Training and Education Command

 

Training and Education Command

United States Marine Corps

Quantico, VA
Directive outlines rules for political support, participation

By Lance Cpl. Evelio Ramos | | February 19, 2008

MCRD/ERR PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. -- Department of Defense Directive 1344.10 covers the political activities authorized for members of the Armed Forces while on active duty.

 According to the directive, servicemembers are encouraged to carry out the obligations of being a U.S. citizen. However, since they are part of the Armed Forces, they are prohibited from engaging in certain political activities.

 Servicemembers are not allowed to use their official authority to influence, interfere, affect the course or outcome or solicit votes or monetary contributions for an election. They are also not allowed to be a candidate or to hold or exercise the functions of civil office.

 Also, servicemembers can't participate in partisan political management, campaigns or conventions unless they attend the convention as spectators not in uniform.

 "Marines can go to the rallies," said 1st Sgt. Brandon H. Bragg, the Headquarters Company first sergeant, Headquarters and Service Battalion. "They just can't represent the Armed Forces in the rallies."

 According to Bragg, who's a 34 year old from Rupert, W. Va., if Marines go to a political rally in uniform, people will assume that the military supports that candidate.

 "If one Marine supports a certain candidate, it doesn't mean that I support that candidate," Bragg said. "However, if Americans see him in uniform, they will assume the entire Marine Corps, or the Armed Forces, support that candidate."

 Although servicemembers can't show their support for a candidate in uniform, they are allowed to do it as American citizens.

 Still, if they are only representing themselves, they must remember to act in a professional manner.

 "Servicemembers can't carry a sign that degrades another political party," said Staff Sgt. Todd A. Petak, the legal services chief for the Depot law Center. "Even if they are not in uniform, they must act professional, because people will look at the haircut and see the military."

 As long as servicemembers follow these guidelines, they can also express their personal opinions on political candidates or political issues and make monetary contributions to a political organization.

 "It is very important for them to vote, because it is a part of being an American," Petak said.