The Department of Defense Directive 1344.10 serves as the guiding principle for active-duty military personnel on how to maintain the armed forces as an apolitical force.
The Department of Defense Directive 1344.10 serves as the guiding principle for active-duty military personnel on how to maintain the armed forces as an apolitical force. (Photo Credit: U.S Army graphic by Rebecca Westfall) VIEW ORIGINAL

WASHINGTON — For Soldiers, navigating between personal political views and their duty to be apolitical can be a delicate balancing act.

With campaign season here and political polarization increasing, service members need to be aware of political activities in which they may and may not engage.

“Maintaining the hard-earned trust and confidence of the American people requires Soldiers to avoid any action that could imply endorsement of a political party, political candidate or campaign by any element of the Army,” said Donald Lobeda, associate deputy general counsel, Army Office of the General Counsel.

The Department of Defense Directive 1344.10 serves as the guiding principle for active-duty military personnel on how to maintain the armed forces as an apolitical force.

Soldiers are permitted to participate in political activities, such as exercising their right to vote and attending political events as spectators — as long as they are not in uniform. However, Soldiers are subject to restrictions involving political activities. For instance, active-duty Soldiers may not campaign or speak for a partisan political candidate.

Active-duty Soldiers should also keep these three things in mind when engaging in political activities:

  1. Don’t engage in political fundraising. Soldiers may not solicit, accept or receive political contributions at any place or at any time.
  2. Soldiers may not be a nominee or candidate for any civil office unless the Secretary of the Army grants permission.
  3. Army resources may not be used for political activities or to conduct political activities in the workplace.

"Bottom line is that all Soldiers should avoid conduct that might cause a person to think that their political activities imply, or appear to imply, Army sponsorship, approval, or endorsement of a political candidate, party, campaign, or cause,” said Lobeda.

Soldiers should use discretion and carefully consider the potential consequences of their actions pertaining to politics, whether they are on-duty or off-duty, whether they are engaged in conduct on-line or in the real world.

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