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patriotcalendar
02-05-2008, 02:52 AM
Update:

Remember Captain Joe? He wrote this Open Letter (http://captainj0e.wordpress.com/2007/12/22/day-11-open-letter-to-americans/).

Well, here's what he's up against (http://captainj0e.wordpress.com/2008/02/02/day-64-congressional-inquiry/).

I encourage everyone to go make a statement of thanks on his blog... even if he feels he has to discontinue sending out letters.

kyleAF
02-05-2008, 03:27 AM
That's serious serious stuff.

Court Martial is not out of the question if that gets blown up onto the news.

When we sign on the dotted line, we assume a secondary set of laws that civilians are not subject to. The UCMJ is restrictive in terms of political activities. It's a risk, but more and more are willing to take it now.

RP08 or bust.

RockEnds
02-05-2008, 03:30 AM
That's serious serious stuff.

Court Martial is not out of the question if that gets blown up onto the news.

When we sign on the dotted line, we assume a secondary set of laws that civilians are not subject to. The UCMJ is restrictive in terms of political activities. It's a risk, but more and more are willing to take it now.

RP08 or bust.

He's commissioned, too. It could be bad.

kyleAF
02-05-2008, 03:37 AM
He's commissioned, too. It could be bad.

Yep. Me too. That's why I try to remain somewhat reserved in my participation, but I will be canvassing and endorsing (unofficially and out of uniform).

Shoot, I wrote some letters for Ron Paul (that website) and mentioned that I am in the military... maybe no more of that now.

RockEnds
02-05-2008, 04:03 AM
Yep. Me too. That's why I try to remain somewhat reserved in my participation, but I will be canvassing and endorsing (unofficially and out of uniform).

Shoot, I wrote some letters for Ron Paul (that website) and mentioned that I am in the military... maybe no more of that now.

My son's active duty AF enlisted, and he's been walking the line also. He talked to JAG before he joined his meet-up or came home to caucus. It's better to at least know what you can and can't do.

My natural dad is a retired AF SMSgt, and he makes up for the active duty guys who have to watch what they say. ;)

nodope0695
02-05-2008, 04:17 AM
Here's what I wrote the brave Captain:

Dear Captain,

I think you did a good job of listing what the regulations state. I also don't think you broke any of the rules. I'm active duty Navy, and I vocally, and wholeheartedly support Ron Paul. Just because I'm in the Navy, doesn't mean the Navy endoreses Ron Paul. Just as an employee of Walmart might support Ron Paul, and not implicate Walmart as a supporter. I don't campaign for Ron Paul in my uniform anymore than a Taco Bell employee would in his uniform.

Mentioning the fact that you happen to be in the military is not in violaltion of the regulations, and that is not what I deduced from your letter. To me, it seemed to be coming from a concerned citizen who happens to have a different perspective than us back here at home.

As to the two brainwashed, NeoCon idiots who responded to your letters, there's no use arguing with them. Your historian friend's diction and style of writing indicate to me that he's still a teenager, never been laid, and totally misguided. I'd be interested if he follows through with his plans to join the Navy. The other man, he may be a little too set in his ways. He also seems to have alot of spare time on his hands to look up all those laws and regulations. I wonder what axe he has to grind?

Fear not, sir. They are SHEEPLE. Brainwashed by the mainstream media, raised in an entitlement state, they are a sad lot. What is more sad is ALOT of American's share their shallow, ignorant, misguided views. To them, there is some sort of pride to be had in being the policeman of the world, and a bully. The government is their parent who wipe's their nose, and tucks them in bed at night. They wouldn't know what to do with individual liberty if they would even have it.

For some reason, they believe that the terrorists actually have the power and the means to "take away our freedoms." And, they base this belief on the events of 9/11. But really, who have been the takers of our freedom after 9/11. Is the Congress's passage of the Patriot Act the actions of a legisature sworn to protect liberty? Is President Bush's aproval of warrentless wire tapping of Americans the actions of a president sworn to uphold the constitution? There are many more things I could list as usurpations of our liberties and freedoms, but I will not use this space to list them since I'm sure I'm preaching to the chior.

To your detractors, I say this: The most dangerous enemies to our freedom, to our liberty, and to our republican form of government are not terrorists from outside. They are living here, within our boarders. The enemies to freedom are our own fellow citizens who give away their freedoms when they elect officials who refuse to protect liberty. The enemies to freedom are those who would beleive everything the Mainstream Media tells us. Who believe the government works in our interest, but turn a blind eye when our freedom is stripped.

If your historian friend were truly a historian he would see this fact. He would join the ranks of the true patriots striving to take our country back from the NeoConservative Fascists and NeoLiberal Socialists who have hijacked it from the people, are pursuing an agenda completely in contrast to the nation's principals, and seek to hold us under despotism, and tyrrany.

To you sir, I say thank you for your service. Thank you for having the courage to speak out, not as a soldier, but as a citizen of the United States - what Ronald Reagan called "The Shining City on a Mountain."

nodope0695
02-05-2008, 04:21 AM
Yep. Me too. That's why I try to remain somewhat reserved in my participation, but I will be canvassing and endorsing (unofficially and out of uniform).

Shoot, I wrote some letters for Ron Paul (that website) and mentioned that I am in the military... maybe no more of that now.

Its okay to say you're in the military, as long as you're not representing the military. Just because our job happens to be military doesn't mean we can't support a candidate. We just can't distibute materials while in uniform, or anywhere on base. We can't make a speech in our official capacity. So don't fear. We're fine, and I'm sure he will be too.:) Oh, yeah...I'm active duty Navy.

nodope0695
02-05-2008, 04:23 AM
Here is what the CNO just put out today. Funny, its been in my email inbox all this time. Have fun:

UNCLASSIFIED//

R 020345Z FEB 08 PUBLIC AFFAIRS POLICY GUIDANCE CONCERNING POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS AND ELECTIONS

TO AL NAVADMIN(UC)
NAVADMIN
CC CNO WASHINGTON DC(UC)

FM CNO WASHINGTON DC//DNS//
TO NAVADMIN
UNCLAS //N05720//
NAVADMIN 030/08
MSGID/GENADMIN/CNO WASHINGTON DC//DNS/JAN// SUBJ/PUBLIC AFFAIRS POLICY GUIDANCE CONCERNING POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS AND ELECTIONS// POC/MR. ALAN P. GOLDSTEIN/CIV/CHINFO/LOC: WASHINGTON DC/TEL: 703-695-1887 REF/A/RMG/SECDEF/122028ZOCT07// AMPN/REF A IS SECDEF ELECTION YEAR POLICY PAG MSG.// RMKS/1. REF A IS QUOTED BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY. THIS GUIDANCE, TOGETHER WITH THE LISTED REFERENCES, PROVIDES COMPREHENSIVE GUIDANCE ON POLICIES FOR ELECTION YEAR SUPPORT. REQUEST WIDEST DISSEMINATION WITHIN YOUR COMMANDS.
2. COMMANDS SHOULD CAREFULLY EVAULATE REQUESTS AND EVENTS RELATING TO MILITARY PERSONNEL OR INSTALLATIONS THAT INVOLVE POLITICAL ACTIVITY BY LOCAL, STATE OR NATIONAL CANDIDATES. THIS GUIDANCE IS VERY SPECIFIC. PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICERS SHOULD BECOME FAMILIAR WITH THIS GUIDANCE AND ADVISE THE CHAIN OF COMMAND AS REQUIRED.
3. QUESTIONS BEYOND THE SCOPE OF THIS GUIDANCE SHOULD BE REFERRED TO MR. ALAN P. GOLDSTEIN, OI-82, HEAD, POLICY, DOCTRINE, AND TECHNOLOGY AT (703) 695-1887 OR EMAIL: ALAN.P.GOLDSTEIN(AT)NAVY.MIL.
QUOTE
R 122028ZOCT07
FM SECDEF WASHINGTON DC//PA//
TO AIG 8777
ZEN/AIG 8777 (AT) AL 8777(UC)
INFO ZEN/OSD ASD(PA)

SUBJ: DOD PUBLIC AFFAIRS POLICY GUIDANCE CONCERNING POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS AND ELECTIONS ADDRESSEES PASS TO ALL SUBORDINATE COMMANDS
REFS:
A. SECDEF MSG 171724Z SEP 02, DOD PUBLIC AFFAIRS POLICY GUIDANCE CONCERNING POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS AND ELECTIONS B. DOD DIRECTIVE 1344.10, POLITICAL ACTIVITIES BY MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES ON ACTIVE DUTY C. 5 U.S.C. 7321-7326, THE HATCH ACT OF 1939, AS AMENDED IN 1993 D. 5 C.F.R. PARTS 733-734, POLITICAL ACTIVITIES OF FEDERAL EMPLOYEES E. DOD DIRECTIVE 5230.9, CLEARANCE OF DOD INFORMATION FOR PUBLIC RELEASE F. DOD INSTRUCTION 5120.4, DOD NEWSPAPERS, MAGAZINES AND CIVILIAN ENTERPRISE PUBLICATIONS G. DOD INSTRUCTION 1100.13, SURVEYS OF DOD PERSONNEL H. DOD DIRECTIVE 5120.20, ARMED FORCES RADIO AND TELEVISION SERVICE
(AFRTS)
I. DOD REGULATION 5120.20-R, MANAGEMENT AND OPERATION OF AFRTS J. DOD INSTRUCTION 1334.1, WEARING THE UNIFORM K. AFI 36-2903, DRESS AND PERSONAL APPEARANCE OF AIR FORCE PERSONNEL L. AR 670-1, WEAR AND APPEARANCE OF ARMY UNIFORMS AND INSIGNIA M. NAVPERS 15665I, UNITED STATES NAVY UNIFORM REGULATIONS N. MCO P1020.34G, MARINE CORPS UNIFORM REGULATIONS O. DOD DIRECTIVE 5410.18, PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMUNITY RELATIONS POLICY P. DOD INSTRUCTION 5410.19, PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMUNITY RELATIONS POLICY IMPLEMENTATION Q. DOD DIRECTIVE 1000.4, FEDERAL VOTING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (FVAP) R. 2006-2007 DOD VOTING ASSISTANCE GUIDE, AS AMENDED S. DOD DIRECTIVE 1344.13, IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NATIONAL VOTER REGISTRATION ACT (NVRA) 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 STAFFS 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. 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.
12. 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.
13. 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.
14. 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.
15. 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 AT FVAP.NCR.GOV <mailto:vote at fvap.ncr.gov> , OR AT WEBSITE WWW.FVAP.GOV <http://www.fvap.gov> .
16. NATIONAL VOTER REGISTRATION ACT. ARMED FORCES RECRUITMENT OFFICES MUST REVIEW REF. Q TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH THE NATIONAL VOTER REGISTRATION ACT.
17. 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.
18. THE POINT OF CONTACT FOR MEDIA QUESTIONS REGARDING DOD PUBLIC AFFAIRS POLICY GUIDANCE CONCERNING POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS AND ELECTIONS IS LTC JONATHAN WITHINGTON, OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF DEFENSE FOR PUBLIC AFFAIRS (OASD(PA)), DOD PRESS OPERATIONS OFFICE, AT COMMERCIAL
(703) 697-5131 OR DSN 227-5131. 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.
19. 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 LTC JONATHAN WITHINGTON, DOD PRESS OPERATIONS OFFICE, AT COMMERCIAL (703) 697-5131 OR DSN 227-5131.
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.
20. 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.
UNQUOTE

kyleAF
02-23-2008, 05:45 PM
Its okay to say you're in the military, as long as you're not representing the military. Just because our job happens to be military doesn't mean we can't support a candidate. We just can't distibute materials while in uniform, or anywhere on base. We can't make a speech in our official capacity. So don't fear. We're fine, and I'm sure he will be too.:) Oh, yeah...I'm active duty Navy.

Yep. I know that (as do the JAG), but many others don't and try to assert otherwise... I'll probably just decide to say "to hell with it" and press on anyway.

virginiakid
02-23-2008, 05:57 PM
I always thought that you were free to do what you want as long as you were not in uniform and not mentioning that you are part of the US military.