political cause or candidate
• March or ride in a partisan political parade
• Participate in any organized effort to provide voters with transportation to the polls if the effort is organized by or associated with a partisan political party or candidate
• Attend, as an official representative of the Armed Forces, partisan political events, even without actively participating
• Engage in the public or organized recruitment of others to become partisan candidates for nomination or election to a civil office
• Make campaign contributions to a partisan political candidate
• Make campaign contributions to another member of the Armed Forces or an officer or employee of the federal government for promoting a political objective or cause
• Solicit or receive a campaign contribution from another member of the Armed Forces or from a civilian officer or employee of the United States for promoting a political objective or cause
• Use contemptuous words against the office holders described in Article 88, UCMJ (for officers) and AFI 51-902 (for officers and enlisted members)
• Display a large political sign, banner, or poster on the top or side of a member's private vehicle (as distinguished from a political sticker)
• Sell tickets for, or otherwise actively promote, political dinners and other such fund-raising events

CAMPAIGNING AND HOLDING PUBLIC OFFICE

Air Force members may not campaign as a candidate for nomination or as a nominee for civil office except

• With proper approval, a member may be permitted to file evidence of nomination or candidacy for nomination as required by law
• Such a request will normally not be approved unless the member is likely to separate from active duty/active duty training at least 30 days before the scheduled election

Air Force members may not become a candidate for any civil office while serving an initial tour of extended active duty or a tour of extended active duty that the member agreed to perform as a condition to receiving schooling or training wholly or partly at U.S. expense

Except as authorized by law, regular officers on the active duty list and members on active or full-time National Guard duty under a call or order for a period of more than 180 days may not hold or exercise the functions of a civil office, including

• Federal elective, appointed, or senior executive service offices; or
• Any office in the government of a state; the District of Columbia; a territory, possession, or commonwealth of the United States; or in any political subdivision of the foregoing
• Such members may hold or exercise the functions of other federal civil offices when assigned or detailed to that office to perform those functions

Enlisted members may seek and hold nonpartisan civil office on a local school board, neighborhood planning commission, and similar agencies

Officers on active duty may seek and hold nonpartisan civil office on an independent school board that is located exclusively on a military reservation, but such offices must be held in a private capacity and may not interfere with military duties

Air Force members may serve as a regular or reserve civilian law enforcement officer or member of a civilian fire or rescue squad when such service

• Is approved by the member’s commander
• Is in the member’s personal capacity
• Does not involve the exercise of military authority; and
• Does not interfere with performance of military duties

References
DoDD 1344.10, Political Activities by Members of the Armed Forces on Active Duty,
    15 June 1990, Incorporating Through Change 2, 17 February 2000
DoD 5500.7-R, Joint Ethics Regulation, 30 August 93, Incorporating Through Change 4,
    6 August 1998
AFI 51-902, Political Activities by Members of the US Air Force, 1 January 1996
AFI 51-903, Dissident and Protest Activities, 1 February 1998


AIR FORCE INSTRUCTION 51-902

POLITICAL ACTIVITIES BY MEMBERS OF THE US AIR FORCE

This instruction implements AFPD 51-9, Civil Law for Individuals. It provides prohibitions and guidelines regarding political activities. It applies to members of the Regular Air Force and Air Force Reserve on active duty for training, including the Air National Guard when federalized. It implements DoD Directive 1344.10, Political Activities by Members of the Armed Forces on Active Duty , June 15, 1990. AirForce members on active duty are prohibited from engaging in political activities as provided in this instruction. Violations of this instruction are punishable under the Uniform Code of Military Justice(UCMJ), Article 92, Failure to Obey a Lawful Regulation.

3. Prohibited Activities. Air Force members may not:

3.1. Use official authority or influence to interfere with an election, to affect its course or outcome, to solicit votes for a particular candidate or issue, or to require or solicit political contributions from others.
3.2. Be a candidate for, or hold civil office, except as authorized in paragraphs 5 and 6.
3.3. Participate in partisan political management, campaigns, or conventions, or make public speeches in the course of such activity.
3.4. Allow, or cause to be published, partisan political articles signed or authorized by the member for soliciting votes for or against a partisan political party or candidate.
3.5. Serve in any official capacity or be listed as a sponsor of a partisan political club.
3.6. Speak before a partisan political gathering of any kind for promoting a partisan political party or candidate.
3.7. Participate in any radio, television, or other program or group discussion as an advocate of a partisan political party or candidate.
3.8. Conduct a political opinion survey under the auspices of a partisan political group, or distribute partisan political literature.
3.9. Perform clerical or other duties for a partisan political committee during a campaign or on election day.
3.10. Solicit or otherwise engage in fund-raising activities in federal offices or facilities, including military reservations, for a partisan political cause or candidate.
3.11. March or ride in a partisan political parade.
3.12. Participate in any organized effort to provide voters with transportation to the polls, if the effort is organized by or associated with a partisan political party or candidate.
3.13. Attend, as an official representative of the Armed Forces, partisan political events, even without actively participating.
3.14. Engage in the public or organized recruitment of others to become partisan candidates for nomination or election to a civil office.
3.15. Make campaign contributions to a partisan political candidate.
3.16. Make campaign contributions to another member of the Armed Forces or an officer or employee of the federal government for promoting a political objective or cause.
3.17. Solicit or receive a campaign contribution from another member of the Armed Forces or from a civilian officer or employee of the United States for promoting a political objective or cause.
3.18. Use contemptuous words against the office holders described in Title 10, United States Code, Section 888.
3.19. Display a large political sign, banner, or poster on the top or side of a member’s private vehicle (as distinguished from a political sticker).
3.20. Sell tickets for, or otherwise actively promote, political dinners and other such fund-raising events.

4. Permitted Activities. Air Force members may:

4.1. Register to vote, vote, and express a personal opinion on political candidates and issues, but not as a representative of the Armed Forces.
4.2. Make monetary contributions to a political organization or political committee favoring a particular candidate or slate of candidates, subject to limitations under Title 2, United States Code, Section 441a and Title 18, United States Code, Section 607.
4.3. Attend political meetings or rallies as a spectator when not in uniform.
4.4. Join a political club and attend its meetings when not in uniform.
4.5. Serve as an election official, if such service is not as a representative of a partisan political party, does not interfere with military duties, is performed while out of uniform, and has the prior approval of the major command commander or equivalent authority. This approval authority may be delegated, but not below the level of installation commander.
4.6. Sign a petition for specific legislative action or a petition to place a candidate’s name on an official election ballot, if the signing does not obligate the member to engage in partisan political activity and is done as a private citizen and not as a representative of the Armed Forces.
4.7. Write a letter to the editor of a newspaper expressing the member’s personal views concerning public issues, if those views do not attempt to promote a partisan political cause.
4.8. Display a political sticker on the member’s private vehicle, or wear a political button when not in uniform and not on duty.
4.9. Write a personal letter, not for publication, expressing preference for a specific political candidate or cause, if the action is not part of an organized letter-writing campaign on behalf of a partisan political cause or candidate.


AIR FORCE INSTRUCTION 51-903

DISSIDENT AND PROTEST ACTIVITIES

This instruction implements AFPD 51-9, Civil Law for Individuals, and Department of Defense Directive 1325.6, Guidelines for Handling Dissident and Protest Activities Among Members of the Armed Forces, October 1, 1996. It provides prohibitions and guidance regarding dissident and protest activities involving Air Force installations or Air Force members. It applies to all Air Force military personnel serving on active duty or active duty for training. Military members who violate the prohibitions contained in paragraphs 2., 5., 5.1., 7., and 7.2., are subject to disciplinary action under Article 92, or other applicable articles of the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

1. Authority and Responsibility of Commanders. Air Force commanders have the inherent authority and responsibility to take action to ensure the mission is performed and to maintain good order and discipline. This authority and responsibility includes placing lawful restriction on dissident and protest activities.

1.1. Air Force commanders must preserve the service member’s right of expression, to the maximum extent possible, consistent with good order, discipline, and national security.

NOTICE: This publication is available digitally on the SAF/AAD WWW site at: http://afpubs.hq.af.mil. If you lack access, contact your Publishing Distribution Office (PDO).

COMPLIANCE WITH THIS PUBLICATION IS MANDATORY

1.2. To properly balance these interests, commanders must exercise calm and prudent judgment and should consult with their staff judge advocates. In appropriate cases, commanders may find it advisable to confer with higher authority before initiating action to restrict manifestations of dissent.
1.3. AFI 31-209, Air Force Resource Protection Program, contains additional guidance.

2. Possession and Distribution of Printed Materials. Air Force members may not distribute or post any printed or written material, other than publications of an official government agency or base-regulated activity, within any Air Force installation without permission of the installation commander or that commander’s designee. Members who violate this prohibition are subject to disciplinary action under Article 92 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice in addition to any other applicable violation of the Uniform Code of Military Justice or Federal law.

2.1. The member must provide a written request including a copy of the material and a proposed plan or method for distribution or posting.
2.2. The installation commander or authorized designee determines if a clear danger to the loyalty, discipline, or morale of members of the Armed Forces or interference with accomplishing the military mission would result from publication of distribution of the materials. If so, the commander or authorized designee shall prohibit the distribution or posting and notify SAF/PA.
2.2.1. Do not prohibit distribution or posting of publications on the sole ground that the material is critical of government policies or officials. See Article 88--Contempt Toward Officials, the Uniform Code of Military Justice, when publications are critical of officials.
2.2.2. This instruction will not be used to prohibit the distribution of publications or other materials through the US mail or the distribution of materials officially approved by the Air Force or Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) for distribution through official outlets, such as military libraries and exchanges.
2.3. Do not prohibit mere possession of materials unauthorized for distribution or posting, unless otherwise unlawful. These materials may be impounded if a member of the Armed Forces distributes or posts, or attempts to distribute or post them, within the installation. Return impounded materials to the owners when they leave the installation, unless the materials are determined to be evidence of a crime.

3. Writing for Publications. Air Force members may not write for unofficial publications during duty hours. While unofficial publications, such as "underground newspapers," are not prohibited, they may not be produced using government or nonappropriated fund property or supplies on or off-duty. If such a publication contains language, the utterance of which is punishable by the Uniform Code of Military Justice or other Federal laws, those members involved in printing, publishing, or distributing such materials are subject to discipline for such infractions.

4. Off-limits Action. Action may be initiated under AFJI 31-213, Armed Forces Disciplinary Control Boards and Off-Installation Liaison and Operations, to place establishments "off limits" when, for example, activities taking place include counseling members of the Armed Forces to refuse to perform their duty or to desert, or involve acts with a significant adverse effect on health, welfare, or morale of military members.

5. Prohibited Activities. Military personnel must reject participation in organizations that espouse supremacist causes; attempt to create illegal discrimination based on race, creed, color, sex, religion, or national origin; advocate the use of force or violence; or otherwise engage in the effort to deprive individuals of their civil rights.

5.1. Active participation, such as publicly demonstrating or rallying, fund raising, recruiting and training members, organizing or leading such organizations, or otherwise engaging in activities in relation to such organizations or in furtherance of the objectives of such organization that the commander concerned finds to be detrimental to good order, discipline, or mission accomplishment, is incompatible with military service and prohibited. Members who violate this prohibition are subject to disciplinary action under Article 92, in addition to any other appropriate articles of the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
5.1.1. Mere membership in the type of organization enumerated is not prohibited, however, membership must be considered in evaluating or assigning members (AFI 36-2701, Social Actions Operating Procedures; AFI 36-2403, The Enlisted Evaluation System; AFI 36-2402, Officer Evaluation System; and AFI 36-2706, Military Equal Opportunity and Maltreatment Program).
5.2. Commanders are authorized to use the full range of administrative procedures, including separation or appropriate disciplinary action against military personnel who actively participate in such groups.
5.3. It is a function of command to be vigilant about the existence of the type of activities enumerated above. Active use of investigative authority to include a prompt and fair complaint process, and the use of administrative powers, such as counseling, reprimands, orders, and performance evaluations should be used to deter such activities.

6. Training Policy on Prohibited Activities. The policy on prohibited activities shall be included in initial active duty training, pre-commissioning training, professional military education, commander training, and other appropriate Air Force programs.

7. Demonstrations and Similar Activities. Demonstrations or other activities within an Air Force installation, which could result in interference with or prevention of the orderly accomplishment of a mission of the installation or which present a clear danger to loyalty, discipline, or morale of members of the Armed Forces, are prohibited. Members who violate this prohibition are subject to disciplinary action under Article 92, in addition to any other appropriate articles of the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

7.1. It is a crime for any person to enter a military installation for any purpose prohibited by law or unlawful regulation, or for any person to enter or reenter an installation after having been barred by order of the installation commander (AFI 31-209; 18 U.S.C. 1382).
7.2. Air Force members are prohibited from participating in demonstrations when they are on duty, when they are in a foreign country, when they are in uniform, when their activities constitute a breach of law and order, or when violence is likely to result. Members who violate this provision are subject to disciplinary action under Article 92 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

8. Military Grievances. The right of Air Force members to complain and request redress of their grievances against actions of their commanders is protected by Article 138, UCMJ (AFI 51- 904, Complaints of Wrongs Under Article 138, Uniform Code of Military Justice) and by the Inspector General Complaint System (AFI 90-302). Military personnel may also petition or present a grievance to any member of Congress without fear of reprisal. An open door policy for complaints is a basic principle of good leadership. Commanders should ensure that adequate procedures exist locally for identifying complaints and taking necessary corrective actions.