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At CS, we like to think we speak to and for the American Military, and a prime reason is that tthere are legitimate limits on the military's Constitutional rights, although those limits are not nearly as extensive as many folks believe. The bottom line is that free speech in the military must stop where it is prejudicial to good order and discipline. And one thing that no federal employee can do is use his office to endorse a political candidate. With that in mind, take a look at this picture and the comments on it from Butch Hollyfield...  "As I was watching CNN on my "Big Screen TV" this weekend, I caught one of Senator McCain's political rallies. Directly behind the Senator was a Naval Officer and several Enlisted folks all in Blues and looking very much like a color guard. I said OH Please, Do not let them be SELRES or FTS........... But if they are............. Please let them be aviators! Well they were SELRES and NO they were not aviators. It seems that on Sunday 20 Feb, five reservists agreed to provide color guard support for the rendering of colors at a political rally. The event organizers ushered the color guard onto the stage in order to ensure the perfect backdrop for the Senator. Now Folks we can not do this...... DOD Directive 1334.1 prohibits members of the Armed Forces (including retired and reserve members) from wearing their uniforms during or in connection with the furtherance of political activities when an inference of official sponsorship for the activity could be drawn. Thus it is improper for any officer or enlisted person to appear at any political rally, meeting, convention, or other gathering in uniform. There are additional restrictions on political activities of members of a reserve component. Inquirers should be referred to the Joint Ethics Regulation and to DoD Directive 1344.10 for information. As we get further into the political season the opportunities to do this will increase. Please ensure every one is briefed on this and it does not happen again. This should not be perceived or presented in such a manor as to discourage any one from participating as a private Citizen. In fact participating as a private citizen is highly encouraged." VR/Butch Hollyfield |
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