Political Activities

Political Activities — Foundation and Rights

Same Rights, Different Limits

According to AFI 1-1, generally, as an individual, you enjoy the same rights and have the same responsibilities as other citizens.

Limited as Member

However, as a member of the USAF, the manner in which you exercise your rights is limited in some cases.

Why Limited

While on RegAF status, members are prohibited from engaging in certain political activities to:

Maintain good order and discipline
Avoid conflicts of interest
Avoid the appearance of improper endorsement in political matters

Right to Vote and Voice Opinions

Right to Vote/Voice

While USAF members do have the right and duty as American citizens to:

Vote
Voice opinions concerning political matters

Critical Distinction

Personal vs USAF

We must be careful that personal opinions and activities are NOT directly, or by implication, represented as those of the USAF.

Political Activities — Prohibited Activities and Reporting

Prohibited Partisan Political Activities

Prohibited Partisan Activities

USAF members may NOT participate in partisan political:

Fundraising activities
Rallies
Conventions (including making speeches in the course thereof)
Management of campaigns
Debates

…either on one's own behalf or on that of another.

Universal Prohibition

Prohibition Universal

This prohibition applies whether the individual is in uniform or not, and regardless of whether an inference or appearance of official sponsorship, approval, or endorsement may be drawn.

Spectator Threshold

Participation includes more than mere attendance as a spectator.

Uniform Prohibitions

USAF members are prohibited from wearing their uniform at:

A political event
While making a public speech or interview
While walking picket lines
Marching in a rally or other public demonstration

Use of Authority Prohibitions

Authority Use Prohibitions

USAF members may NOT use official authority or influence to:

Interfere with an election
Affect its course or outcome
Solicit votes for a particular candidate or issue
Require or solicit political contributions from others

Extremism Prohibitions

Military personnel must NOT actively advocate:

- Supremacist, extremist, or criminal gang doctrine, ideology, or causes

…including those that:

Advance, encourage, or advocate illegal discrimination based on race, creed, color, sex, religion, ethnicity, or national origin
Advance, encourage, or advocate the use of force, violence, or criminal activity
Otherwise advance efforts to deprive individuals of their civil rights

References

Political Activities References

Before engaging in any political activities, review:

DAFI 51-508 — provides detailed information on what USAF members may or may not be allowed to do
DoD Directive 1344.10, *Political Activities by Members of the Armed Forces*
DoDI 1325.06, *Handling Protest, Extremist, and Criminal Gang Activities Among Members of the Armed Forces*
DAFI 52-201, *Religious Freedom in the Department of the Air Force*

Article 92 UCMJ

Military members who engage in specific prohibited activities listed in DoDD 1344.10 and DAFI 51-508 are subject to prosecution under Article 92, UCMJ, in addition to any other applicable provision of the UCMJ or Federal law.

Reporting Timelines

30-Day Active Duty Reporting

Military Criminal Investigative Organizations, Security Police, military commanders, and other military organizations and officials must report all allegations to Wing, Delta, or servicing IG office no later than 30 calendar days after receiving an allegation that an Airman or Guardian engaged in an activity prohibited under DoDI 1325.06.

60-Day Reserve Reporting

For Reserve Component officials, transmission is required not later than 60 calendar days.